sonyLIV new tamil original web series, the victim, challenges the meaning of the word. A four-part compilation, it includes Chimbu Devan, M. Rajesh, P. The segments are directed by Ranjith and Venkat Prabhu. The impressive lineup of directors is matched with an equally talented cast that includes Amala Paul, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Guru Somasundaram, Elizabeth Anton, Prasanna, Natarajan Subramaniam, Thambi Ramaiah, Kalaiyarasan Harikrishnan and M. Names like Nasir.
While the cast is an eclectic mix, there is an element of dark comedy in the stories as well. It works well with the idea of a ‘victim’ and what so does. Dhammam, Miraj, Kottai Pakku Vathalum, Mottai Madi SeetharumAnd Confession Episodes have names, and they are self-explanatory in terms of stories.
What is special about almost all the stories the victim Hunting has a gray nature. The stories will remind you of Edgar Allan Poe-style fantasy, which oozes restlessness and discomfort.
Even within the limited time limit of 30 minutes, Pa. of Ranjit dhammm A random spat with a half-dead man in a field in a Tamil Nadu village manages to spiral out of control and end up capturing the equivalent of rural road rage. The statue of Gautam Buddha and the lush green land stand in contrast to the sudden surge of violence that disrupts the idyllic peace. Within minutes everything spirals out of control. The violence is caste-based and mindless, and yet,’dhammm‘, or compassion, is how the narrative ends. The story depicts compassion by the most underprivileged – a young Dalit girl.
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dark comedy dark heroes
in both Miraj and Kottai Pakku Vathalum, Mottai Madi SeetharumThe story is full of dark comedy. While in the former, the typical near-horror story trope is effectively reversed, in the latter, it is Coning who takes the lead.
mirage, starring Priya Bhavani Shankar, plays out in an almost diabolical but comical manner. A young woman spends a sad night in a secluded hotel owned by only a caretaker (Natarajan Subramaniam). What is played at night becomes apparent only the next day. In Kottai Pakku Vathalum, Mottai Madi SeetharumThe only story set during the 2020 lockdown, Skepticism sparks curiosity on the night a renowned seer visits a magazine’s sub-editor, who runs a feature on the former to save his job.
In Confession, you can’t decide whether to take the side of victim Anjana (Amala Paul) – or whether she is a ‘victim’ too. It is also Lott’s most ‘urban’ story, telling of the repercussions of a hustle culture and the lengths one gets. As the story progresses, and a twist is added, you are left wondering if he is equally a criminal. This is a story that has no absolute hero and redemption.
What sets it apart most for the series is a new look at our perception of who the victim is. Every director tries something new, which mostly happens to the audience. The 30-minute runtime in each episode is practical as it maintains interest throughout. It also helps hold the plot together when it comes to dilution.
In terms of actors, M. Nasir as the seer and in the child artist dhammm Stand out. So is Natraj as the caretaker of the resort mirage,
However, except for Ranjith’s story, the stories don’t necessarily feel deeply impactful or influential. They tick the box of innovation but you’ll want more, especially since the compilation has been designed around hunting. The show must have certainly tried to break some of the glass ceiling considering the quality of the talent.
(Edited by Likes)