Ritu Varma and Surya Vashistta
B Kishore’s Devika &Danny is an interesting mixture of supernatural elements and a young woman breaking out of her self imposed shackles. What works for the web series is the family friendly tone and simple but effective storytelling. Ritu Varma in the role of Devika gives an assured performance mixing vulnerability with inner strength
Starcast: Ritu Varma, Surya Vashistta, Subbaraju, Goparaju Ramana and others
Genre: Fantasy
Director: B Kishore
Writer: Deepak Raj
Cinematography: Venkat C Dilip
Production house: Joy Films
Producer: Changati Sudhakar
No of episodes: 7
Streaming site: Disney+ Hotstar
In the first few minutes of Devika &Danny streaming on Disney+ Hotstar Ritu Varma’s Devika Nandan talks about living her life within a 25 kilo radius. She is a woman who despite certain reservations on her father’s choice of a potential groom decides to go ahead. Her belief is that a few adjustments will make the marriage work, also Devika is someone who doesn’t want to cross the line chosen by her father. In more ways than one Devika is an anthesis to the character played in Pelli Choopulu featuring the same Ritu Varma. Devika lacks the agency Chitra had at least in the initial portions. This establishment of character trait sets the tone for the subsequent transformation. The transformation of Devika Nandan into a more determined woman isn’t unpredictable but what makes it work is the subtle nuances.
A major strength of Devika &Danny is the mix of the supernatural elements with a coming of age story. The track of Surya Vashistta who charms Devika gives a different dimension to the web series. The revelation of who Danny actually is though predictable acts as a major catalyst for Devika to rethink and step out of the conventions. The way Devika becomes a more confident person taking on different challenges is a delight to watch. Surya Vashistta as Danny is both charming and intense as the scene requires. Additionally he shares a charming chemistry with Ritu Varma making the viewers wish they had met in different circumstances.
Mention must also be made of how the web series talks about generational patriarchy through the character of Gopuraju Ramana playing Subbaraju’s father. Subbaraju as a potential groom and a complete jerk with a regressive mindset also makes his presence amply felt. He raises many chuckles with his serious expressions and a certain exasperation. Mention must also be made of senior actress Kovai Sarala as an elderly woman running an orphanage. She appears in the crucial flashback lending an emotional depth.
Subbaraju and other cast members
A major problem with Devika &Danny is an over reliance on the use of Ritu Varma’s voice over. A cut down on that would have benefited the series immensely. Also some of the writing choices in the later half feel very convenient reducing the intrigue factor. The portions featuring Harsh Chemudu also doesn’t much add to the proceedings. His comic track comes across as a major speed breaker.
Venkat C Dilip’s cinematography is of a good order specifically in the village portions. Jay Krish’s background score is also fine and the CGi is well intergrated into the narrative.
Final word: Devika & Danny is a pleasing coming of age story. The series makes for a decent weekend watch.
