Suresh Kavirayani
sureshkavirayani@gmail.com
Devika & Danny is the latest web series streaming on JioHotstar. Ritu Varma plays the main lead, with Surya Vashistta and Shiva Kandukuri in other important roles. B Kishore of Sreekaram fame directs the series. This also marks Ritu Varma’s OTT debut and here’s a look at the story and how it unfolds.
Story
Devika (Ritu Varma) is a music teacher in a school and a very down-to-earth individual. She gets engaged to Jaggu (Subbaraju), a highly possessive man who wants to control every aspect of Devika’s life. Just when everything seems to be going smoothly, an astrologer predicts that a second person will enter Devika’s life before her marriage. Soon, Danny (Surya Vashistta) enters her world and unexpected events begin to unfold. Devika, who lives in a quiet village, decides to take a bold step. What is that decision? Who exactly is Danny, and why does he appear only to Devika? Who is Subbu (Shiva Kandukuri) and how is he connected to Devika? Does she eventually marry Jaggu? What happens in the end?
Analysis
Director Kishore, who earlier directed Sreekaram, has always shown a flair for clean storytelling with village backdrops. Though Sreekaram wasn’t a big commercial hit, it revealed Kishore’s sensibilities and his preference for rooted narratives. In Devika & Danny, he brings back the village aesthetic and once again delivers a clean, family-friendly show — a refreshing change from many of today’s web series that rely heavily on abusive language and double entendres.
Kishore takes a simple story centered around Devika, a calm and reserved village teacher who finds her life disrupted after Danny enters the scene. The revelation of who Danny is and why he only appears to Devika comes at the end of the second episode. Despite Danny being a ghost, the series is far from a typical horror show. Instead, it focuses on how Devika, inspired by Danny’s request, transforms from a timid woman into a courageous individual with a mission. The story is told in a pleasant manner without too many twists and turns.
The initial episodes feel a bit slow and even dull, but the narrative gains momentum from the second episode onward. However, Danny’s flashback lacks emotional weight and fails to make a deep impact. Kovai Sarala’s character, too, could have been written stronger. Characters like Soniya Singh and Mounika Reddy are underutilised and Harsha Chemudu’s character feels unnecessary and forced. Though the story is predictable, the series picks up from the third episode and remains engaging. Most importantly, it remains clean and decently enjoyable throughout.
performance
When it comes to performances, Ritu Varma undoubtedly steals the show with her lively and natural portrayal of Devika. She fits perfectly into the role and brings charm and grace to the character. Her chemistry with Surya Vashistta and Shiva Kandukuri works well and feels genuine. As an OTT debut, this is a solid project for Ritu. Surya Vashistta, who plays Danny, is impressive and brings warmth to his role, especially in his scenes with Ritu. Shiva Kandukuri appears as Subbu in the fourth episode and justifies his part effectively. Subba Raju appears sporadically and brings in a few laughs. Kovai Sarala, often known for her loud characters, surprises here with a subdued performance, though her role lacks depth. Soniya Singh and Mounika Reddy do their parts well, though they are not given enough screen time or development. Goparaju Ramana, Shivannarayana, Rajitha, and other supporting actors deliver solid performances. Abhinayasri makes a return to the screen after a long time in this series.
Technical aspect
Technically, the series is top-notch, boasting high production values that are rare in many current web series, which often resemble daily soaps. Cinematographer Venkat C Dilip does a commendable job capturing the scenic village locations and natural beauty. Jay Krish’s music enhances the overall mood and supports the storytelling effectively. The dialogues are well-written and sensible.
Verdict
Devika & Danny is a decently made web series with a clean and engaging narrative by director B Kishore. While there are a few loopholes and underdeveloped portions, the show is watchable, thanks to its pleasant storytelling and strong production values. Ritu Varma, in her OTT debut, delivers a standout performance and carries the show on her shoulders.
Cast: Ritu Varma, Surya Vashistta, Shiva Kandukuri, Subba Raju, Kovai Sarala, Mounika Reddy, Shivannarayana, Rajitha, Soniya Singh and others
Music Director: Jay Krish
Cinematographer: Venkat C Dilip
Producer: Sudhakar Chaganti
Director: B Kishore
OTT Channel: JioHotstar
Rating: 3/5
