Paruvu (honor) is a Telugu web series written by Siddharth Naidu and co-directed by Rajashekar Vadlapati which delves deep into sociopolitical-economic fault lines that determine inter- personal relationships. The first season of this show, streamed on Zee5, saw many characters played by actors Nagababu, Naresh Agastya, Nivetha Pethuraj, Praneeta Patnaik among others who represented various people from different walks in society. Nothing remains the same when things go wrong one night and an ambiguous crime becomes the subject of discussion. The word “paruvu” is used to describe “honour killings”, and it also seeks to understand what honour means to people at various points in their lives. This attempt by Gold Box Entertainments’ production house with Pavan Sadineni as a showrunner for eight episodes tries to mimic Guntur-Vijayawada belt’s spirit of Andhra Pradesh, making it a binge-worthy series.
Paruvu (Telugu)
Directors: Siddharth Naidu and Rajashekar Vaadlapati
Cast: Nagababu, Naresh Agastya, Nivetha Pethuraj, Praneeta Patnaik
A young couple comes face-to-face with casteism and classism as they go back home following a death in their family. On top of that they are drawn into getting involved within some criminal activities.
Streaming on: Zee5
The first episode sets the tone for the narrative and the tension defines the behaviour of the key characters. She is known as Dolly but her real name is Pallavi (Nivetha Pethuraj)and she would like to bury his dead uncle then go to Vijayawada along with Sudheer (Naresh Agastya), her husband whom she had married against the wills of her people. Her cousin, Chandu or Chandrashekhar (Sunil Komisetty) is driving them home and he still cannot get over the ‘dishonour’ she has brought to their family. His coarse lines and her smouldering rage tell volumes about what happened before without any doubt that things are not going to be smooth at home. Also Chandu does not change his mind even if she gets pregnant. The episode exemplifies how the makers build tension through conversations punctuated with uneasy silences. They have to fight for their lives after misunderstanding and a crime.
The narrative takes a non-linear approach as it goes back and forth to piece together what unfolded a month ago, a fortnight ago, all leading up to this eventful night and the day following the crime. To keep us engaged in various subplots and characters that feature in the story as it develops, editor Viplav Nyshadam contrasts parallel tracks explored by Siddharth’s writing.
A politician who is desperate to win the forthcoming elections named Ramayya (Nagababu), Swati (Praneeta Patnaik) who owns a computer store and offers training sessions to local police, Krisha (Siddha), mute helper of Sweti, cops Chakravarthy (Rajkumar Kasireddy)and Babji (Moin), Dolly’s sharp-tongued cousin sister Radha(Bindu Chandramouli) among others become part of such dramatic turn of events. On occasion, we notice how people from different social strata react during situations just like parallel characters can do; thus, they both undergo difficult experiences at some point in their lives. For instance, when Pallavi and Sudheer elope one night our minds begin fearing about what might happen unlike Pallavi & Sudheer eloping another night in contrast. On one side of the social divide are also cops Chakravarthy (Rajkumar Kasireddy) and Babji (Moin).
A thriller is a crime that needs to be concealed and escaped from. There however exists some space for social satire. The scenes happening in front of a house, just hours prior to a funeral, becomes an arena where relatives exchange insults and grudges are addressed. Yet who really cares about mourning the soul of the departed?
None of these characters can be labelled as either white or black; most of them turn out to be opportunists trying all they can save their skin. One character regrets that he has been brought up through adversity and does not want to lose his good life but can escape criminal charge? Another lady dreams of having a good wife’s life but she indulges in kidnapping for her life preservation. It is difficult to take sides watching as the story unfolds. However, it proves absorbing thus becomes very curious to know what happens next. The sombre tone is also reminiscent of Mirzapur and Paatal Lok minus overuse of cuss words.
In some sections, tension is built simply by body languages and conversation only without dialogues at all times. Look for a scene between Pallavi and Swati and, later on, Swati and Sudheer. In fact, simple conversations hold key evidences against culprits which slowly tighten noose around their necks. For once none of the women are pushovers here; even those appearing in two or three scenes have made their presence felt. Same goes with few male characters cast in minor roles—a security guard at guesthouse Krishna’s neighbour in basti, or tea-seller who shares goodwill with police constable Everyone pushes the plot forward.
There are very few well-made Telugu web series like Paruvu that hit several points on the head while being produced with perfection elsewhere too. While writing and direction work as backbone for this story line there has been much momentum provided by acting itself. Praneeta Patnaik takes full ownership over her intricate role and carries it on her able strong shoulders with much bravado. ‘Aavesham ekkuva alochana thakkuva’ (more aggression and less thought), someone comments at her attitude. Similar is the attitude of few others too but not all is lost for those who have developed such an inclination. Nagababu, Nivetha, Naresh Agastya, Sunil Komisetty, Moin, Rajkumar Kasireddy, Siddha and Bindu Chandramouli among many others are unforgettable. The production design, cinematography and music work in sync with what is required for the story.
What seemed out of place — though it would be too early to judge — that might have a larger role in season two, was the part of Bindu Madhavi though. Paruvu season two will have to keep up the momentum and present a narrative that turns out to be a worthy follow up of the first season.
