Andhera

Andhera is an exquisitely crafted sci-fi horror series that transcends its genre trappings with intelligent writing and a deft balance of suspense, spectacle, and soul. The show weaves a captivating blend of fantasy and horror, all underpinned by a profound social message that lingers long after the credits roll. Philosophical undertones are interlaced seamlessly into the narrative, prompting reflection while never slowing the momentum.

The plot is a rollercoaster of tension and intrigue, while a few twists are gratifyingly foreshadowed, several arrive with spine-tingling unpredictability. Performances across the board are stellar, but Surveen Chawla delivers a magnetic portrayal that anchors the emotional core of the series. The visual effects are commendable, with CGI that enhances rather than distracts, and the jump scares are well-timed, eliciting genuine jolts instead of cheap tricks.

I pressed play intending to sample the first episode, only to find myself eight episodes deep, watching dawn break outside my window. "Andhera" is not just binge-worthy, it's binge-compelling. A rare piece of genre television that engages both the mind and the senses.

Although the story is laid out from the beginning, the show still manages to deliver some unexpected twists, like the reveal of the mastermind and the moment when she kills her father. The series is gripping enough that I finished it in just a day, every episode kept me curious to see what would happen next.

The performances are strong across the board, bringing a perfect mix of horror and emotion to the screen.

It's a kind of slow burn horror mixed with sci-fi, and it sounds nice, isn't it? But... they were going fine with the starting episodes; then it begins to feel a bit drawn out. There are a few jump scares as well. Anyway, it's a good watch if you are into horror. Also, the leads did their job well..

The storyline is gripping and keeps you engaged until the end, even though there aren't many twists and turns. The visual effects (VFX) are also not very realistic.

The most ANNOYING aspect of the show was the main teenage character, Jay. His performance was unconvincing and came across as overly dramatic. Rumi, the female lead, didn't do any better in her role.

I must mention another Prime show called Khuaff, which features an excellent storyline, compelling acting, unexpected twists, and a genuinely creepy atmosphere.

Well, they've clearly tried to give Stranger Things an Indian touch, but after watching so many Hollywood series in this genre, this one just doesn't match up. The main character feels dull and unconvincing. There are unnecessary scenes (like the forced lesbian subplot) that add nothing to the story.

The dialogues are poorly written - one moment the character is speaking English, and the very next line in Hindi. At least maintain some consistency. The mix of sci-fi and horror just doesn't blend well here.

On the positive side, the visual effects and VFX are impressive - no doubt about that. Sadly, good visuals can't save weak storytelling.