Chutney Sambar (2024) - "A light hearted timepass Web Series"

 

Genre: Comedy Drama
Written by: Radha Mohan
Dialogues: Pon Parthiban
Directed by: Radha Mohan
Starring:

• Yogi Babu as Sachin Babu "Sachu" / Vignesh Babu
• Vani Bhojan as Sophie
• Chandran as Karthik
• Nithin Sathya as Ilango
• Elango Kumaravel as Peter
• Myna Nandhini as Amutha
• Krish Hassan as Thambi
• Nizhalgal Ravi as Rathnasamy
• Deepa Shankar as Amutha
• Meera Krishnan as Jayalakshmi
• Samyuktha Viswanathan as Jensi
  Composer: Ajesh
  Country of Origin: India
  Language: Tamil
  Production Company: Vels Film International
  Producer: Ishari K. Ganesh
  Cinematography: Prasanna Kumar
  Editor: Jijendran
  Running Time: 22-25 minutes per episode

Plot:

"Chutney Sambar" follows the life of Rathnasamy, who runs Amudha Café in Ooty, famed for its sambar. Upon his sudden death due to a heart attack, Rathnasamy reveals to his son Karthik that he has a half-brother, Sachin, from a previous relationship with a woman named Amudha. Rathnasamy's dying wish is for Karthik to find Sachin and bring him to Ooty to perform the final rites. Sachin, who runs a roadside eatery known for its chutney, becomes the pivotal character as the two families come to terms with their intertwined pasts and shared futures.

Performances:

• Yogi Babu (Sachin Babu "Sachu" / Vignesh Babu): Yogi Babu delivers a balanced performance, blending comedy with emotional depth. His portrayal adds a unique charm to the series.
• Vani Bhojan (Sophie): Vani Bhojan's performance is adequate but lacks the spark to make her character memorable.
• Chandran (Karthik): Chandran shines as Karthik, showcasing a range of emotions and driving the narrative forward.
• Nithin Sathya (Ilango), Elango Kumaravel (Peter), and Myna Nandhini (Amutha): These supporting actors deliver solid performances, adding depth to the story.

Technicians:

• Direction: Radha Mohan crafts a well-scripted series, balancing humor and emotion to make it family-friendly.
• Cinematography: Prasanna Kumar captures the scenic beauty of Ooty effectively, enhancing the viewing experience.
• Editing: Jijendran's editing is seamless, although the series' pacing could have been tighter.
• Music: Ajesh’s compositions complement the narrative, adding to the series' overall appeal.

Strengths:

• Yogi Babu's Performance: Yogi Babu's ability to mix comedy with emotion stands out.
• Intriguing Storyline: The plot, revolving around family ties and hidden relationships, is engaging.
• Balancing Comedy and Emotion: The series manages to integrate humor without undermining the emotional aspects.

Weaknesses:

• Pacing: The series' pace is inconsistent, which may affect viewer engagement.
• Character Reactions: Some character reactions, particularly during emotional scenes, seem forced and overacted.
• Limited Appeal: The series might not appeal to all audiences, making it more suitable for casual viewing.

My Personal Take:

"Chutney Sambar" is a passable web series that works well for light, casual viewing. While it has its share of strengths, such as Yogi Babu’s performance and an intriguing storyline, the inconsistent pacing and some overacted scenes detract from the overall experience. With only six episodes, it's a quick binge, but don't expect it to leave a lasting impression. It’s an enjoyable watch if you’re looking to pass the time, but it doesn't stand out in the crowded space of web series.

Rating: 2.5/5