Web Series Review: Aindham Vedham
Aindham Vedham is a Tamil web series directed by Marmadesam fame, director Naga. A mythological thriller set in modern times, with roots in Hindu religion, the story centres around strange happenings in a small village in Tenkasi district.
Anu Panchamvedi ( Sai Dhanshika) is a singer looking for a big break. After her mother's death, she goes to Kashi to submerge her ashes. There, in a strange series of events, she is given an ancient wooden box by a saint, who instructs her to deliver it to a temple in Aygarapuram.
Anu refuses to listen, as she has plans of her own, but one after another, strange events plague her which ultimately take her to that village.
Around the same time, many other people land up in the same local temple, for a variety of reasons. The aged local priest ( YG Mahendran) unveils a secret to his family about the wait from several generations, for the discovery of a secret Brahma temple in the premises, which will reveal the Fifth Veda.
In the meanwhile secret nefarious activities are taking place in the village,using AI technology.
Who are all these people? How are they linked to each other and the Fifth Veda theory? Is the secret of the temple finally revealed? What is the link between the revelation and AI ?
Aindham Vedham gives you several reasons to watch it.Thanks to an interesting storyline, extensive detailing of the concept along with a gripping screenplay, there is never a dull moment on screen. The dialogues are concise but when details are necessary, they, are well broken down, to easily explain complex plot points and theories to the layman. The lines each character speaks contain important clues, if you pay attention. The series doesnt attempt to spoon-feed the viewer, neither with over-hyped moments nor with any manipulative bgm which normally nudges you to to feel happy, sad, fearful etc.
The suspense and twists are maintained all through the rivetting series, which keeps you guessing about what's next.
The sound, camera, edit and production design departments, all deserve a special mention, for their cumulative excellence and perfect synch with the director's vision, which makes for a top-notch viewing experience.
The icing on the cake is Naga's perfect casting. Every actor, in both lead and supporting roles, is superbly cast. Despite the large ensemble cast, every character has his or her moment in the spotlight and aids in carrying the story forward.
For the lead, Sai Dhanshika, who fits perfectly into the role of Anu, this a fantastic comeback with a meaty role in a well- crafted webseries. And the actor makes the most of it, giving her best, bringing out the natural performer in her. In short, she seems to live the role. Right from her body language, attire, and accessories to expressions and dialogues, Sai Dhanshika nails it.
YG Mahendran has given a superlative performance as the old priest, making it tough to imagine any one else in that role.
Krisha Kurup as the AI and Radhika,superbly pulls off two diametrically opposite characters with a most engaging performance.
Devadharshini, Santhosh Prathap, the child actor who plays his son, Ramjee and Vivek Rajgopal ( as Mithran) shine in every scene they appear in.
The results of over dependance on technology are well brought via the character of Mithran, ( Vivek Rajgopal) who has delivered a fine act.
On the flip side, there are scenes of violence and gore, along with explicit dialogues and innuendoes in places, which seem added perhaps for a contemporary touch.
A well -written series, with fine attention to detail, well fleshed - out characters, excellent sound design, camera, edit, music, art and vfx, and a superb blend of the ancient, the present and the future, the suspense- filled mythological, sci-fi thriller Aindham Vedham, streaming on Zee5 Tamil from October 25th, makes for a gripping and entertaining watch, already making you root for season 2.
Rating 4 /5
