Review of Web Series: “Muthu Engira Kaattaan” (Muthu Alias Kaattaan)

M. Manikandan, the director of the award-winning movie Kaakka Muttai, is the creator, co-writer and co-director of the web series Muthu Engira Kaattan (Muthu alias Kaattaan) produced by Vijay Sethupathi andwhich is currently being streamed on Jio Hotstar.

Vijay Sethupathi plays the lead role in this 10-part mini-series, supported by Milind Soman (Doctor and Vithagan), Sudev Nair, Kalaivani Bhaskar, Vadivel Murugan, Vettai Muthukumar, Singam Puli, Balaji Shaktivel, Abi Nakshatra, Risha Jacobs, Irshad Ali, Parvathy Saran and Mohan Babu.

Set in a remote rural village, the series opens with the dilemma of the local police station facing possible closure after a long period with no reported crime. A gruesome discovery in the remote outskirts of the town gives them more than just a case – it begins a detailed investigation that takes the local police across many major towns and uncovering many closet skeletons. Their investigation of the mysterious man called Muthu reveals a very intricate series of events, with some interesting parallels with the policemen investigating the case.

The first episode, also the shortest in the series, is quite slow moving, but is important in establishing some of the main characters and in providing a context for what is to follow. The pace picks up considerably from Episode 3 and, by the time Episode 10 is reached, it leaves the audience hopeful for a second series.

Vijay Sethupathy shows in episode after episode what a classy actor he is and his ability to maintain a strong screen presence despite the character he portrays. The writing style helps in unveiling each layer of his complex character whilst also revealing only enough to keep the narrative flowing. The strength of the script therefore provides an ideal platform for excellent outstanding performance.

Milind Soman has also developed a formidable screen presence and portrays his role very realistically. Sudev Nair makes an excellent antagonist and shines brightest in the closing episodes of the series. Vadivel Murugan and Vettai Muthukumar play their roles well, but one cannot help but wonder about the wisdom of casting Singam Puli as a policeman – even a bumbling and not-so-bright policeman.

Kalaivani Bhaskar and Risha Jacobs shine in their respective roles, while the performance by Parvathy Saran is also memorable.

Rajesh Murugesan’s background scores is very effective and is adequate with his songs.

Award-winning cinematographer, Madhu Neelakantan, teams up with N. Shanmuga Sundaram for some creative lighting and framing techniques. There is also a great deal of variety in the palettes used throughout the series.

Muthu Engira Kaattaan features solid writing by M. Manikandan, B. Ajithkumar and La. Rajkumar and is co-directed by M. Manikandan and B Ajithkumar. The series is produced by Vijay Sethupathi.

Muthu Engira Kaattaan scores 8 points out of 10.