Web Series: The Jengaburu Curse
Rating: ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ โ (3.5/5)
Starring: Faria Abdullah, Sudev Nair, Nasser, Makarand Deshpande, Sukumar Tudu & others
Director: Nila Madhab Panda
Producers: Indranil Chakraborty
Music : Alokananda Dasgupta
OTT Release Date: August 9th, 2023
Season: 1
No .of Episodes: 7
Related Links: Trailer
Available Audio Languages: Hindi, ODI, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi
๐ฌ๐ The Jengaburu Curse Web Series: Beyond Entertainment: A Thought-Provoking Journey That Leaves You Spellbound ๐ฅ๐จ
The Jengaburu Curse, also known as the ‘Curse of the Red Hills,’ ventures into an uncharted territory of mainstream Indian cinema. Renowned director Nila Madhab Panda, acclaimed for works like ‘I Am Kalam,’ ‘Kadvi Hawa,’ and ‘Jalpari: The Desert,’ crafts a gripping thriller within his native state of Odisha. This captivating narrative is intricately woven around the pressing concern of climate crisis. The assertion by the creators that this series represents India’s venture into the cli-fi (climate fiction) genre holds true, as a genuine commitment to addressing this issue resonates throughout
Story Glimpse:
Follows London-based financial analyst, Priya Das. When her father goes missing, she is forced to come back to Odisha. As she starts to search him that unravel an unlikely connection between the Bondia tribe and the mining state of Odisha
Technical Aspects:
- Direction: Director ‘Nila Madhab Panda’ demonstrated a brilliant vision in portraying an overlooked issue, and he executed it with excellence
- Music: ‘Alokananda Dasgupta’s’ background score is truly outstanding and emerges as one of the series’ most remarkable strengths
- Casting: Faria Abdullah, Sudev Nair, and Nasser impeccably fit their roles and delivered convincing performances. The entire ensemble of artists contributed and supported the production exceptionally well.
- Other Departments: The entire team of technicians played their roles effectively, contributing to the splendid outcome.
Highlights:
- Odisha as a Character: The series effectively uses the locations of Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Raghurajpur, as significant backdrops. The depiction of the land’s paradoxes, history, and art coexisting with urban congestion adds authenticity and realism.
- Competent Execution: The series delivers a satisfying watch, though it lacks an explosive or compelling quality. Character moralities are clearly defined, and the storytelling leans towards thrilling elements.
- Cli-Fi Aspect: While marketed as climate fiction, the series falls short of addressing climate change directly. The final reveal is more political than environmental.
- Engaging Storytelling: The show lives up to the suspense promised in its trailer, keeping viewers hooked with well-crafted twists and stunning shots. The exceptional background score and music elevate the viewing experience.
- Thought-Provoking Content: The series requires commitment and maturity to fully comprehend its themes. Nila Panda’s vision aligns well with the current global context, emphasizing important issues.
- Heartfelt Performances: The show features memorable performances, including the portrayal of the Bondria tribe, evoking emotion and resonance.
- Reminder of Life’s Value: The series serves as a reminder of the often overlooked aspects of life. It prompts reflection on what is taken for granted and offers a deeper perspective