Brinda - Webseries Review

Cast: Trisha Krishnan, Indrajith Sukumaran, Ravindra Vijay, Sai Kumar, Amani, Anand Sami, Sandeep Sahu, Jaya Prakash, Rakendu Mouli

Director: Surya Manoj Vangala

What's good: The series shines with the powerful performances from Trisha Krishnan and Indrajith Sukumaran. The background score elevates the tension, adding depth to the thrilling narrative. Indrajith Sukumaran's character is richly developed, with a compelling backstory that draws the audience in. Anand Sami delivers a standout performance as Thakur, whose intellectual challenges are subtly and skillfully conveyed through his appearance and mannerisms from the very beginning.

What's bad: Some convenient coincidences and somewhat predictable personal connections between the main villain and protagonist are noticeable. Although there are clear misdirections in the plot, they are explained. Additionally, the color grading for the past sequences is extremely washed out.

Watch or Not?: If you enjoy crime investigation thrillers, Brinda is worth a watch. If you liked Sacred Games, you'll probably appreciate this one as well. It has a slow start, but once it gains momentum, it becomes quite impressive. Highly recommended.

Streaming On: Sony LIV

Release Date: August 02, 2024

Runtime: Around 40 Minutes Per Episode

Brinda delves deeply into the impact of childhood trauma, illustrating how supportive parents can help children overcome traumatic events and grow into upstanding citizens. Conversely, negative reinforcement, neglect, and abuse from caregivers can shape individuals into spiteful personalities lacking remorse. It highlights that even young adults who have suffered trauma can become good citizens with proper guidance from a parental figure, serving as a social commentary.

Brinda also examines the power of religion in shaping lives, demonstrating that blind belief can cause unnecessary harm. It critiques the negative effects of overindulgence in one's beliefs by turning an innocent child into a villain. It addresses multiple factors, including religion, the juvenile justice system, and the lack of effective child protective services in rural India. The series shows how juvenile prisons can harm young minds when improperly managed.

Additionally, it explores the phenomenon of replacing one belief system with another. The cult in the series, which opposes all religions, engages in mass murder under the guise of having no gods, paralleling the religious mass murders committed in the name of god. The narrative shows how a charismatic cult leader can manipulate weak- willed individuals. The series also touches on other social evils, such as honor killings and untouchability.