Dhootha Web Series Review: Naga Chaitanya Shines as a Journalist in the ‘Dhootha’ Series

Cast: Akkineni Naga Chaitanya, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Prachi Desai, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Ravindra Vijay, Jayaprakash, and others.

Writing and Direction: Vikram K Kumar

Cinematography: Mikolaj Zaigul

Music: Ishaan Chabra

Producer: Sharath Marar

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Episodes: 8

Release Date: December 1, 2023

Director Vikram K Kumar is known for his unique storytelling in movies like ’13B’, ‘Ishq’, ‘Manam’, and ’24’. His latest venture into web series with ‘Dhootha’, directed for the first time, is noteworthy, especially with Akkineni Naga Chaitanya playing the lead role. After ’13B’, Vikram K Kumar revisits the supernatural genre with ‘Dhootha’. How is the series? Did it impress the OTT audience? Let’s find out in this review.

Story

Sagar Varma (Naga Chaitanya) is a journalist working as the chief editor of a newly launched newspaper. One day, he finds a newspaper cutting at a Dhaba predicting the death of a pet dog in a car accident. Following this, he comes across more such cuttings, with the events written in them happening in reality. What’s the cause behind these? Who’s writing these premonitions in newspapers? The series unravels his journey alongside his wife Priya (Priya Bhavani Shankar), PA-cum-journalist Amrutha (Prachi Desai), and DCP Kranti (Parvathy Thiruvothu).

Performances

Naga Chaitanya excels in his role with grey shades, impressing with his looks and expressions throughout the series. Parvathy Thiruvothu, as SP Kranti, also stands out with her natural acting. Prachi Desai and Priya Bhavani Shankar have limited roles but make their presence felt. Jayaprakash, Ravindra Vijay, Chaitanya, Rohini, Eshwari Rao, Aneesh Kuruvilla, Jeevan Kumar, and Kamakshi Bhaskarla have performed well within their roles. The flashback scenes feature impressive acts from Pasupathi, Tarun Bhaskar, Tanikella Bharani, Raja Gautam, and Satya Krishnan. A scene with Brahmanandam’s son, Raja Gautam, is particularly surprising.

Direction

Vikram K Kumar’s directorial skills are evident in this series. The storyline of ‘Dhootha’ doesn’t become clear until a few episodes in, but the director keeps the audience engaged without any dull moments. He uses small twists and turns to maintain interest. The director also throws some light on media-related issues, showing how journalists are becoming pawns in the hands of political leaders. He skillfully portrays the good and bad in journalism, politics, and police systems. However, the length of each episode, ranging from 40-50 minutes, may feel dragged. Overall, Vikram K Kumar’s direction receives good marks.

Technically

‘Dhootha’ is technically superior. Mikolaj Zaigul’s cinematography is commendable, especially in the scenes shot in the rain. The background score is also pleasing without any jarring sounds, complementing the narrative well. The production values are high.

Plus Points

• Naga Chaitanya’s Acting
• Suspense & Curiosity
• Background Music

Minus Points

• Flashback Episode
• Prolonged Scenes

Rating: 3.5/5