Brinda (2024) - "writing could have been tighter"

Genre: Crime, Thriller
Directed by: Surya Manoj Vangala
Written by: Surya Manoj Vangala
Screenplay by: Jay Krishna, Padmavathi Malladi
Starring: Trisha Krishnan
Composer: Shakti Kanth Karthik
Cinematography: Dinesh K Babu
Editor: Anwar Ali
Production Company: Adding Advertising LLP
Original Network: SonyLIV
Release Date: 1 August 2024
Country: India
Language: Telugu
Episodes: 8 (Running time: 38-48 minutes each)

Plot:

"Brinda" follows the journey of SI cadet Brinda, a young, socially awkward yet morally grounded officer who stumbles upon a brutal murder with a chilling modus operandi. As the investigation unfolds, Brinda finds herself entangled in a web of personal and bureaucratic challenges. The series delves into the moral dilemmas Brinda faces as she grapples with the darkness surrounding the case. Will she manage to uphold justice, or will the investigation's murky depths blur her sense of right and wrong?

Performances:

• Trisha Krishnan (Brinda): Delivers a compelling performance as the determined yet conflicted SI cadet, bringing depth and authenticity to the character.
• Supporting Cast: Saradi’s role is particularly noteworthy, adding layers to the narrative. The rest of the cast also contributes effectively, making the series engaging.

Technical Aspects:

• Direction: Surya Manoj Vangala chooses a strong subject matter, and his direction effectively brings out the tension and moral ambiguity in the story.
• Cinematography: Dinesh K Babu’s work enhances the series with well-composed shots and effective use of lighting, adding to the overall atmosphere.
• Screenplay: The screenplay by Jay Krishna and Padmavathi Malladi is solid, although it loses some momentum in the middle episodes.
• Music: Shakti Kanth Karthik’s background score complements the series well, heightening the tension and supporting the thriller elements.

Strengths:

• Concept: The series tackles superstition and its impact on victims, adding a thought-provoking layer to the crime thriller genre.
• Performances: Trisha Krishnan’s portrayal of Brinda and the supporting cast’s performances are standout aspects of the series.
• Production Values: High production quality is evident throughout, contributing to the series' polished feel.

Weaknesses:

• Thrill Element: While the series starts strong, the thrill factor begins to wane from the third episode onward, leading to a somewhat diluted impact in the later episodes.
• Pacing: The middle portion of the series loses momentum, which might affect the binge-watching experience.

My Personal Take:

"Brinda" is a commendable crime thriller that sheds light on the perils of superstition while delivering a gripping narrative. Although the thrill element fades in the later episodes, the strong performances, particularly by Trisha Krishnan, and the series' overall execution make it a worthwhile watch. It's a solid binge-worthy series that, with a bit more consistent pacing, could have been even more compelling.

Rating: 2.75/5