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"Brinda" begins with a young girl desperately searching for her brother in a village nestled within a forest, deeply connected to Mother Nature. A mysterious disease ravages the village, but it is superstition that ultimately leads to its downfall. The young girl narrowly escapes a grim fate at the hands of villagers who intend to sacrifice her to appease a deity. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident who this girl grows up to be. However, director Surya Manoj Vangala, who co-wrote "Brinda" with Padmavathi Malladi, doesn't solely focus on the titular character’s struggles. This broad narrative scope is both an asset and a drawback for the series.
The series kicks off with an explosive start but doesn’t rush, allowing the story to unfold at a measured pace. We follow Brinda (Trisha) as she takes tentative steps into a police station where she has been posted as a Sub-Inspector due to a government mandate for female representation. She faces a misogynistic senior officer who is corrupt and constantly takes credit for others' work. Other officers are more interested in pleasing their superiors and have little understanding or empathy for Brinda’s situation. Among them is Sarathi (Ravindra Vijay), who balances both extremes but shows sensitivity towards Brinda. While it might seem predictable that their relationship could develop romantically, the direction it takes is unique and adds depth to the narrative. The time spent establishing these characters is worthwhile, as it allows Brinda to emerge as a competent detective. When a body is found in a river and dismissed as a suicide, Brinda confidently asserts it is a murder. This marks the beginning of a complex cat-and-mouse game that spans eight episodes.
The standout feature of "Brinda" is the organic development of the investigation. It involves a lot of hard work, a bit of serendipity, and a relentless pursuit of the truth. This approach is a refreshing departure from typical series and films where protagonists conveniently find clues because of their central role. Brinda’s thorough investigation involves frequent visits to libraries, extensive interviews, tracking movements, and applying her forensic knowledge. This meticulous process introduces Anand (Indrajith Sukumaran), who gradually becomes a confidant. Meanwhile, the series reveals the killer (Anandsami) targeting his next victim. "Brinda" is not solely about discovering the killer’s identity but understanding the ‘why’ behind the murders. The writing subverts expectations by extending intelligence and competence to Sarathi, making him not just Brinda’s assistant but an equal partner. This dynamic adds credibility to the series, enhancing its weight as Brinda pieces together clues to conclude there is a serial killer at large. Director Surya Manoj Vangala sets a compelling premise and continuously elevates the intrigue with each revelation.
However, this engaging quality of "Brinda" is compromised by the series’ length. While there are always new twists and turns, the eight-episode format feels stretched, causing the narrative to lose momentum. Brinda’s personal struggles with her adoptive parents and step-sister are particularly tedious and disengaging. Numerous flashbacks aimed at providing character motivations become excessive. Even when the series builds up to an emotional climax, the lack of developed relationships hinders the connection with the audience. Many relationships are explored, but aside from a significant one based on companionship, none are fully fleshed out. This disconnect translates into a lack of sympathy, weakening the impact of the latter part of the series where multiple plot points converge.
One aspect that successfully connects viewers to "Brinda" is the stellar performances of its principal cast. Trisha shines in one of her finest roles, delivering a performance that feels fresh and compelling. Ravindra Vijay, Anandsami, and Rakendu Mouli are also well-cast and bring depth to their characters. Indrajith’s role, although prominent, is underutilized by the writing, leaving the audience wanting more. The series also stands out for its striking visuals and the captivating title score by Shakthikanth Karthik.
"Brinda" ventures into risky territory, especially when addressing themes of religion and superstition. The series critiques the exploitation of religion for profit rather than the faith itself. It effectively mirrors societal dangers posed by fanaticism. However, some aspects could have been more thoroughly explored to ensure no stone is left unturned in these conversations. Critiquing blind faith is a positive step, and the series ties everything together neatly, though it does leave room for more depth. "Brinda" is likely to spark discussions, hopefully leading to constructive dialogues.
In summary, "Brinda" offers an insightful yet limited look into the protagonist’s journey. The series excels in its organic investigation process and strong performances but falters with underdeveloped relationships and a stretched narrative. Despite its flaws, "Brinda" is a compelling watch that will engage audiences and provoke thought on societal issues.
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