The Pakistani characters in Arabia Kadali have more depth in comparison to Thandel, they are written with more nuance. However, a sense of repetitiveness specifically for those who have seen Thandel plays a major spoilsport. The series is worth watching for how it handles the socio-political aspects. Fortunately, Satyadev’s Badri never becomes a larger-than-life hero, he wins over the enemies with humanness instead of fists
Starcast: Satyadev, Anandhi, Poonam Bajwa and others
Genre: Drama
Director: V. V Surya Kumar
Screenplay: Krish Jagarlamudi and Chintakindi Srinivasa Rao
Producers: Y Rajeev Reddy and J Sai Babu
Production Company: First Frame Entertainments
Music: Nagavelli Vidyasagar
Cinematography: Sameer Reddy
No of episodes: 8
Streaming site: Amazon Prime
The story of Arabia Kadali focuses on a group of fishermen from Srikakulam. They unknowingly wander into Pakistani waters in the year 2018. Satyadev is Nurgala Badri, among his people Badri is the most educated. He dreams of a better life with Ganga (Anandhi). Anandhi lives in a nearby village of Matsyawada. There is a major animosity between the villages of Badri and Ganga. Things take a massive turn when the fishermen are imprisoned in a foreign land. The rest of the story focuses on how they return home after a long ordeal and in process the hostility giving way to mutual cooperation and respect.
A strong aspect of Arabia Kadali is the world building done by director VV Surya Kumar along with Krish Jagarlamudi. The interpersonal dynamics between the two villages with the financial struggles has been shown in an engaging manner. It takes a while for the central conflict to kick in but because of the engaging world building the viewers care for the fishermen’s plight.
The gradual process of the hostility coming down has also been shown in a layered manner. There is no overnight transformation, instead it’s a step-by-step process. The web series is also refreshing in how it doesn’t paint Pakistan’s as complete caricatures. At one point you have a judge defending Indian Fishermen in front of Pakistani officials. Amit Tiwari as warden Saleem starts off as hugely evil but he too gets a credible redemption arc.
Poonam Bajwa as Dr Fathima also has a strong voice not afraid to express her opinions. She plays her part with the right balance of warmth and authority. The web series doesn’t confine itself just to the plight of Indian prisoners it also mentions the Pakistani ones languishing in Indian jails. The need for humanity across borders comes out in a strong manner.
Mention must also be made of how Anandhi’s Ganga shapes over the web series. Much like Sai Pallavi in Thandel she is also a woman of steel not letting the cynicism get to her. Anandhi does a fine job in capturing the inner strength.
The cinematography of Sameer Reddy is also good. He captures the numerous landscapes in an effective manner. There is an earthiness to the atmospherics. As Badri Satyadev does a good job in capturing the resilient nature of the man. He makes you believe in Badri’s almost saint like nature with his earnest acting, a particular sequence worthy of mention is when he talks about not writing any letter to Ganga. The reason doesn’t make complete sense still the emotional vulnerability makes the viewers feel for the man.
Talking about the flaws the VFX department leaves something to be desired. A key sequence involving a heavy storm comes across as rather cartoonish. The beats of Thandel also weigh down Arabia Kadali. A sense of boredom creeps in certain portions due to this. The track involving Harsh Rohan as the spoilt brother hasn’t been well integrated either, it comes across as jarring to say the least.
The love story while neatly done could have done with more intensity. The web series would have benefitted immensely with more scenes featuring Satyadev and Anandhi. As a result, the required emotional pang for two lovers is missing.
Final word: Arabia Kadali is a more grounded version of Thandel. Watch it for the performances and the message of humanity.
