Review of web series: “Thadayam”

Samuthirakani plays the lead role in the tense 6-part web series Thadayam created, written and directed by Navinkumar Palanivel and produced by Ajey Krishna for Zee5.

Based on true events, Thadayam looks at a series of gruesome murders that occur close to the border between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Rebel policeman (Adhiyaman) has already applied for early retirement and becomes a reluctant participant in the investigation. Headed by the stations new Inspector, Inspector Lakshmi (Sshivada), the case reveals some gruesome and disturbing details about the killers. As police stations from both states become involved, the stakes become higher.

Samuthirakani has frequently proven himself to be a very classy actor, and his portrayal of Sub-Inspector Adhiyaman underscores the sheer intensity of his performances without being flamboyant or melodramatic. Sshivada as Inspector Lakshmi delivers a credible and brilliantly underplayed performance.

Prem and Raj Tirandasu play their negative roles with the necessary venom but they both ensure that credible emoting develops their characters to three-dimensional reality. Munnar Ramesh as DSP Gunasekaran, Sundarpandyan as DSP Rayudu and Vishakan as Inspector Sandeep Reddy. Suparna as Surulli’s sister is the best of the others.

Writer-director Navinkumar Palanivel as done an excellent job with looking at both sides of the gruesome details that enveloped the series of events depicted in this web series. The series follows an ideal pace, providing enough time for the audience to absorb the many details about the protagonists and antagonists. The pace that this web series is based on real events presents a chilling and disturbing side to watching this.

Vibin Bhaskar’s music is good throughout the series, providing great support without dominating the visuals.

Thadayam scores 8 points out of 10.