Dhandha stands out as a refreshing addition to Telugu vertical series, delivering an engaging crime thriller experience. Spread across 26 bite-sized episodes with a total runtime of just 64 minutes, the series hooks viewers from the very first episode. Each episode ends on an intriguing note, keeping the suspense alive and making audiences eager to see what happens next.
Story:
The story follows Aravind, a 22-year-old B.Tech student driven by his desire for money and power, who enters the dangerous world of cybercrime in Hyderabad. What begins as small-scale scams gradually evolves into major cybercriminal operations. The series realistically portrays phishing scams, fraudulent call centres, and gang politics, making the narrative both engaging and relevant.
Performances:
The biggest strength of Dhandha is Dora Sai Teja’s outstanding performance. Popularly known as a YouTube star, he completely transforms into the character of Aravind. His calm yet intimidating presence, effective dialogue delivery, and commanding screen presence make his anti-hero role highly convincing. Supporting actors Nithin Prasanna and Prakash Thakur also deliver impressive performances, with Nithin Prasanna’s character especially building excitement for a potential Season 2.
Technical Analysis:
Director Aditya Devulapalli displays remarkable maturity in his debut venture. His storytelling, gripping episode endings, and cinematic use of the vertical format deserve appreciation. The screenplay, written by Vijay Kumar and Aditya Devulapalli, keeps the narrative consistently engaging. Ashwin Lenin’s cinematography effectively captures Hyderabad’s cybercrime underworld, while Rishi M’s background score adds intensity and emotional depth to every scene.
Verdict:
Dhandha is a stylish, fast-paced crime thriller powered by Dora Sai Teja’s remarkable performance. With its engaging story, sharp screenplay, and strong technical execution, it stands as one of the finest Telugu vertical series released so far.
