BOTTOM LINE
Good Intentions, Bland Storytelling
PLATFORM
ZEE5
RUNTIME
2Hrs (6 Episodes)
What Is the Show About?
VRS-bound SI Adhiyaman and a fellow cop Lakshmi, investigate a string of thefts, uncovering a chilling pattern of escalating violence. The trail leads them to Andhra Pradesh, where a series of brutal murders reveals a multi-state criminal syndicate. Despite splitting forces and engaging locals, the death toll rises. Using testimonies and forensic evidence, the officer duo devises a plan to capture the offenders.
Performances
Although Samuthirakani appears in autopilot mode for most of his performances, he strikes a chord as SI Adhiyaman, a reluctant police officer with a conscience. The prominence of Sshivada’s role as Lakshmi decreases across episodes; one wishes she had a better say in the investigation process. Raj Tirandasu looks his part to a T, while Munnar Ramesh and Sundharpandyan pass muster in brief roles.
Analysis
Moving beyond the cop sagas that glorified the heroics of khaki-clad officers from the 1990s through the 2010s, the Tamil industry has recently adopted a more critical outlook towards the profession. It portrays officers with a sense of groundedness, calling out their idiosyncrasies and systemic troubles when needed. Films such as Sirai, Tanaakkaran and Viduthalai have set a strong precedent for this shift.
Thadayam, the latest show from ZEE5, is another step in that direction. it calls for empathy within the force and stresses the need to instil confidence in the system among civilians. This is not to suggest that Thadayam is pathbreaking or out of the box, but its intentions are certainly in the right place. It poses important questions about the way one addresses crime and how the system deals with criminals.
It is somehow puzzling to note why most investigation dramas leave their best for the end. While the aim is always to deliver a sucker punch, the focus is seldom on crafting a neat foundation. Initially, it is difficult to understand what Thadayam wants to be. The internal issues within the station are far from engrossing, and the personal lives of the officers do not receive enough focus.
Lakshmi, a newly appointed officer, is on the cusp of marriage. She tries to meet the expectations of her future in-laws while doing justice to her job, often having to explain why her profession means so much to her. Adhiyaman, who appears indifferent to his job to begin with, turns out to be a silent workhorse whom the higher-ups have not acknowledged adequately over time.
The entire thread dealing with the investigation barely creates an impact. It features a couple of serial killers with a pattern who commit crimes to make a statement rather than for vengeance. They mostly outdo the police until they eventually fall out of luck. What is interesting, however, is the coordination between the police departments across two states to catch the criminals, which should ideally have been a great recipe for drama.
The series only actually gets going when it starts to bother about exploring the humane side of the criminals. All it takes is one act of compassion from Adhiyaman for a criminal to earn his trust. Adhiyaman is not merely out to do his job and finish the case; he is someone with a conscience beyond his uniform who cares enough to understand both sides of the story.
The execution is, at most times, choppy, failing to create any intrigue about the crimes or the investigation process. It is either the relatability of a familiar face like Samuthirakani or the background score that is forced to do the heavy lifting. Everything is told and not shown. Somehow, the show is in a rush to reach the final act, but even as the ending hits home, it is hard to care for it as much as one should.
Thadayam has good intentions and is modestly watchable, though it clearly had the potential to push the bar higher with its storytelling.
Music and Other Departments?
Vibin Baskar’s music is as functional as it gets; it does not boast an individual voice but just does its part in helping the show reach the finish line. The cinematography by KK serves its purpose, though it lacks any specific visual texture or appeal. The filmmaking quality is not particularly enthusing, whether it be the production design, costumes, or the rushed editing.
Highlights?
Relevant ideas
Generally fast-paced, brief episode runtime
Few decent performances
Drawbacks?
Monotonous, bland storytelling
Poor start
No proper backstory or character arcs
Did I Enjoy It?
In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Only if you’re desperate to not let the weekend pass without a cop drama
Thadayam Web Series Reviewed by M9 News
