BOTTOM LINE
A Dull, Dated Revenge Saga
PLATFORM
Jio Hotstar
RUNTIME
220 minutes (5 episodes)
What Is the Show About?
A pregnant woman’s body is found in a well during Pidari Pooja, for whom Kaathadi and Koothaar land in Vanadesam. Neela’s lover is killed by Rajadurai, fuelling her vengeance. Meanwhile, Ganesan too seeks justice for Mookandi and Bama’s murders. In a strange turn of events, Kaathadi apologises to Neela and joins Ganesan’s troupe to kill Rajadurai. After Barani’s death, AJ plots his son Arun’s political future.
Performances
Despite essaying a part driven by vengeance, Vemal delivers a subdued and composed performance, staying true to the show’s cultural backdrop. Seema Biswas, in a rare appearance for a Tamil show, is aptly cast for an edgy role, but the dubbing issues are too apparent to be dismissed. With a brief screen time, RS Sivaji still manages to make a mark. GM Kumar’s authoritarian presence is also an advantage.
Also Read – Kill Dill – The Heartbreak Club Review: Timepass Campus Thriller
Analysis
Also Read – Dupahiya Review: Engaging Rural Comedy with a Message
Om Kali Jai Kali, a staple revenge saga set in the 90s, is likely inspired by Suzhal with its mystical visual aesthetic, where a local folk artiste and his troupe are entangled in a crime. However, the similarities end there; the writing is hardly a patch on Suzhal and lacks any nuance. It just beats around the bush, uncovering multiple layers beneath a crime – the masterminds and their victims.
The story is quite straightforward – two parties have a common target and unite against all odds to avenge the death of their loved ones. The narrative is typically twisted and elevated by its technical finesse. Though it has hardly anything novel to offer in terms of its premise, the execution is engaging in spurts, even if its approach is as conservative as the timeline in which it is set – the mid-90s.
Also Read – Deli Boys Review: A Show with Its Moments
One of the show’s primary strengths is its detailing of the Dasara festival (filmed during the Kulasekarapattinam festival amidst lakhs of devotees) and traditions specific to the Koothu artist fraternity. While the focus is primarily on the revenge angle, Om Kali Jai Kali has a visually appealing exterior, backed by an authentic understanding of the backdrop amidst which it unfolds.
The creators (Ramu Chellappa) try to use the rawness in the storytelling – the cinematography and the action sequences – to woo viewers. While there’s nothing attention-worthy about Ganesan’s backstory and what prompts him to take revenge, a definite silver lining is Kaathadi’s character, a woman unapologetic about her choices (and who eventually joins Ganesan).
The characterisation is fresh in parts, but it ultimately chooses to valorise the male saviour. More often than not, it’s the woman who’s in trouble, and she inevitably needs a man to rescue her. There’s no attempt to subvert existent norms, and it subscribes to time-tested methods in a revenge story. For a show high on action, twists and thrills, it’s a pity that Om Kali Jai Kali is too content in being mediocre.
What’s really worrying in the context of the Tamil OTT space is the absence of a concerted effort to tell new stories; time and again, creators are opting to tread a safe route, breaking no new ground in terms of writing or execution. Despite so many familiar faces, Om Kali Jai Kali struggles to garner any momentum. The cliches around honour killing, power hierarchy, and revenge make it extremely tiresome.
Om Kali Jai Kali is also thematically similar to Hotstar’s other Telugu show, Hari Katha, where a drama is used as a mask to commit a series of killings. It has nothing going for it. The narrative is purposely ambiguous (to create a feeling that they’re telling something path-breaking). The stereotypical execution limits the scope of the performances. It is as forgettable as it can get.
Performances by Others Actors
Elango Kumaravel continues to rediscover himself as an actor with every project. While there’s sincere effort on his part to bring the role to life, the character arc lacks any depth. Ganja Karuppu, Pugazh, Soundhar are alright in their brief characters. Govind Padmasoorya, Manikandan R Achari, Pavani Reddy, Divya Duraisamy and Maheshwari Chanakyan make a decent impression, too.
Music and Other Departments?
Karthik Raja’s music, helped by Jaikumar’s background score, brings an urgency into the proceedings – though the impact is not always consistent. Rajesh Shukla’s cinematography uses innovative lighting, plays around with colours (like a child fiddling with his toy) and adds richness to the show’s ambience. The production design, rustic locations and costumes aid his cause.
Ramu Chellappa and Kumaravel’s screenplay has its moments but is largely underwhelming. Action director K Rajasekar is a key technician in the crew who manages to infuse some life into the proceedings with his innovative choreography and composition, almost making up for the writing missteps.
Highlights?
Raw execution – cinematography, action
Decent performances
Authenticity in the backdrop
Drawbacks?
Fairly predictable, done to death story
Ambiguous screenplay kills the interest
Stereotypical characters/writing
Did I Enjoy It?
Not much
Will You Recommend It?
No
Om Kali Jai Kali Web Series Review by M9
