'Maa Oori Polimera' is a web film currently streaming on Disney Hotstar. In this section, we are going to review the village-based thriller.
Story:
Two brothers, named Komiri (Sathyam Rajesh) and Jangaiah (Bala Aditya), live in a Telangana village that is at the mercy of an inhuman sarpanch (Ravi Varma). The sarpanch dies in a road accident days after subjecting the main characters to humiliation. Days later, a pregnant woman named Kavitha (Ramya Ponduri) dies suddenly. Is there more than what meets the eye in the deaths? That's what the rest of the story is all about.
Analysis:
Writer-director Dr. Anil Vishwanath tells a thrilling story that revolves around black magic and its ramifications on a set of lives. In doing so, he also infuses a courtroom battle after giving an ominous feel of forbidden techniques such as 'Chetha Badi' and a specific ritual that can result in deadly outcomes for both the target and the practitioner.
When the trailer for the web film was out, this reviewer was skeptical. The casting didn't look right at all. But the performances turned out to be satisfactory in general, with Sathyam Rajesh hitting the ball out of the park with his serious role in particular. For decades, he has mostly played comedy roles in movies. 'Maa Oori Polimera' has him in an author-backed role.
Before you proceed to watch the web film, let it be made clear that this is just the first part of a two-part edition. The climax here is exciting, setting the tone for the second edition, which will come out next year. We have seen passions of crime defining violent love dramas and thrillers. This film goes many steps ahead, telling a tale that feels both real and scary.
Usually, OTT films/shows don't have the span of a feature film. For a change, this one is different. It has the depth of a genuine thriller, besides having the emotional wavelength to keep us invested, especially after the first 30 minutes. There are usual tropes, and the investigation track is convenient. However, these are minor flaws.
Bala Aditya's well-written character is aided by his effective performance. His stammering looks natural. As the actual part of the story arrives, we are sold on the unfolding drama.
The film is not over-ambitious even as its writing is sincere. The scenes between the two husbands and their respective wives could have been stronger. There is also a red herring, which the screenplay could have avoided without compromising on the thrills.
The technical aspects are purely functional. The cinematography is humble, while the background music is ordinary.
Verdict:
'Maa Oori Polimera' takes the cake for telling us a meaningful tale filled with twists.
