Web series : Brinda 

Cast: Trisha, Ravindra Vijay, Indrajith Sukumaran, Anandsami

Director : Surya Manoj Vangala

Rating: 2.5 Moons

"Brinda," directed by Surya Manoj Vangala and co-written with Padmavathi Malladi, is a web series that explores themes of superstition, crime, and the search for truth. The show features Trisha in the lead role, supported by a strong cast including Ravindra Vijay and Indrajith Sukumaran. 

The series begins with a young girl searching for her brother in a village deeply connected to nature. An unknown disease strikes the village, but it's superstition that truly endangers the community. The girl narrowly escapes a ritual sacrifice by the villagers and grows up to become Brinda, a sub-inspector played by Trisha. Brinda joins a police station where she faces hostility from a misogynistic senior cop and indifferent colleagues. Sarathi (Ravindra Vijay) is a mix of both, yet shows sensitivity toward Brinda. When a body is found in a river, Brinda's investigative skills reveal it to be a murder, not a suicide, sparking a cat-and-mouse game over eight episodes.

Surya Manoj Vangala's direction shines in how the investigation unfolds organically. Brinda’s detective work is portrayed realistically, involving extensive groundwork, conversations, and forensic analysis. This approach provides a refreshing change from typical crime series where clues are found too conveniently. The series excels in maintaining intrigue with constant new revelations and well-developed characters. 

Trisha delivers one of her finest performances as Brinda, bringing a refreshing depth to the character. Ravindra Vijay, Anandsami, and Rakendu Mouli also excel in their roles. However, the writing doesn’t fully utilize Indrajith's potential, leaving the audience wanting more. The screenplay balances character development and plot progression well, although it falters with some subplots. Brinda’s family issues and repetitive flashbacks can feel tiresome and disengaging. The series could benefit from more concise storytelling in these areas.

"Brinda" is a compelling series with strong performances and a realistic portrayal of crime investigation. Despite some pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots, it keeps viewers engaged with its intriguing storyline and thought-provoking themes. The show criticizes exploitation of religion and fanaticism, aiming to spark meaningful conversations. Overall, "Brinda" successfully combines crime, drama, and social commentary into an engaging narrative.