‘Sivarapalli’ Web Series Review: This Telugu remake of ‘Panchayat’ is uplifted by solid performances

While remakes are common in feature films, the concept of targeting hyper-local markets using already successful content is gaining traction in the OTT space as well. The digital medium has thrived on the idea of ​​overcoming the ‘two-inch barrier’ (subtitles), allowing stories to transcend language barriers. Nevertheless, platforms continue to commission near frame-by-frame adaptations to attract a new set of viewers.

Over the years, villages have served as the backdrop for a variety of genres, ranging from political sagas to dramas, comedies, thrillers, action-packed entertainments and romances. Eight-episode series from Amazon Prime Video ShivarpalliRemake of TVF’s hit show panchayatTakes a middle path, exploring the familiar terrain of rural drama through the perspective of an urban young man.

Shyam Prasad (Raaga Mayur) is an average, somewhat aimless Telugu youth who, by a stroke of luck, secures a government job as a Panchayat Secretary in the picturesque village of Shivarpalli. Hoping to clear the GMAT and move to the United States in the near future, he reluctantly accepts the role and begins his journey in an unfamiliar environment. Gradually, the village and his way of life grow on him, though not without his fair share of challenges along the way.

For the uninitiated, the show offers a light-hearted and quirky glimpse into the power dynamics and mundane routines of a fictional village. As is typical in a traditional Telugu rural drama, it is steeped in caste, religion and political realities. Its primary objective is to explore the protagonist’s uncertainties while reflecting the essence of the field through a selection of ‘unofficial’ issues.

A few days into his new role, Shyam finds himself in trouble for organizing a government campaign with the slogan, “He who does not educate a girl is an ass.” He later reprimands a teacher for smoking ganja and spreading rumors about a haunted tree. Shyam also encourages the sarpanch, Susela (Roopa Lakshmi), who helps him to become literate and recite the national anthem confidently before the Republic Day.

The impracticalness about the issues causes an uproar for Shyam – leaving him dazed, bewildered, and often at a loss. The village is portrayed without romanticizing or reducing it to its essence, a balance that is refreshing and understandable, especially for Telugu audiences. Free of exaggerated drama or intense emotions, situational humor and conversational dialogue, laced with satire, keep the show flowing smoothly.

However, the resolution of social issues in the story feels overly sanitized and sugar-coated, carefully crafted not to offend anyone. The heart of the show lies in the bittersweet camaraderie between Shyam, Mitt Sudhakar (the sarpanch’s husband, played by Muralidhar Goud), and their colleagues. They stand up for each other, navigate their mood swings, and come together over drinks in the evening to forget their everyday struggles.

For acquaintances panchayatThe Telugu remake may feel overly conscious of preserving the ‘feel-good’ essence of the original. Director Bhaskar Maurya, known for Telugu indies muthaiyaDelivers a textbook remake in its OTT debut, but hesitates to experiment or offer a fresh perspective.

While fiction often serves as an escapist cushion from reality, the absence of a strong local flavor here detracts from the show’s potential impact. Shivarpalli There could have been an opportunity to explore the hinterlands of Telangana with a new lens, while maintaining the laidback charm. panchayat,

What really elevates this remake is its impeccable casting and stellar performances. Raaga Mayur shines as the city boy navigating life in a sleepy village, delivering a captivating yet captivating performance. Her playful on-screen chemistry with Uday Gurrara, Muralidhar Goud, and Sunny Paley breathed life into many scenes. Shivarpalli Enjoyable despite its safe approach.

Muralidhar Goud continues to excel in elder roles, effortlessly delivering rustic Telangana slang while maintaining the raw spontaneity in his performance. Ropa Lakshmi, known for her work in Balgam, shines in a well-deserved full-fledged role. The visuals, beautifully captured by Vasu Pandem, bring the muddy lanes, lush greenery, and cramped office spaces to life, while Sinjith Yerramilli’s gentle yet cheerful score adds a compelling layer to the narrative.

Shivarpalli An easy watch that, with more ambition, could have been so much more. Like panchayattamil remake, Thalivathiyaan PalayamIts Telugu counterpart succeeds as a faithful adaptation, elevated by a strong cast and polished execution.

(Shivarapalli is streaming on Amazon Prime Video)