“Dhootha” introduces Naga Chaitanya in the short-format domain, portraying Sagar, an investigative journalist entangled in eerie supernatural occurrences, triggered by his actions. His pursuit of truth in his newly established newspaper, Samachar, uncovers unsettling revelations through cryptic newspaper clippings, prompting an investigation laced with supernatural interventions.
Director Vikram K. Kumar crafts a distinctive supernatural realm, accentuated by rain, portrayed masterfully through captivating cinematography and skilful color grading by Naveen Nooli. The series carries a social relevance, utilizing the medium as a messenger to convey its message effectively.
While Dhootha’s unique narrative shines, its pacing and duration sometimes falter, stretching scenes unnecessarily to meet episode lengths. Attempting Hitchcock’s tension-building tactics occasionally feels drawn-out, impacting the series’ fluidity. The dialogues and performances, although impressive, sporadically exhibit theatrical nuances, distracting from the overall impact.
Parvathy Thiruvothu, Prachi Desai, and Priya Bhavani Shankar deliver standout performances, complementing Naga Chaitanya’s fresh portrayal. Despite occasional hiccups in acting, especially notable in Pasupathy’s role, the cast’s collective performance propels the series forward.
“Dhootha” stands out in the supernatural-horror genre, blending reality and the supernatural with ingenuity. Although it grapples with minor flaws, the series offers a unique experience. Naga Chaitanya’s foray into the short-format realm is commendable, making “Dhootha” a compelling watch.
Title: Dhootha
Cast: Naga Chaitanya, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Prachi Desai
Director: Vikram K. Kumar
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