‘Brinda’ web series review: Trisha, Ravindra Vijay shine in this gritty, tense crime drama

Trisha in Telugu web series ‘Brinda’, streaming on Sony Liv

Telugu web series by first time director Surya Manoj Vangala VrindaThe film, which marks actor Trisha Krishnan’s entry into the digital world, features the actor without most of the trappings of mainstream commercial cinema. In the titular role, she plays an anxious insomniac police officer who pops anxiety pills, grapples with ghosts from her past, confronts gender discrimination at the workplace with quiet resilience and works with an unwavering sense of purpose. In the eight-episode series streaming on Sony Liv, each about 40 minutes in duration, she manages to smile momentarily on a few occasions. The narrative gives her and her co-star Ravindra Vijay, a colleague at the police station, ample scope to portray troubled characters, even as the crime they are investigating grows darker at every turn. Vrinda The novel goes beyond the mystery and tries to unravel the story. It simultaneously presents the personal and professional journey of its lead characters, while also trying to discuss a complex socio-cultural issue.

The prologue in the opening episode sets up the premise. In the mid-1990s, in a remote village deep in the jungle, a young girl is chosen to be offered as a human sacrifice to appease an allegedly angry goddess. The screams of the girl’s brother and mother go unheard; no one in the village questions the superstitious, ritualistic practice. The series covers practices that continue in contemporary society, across various religions, in the name of God.

Surya Vangala uses cinematic liberties to explore what is likely to happen to individuals who bear the brunt of such practices. Someone raised in a sheltered, loving family environment may, with some struggle, remain on the right side of the moral compass. Some others, neglected and marginalised by society, may channel their energies into darker areas. Retaliation against practices in the name of faith forms the backdrop Brinda.

The protagonist struggles to overcome past memories and constantly searches for answers. Vrinda (Trisha), a newly appointed sub-inspector, is mostly kept to a desk job. She keeps to herself, oblivious to how apathetic her colleagues are towards work. We see her occasionally fixing electrical problems and often having to close the washroom door that her colleagues leave slightly open. Small, everyday incidents are used to establish her personality. When an auto driver hesitates to take money after dropping her at the police station, she insists on giving him money.

Power and gender politics work in different ways, with only Sarathi (Ravindra Vijay), a fellow policeman, treating her with some respect. Sarathi and Brinda form an unlikely partnership, with some differences, as they begin investigating a case of what was previously a suicide. The details get bizarre as they unfold and viewers are advised to use discretion in the case of young children.

Brinda and Sarathi’s stories are woven together effectively as we get glimpses of their families. Aamani plays Brinda’s affectionate foster mother, who struggles to balance the animosity between Brinda and her younger daughter. The sibling conflict has a predictable arc and could have been dealt with better in a story that otherwise tries to avoid predictable tropes. For instance, the prologue of the first few episodes make it easy to connect the dots and guess who will stand against whom. But the events and characters revealed later add a layer of complexity to the web of crime.

At one point, when Vrinda tells her mother that she is grateful to have been raised in a caring home and wonders what the mindset of a person who did not get that affection would be, she points to the characters on the other side of the coin.

Vrinda The debate of good versus evil is tried to be addressed through the characters played by Jaya Prakash and Rakendu Mouli, which paints a grim picture that education alone may not be enough to make people rise above superstitious practices. It also shows how another educated character gets blinded by hatred towards such practices. To some extent, the narrative succeeds in underlining the need for a sensible approach and letting good prevail over all forms of evil.

The personal stories of some characters humanise this crime drama. Sarathy’s story is of a man who is desperately waiting for better news on personal and professional fronts. Ravindra Vijay has given a brilliant performance as a police officer who aspires for a higher position but does not let go of his innate sense of fairness towards his colleague. A scene in which he is shown breaking down on learning of a turning point in his personal life is a sensitive, realistic portrayal in terms of writing and performance. An easy, cinematic portrayal could have shown him and his wife Lekha (Anjana) rejoicing. But the reality is likely to be different. Her tears are a sign of gratitude, relief and hope for better things to come. Anjana as the wife, in her brief screen time, is impressive.

Vrinda The film relies on its writing and the lead actress Trisha’s (voiced by Haritha) ability to bring life to a non-glamorous role and play it with conviction. Trisha has given a balanced portrayal of a woman trying to rise above her circumstances. Trisha has made it worthwhile and never says anything wrong.

giving Vrinda Also strengthening it is a competent technical team comprising cinematographer Dinesh Babu, music composer Shakthi Kanth Karthik and production designer Avinash Kola, who keep pace with the proceedings. Anand Sami is perfect as Thakur, and Indrajith Sukumaran as Kabir Anand also adds suspense to the drama. Discussing their characters would be tantamount to revealing spoilers.

Despite some predictable periods, Vrinda An impressive addition to the Telugu web series space.