Starring: Niharika Konidela, Akshay Lagusani, Sai Ronak, Harsha Chemudu, Bhavana Sagi, Rajeev Kanakala, Bindu Chandramouli, Jayashree Rachakonda
Director: Aditya Mandala
Producers: Sameer Gogate, Rahul Tamada, Saideep Reddy Bora
Music Director: Sidhartha Sadasivuni
Disney Plus Hotstar has launched a new web series called Dead Pixels, which is an Indian adaptation of the British television sitcom of the same name. Directed by Aditya Mandala, the series features popular actress Niharika Konidela in the lead role. Let’s delve into its content.
Story:
Gayathri (Niharika), Bhargav (Akshay Lagusani), and Anand (Harsha Chemudu) are ardent fans of a video game called Battle of Thrones. They are so engrossed in the game that they even play it during work in their office. Their ultimate goal in life is to conquer the game. Roshan (Sai Ronak) joins Gayathri’s office and catches her attention. Eventually, Roshan also becomes part of the game. What unfolds next? Do the four friends manage to complete the game? How does Roshan’s entry change the dynamics? These questions form the core of the story.
Plus Points:
Niharika Konidela delivers a commendable performance as a video game enthusiast. Akshay Lagusani, Harsha, and Sai Ronak are decent in their respective roles. Bhavana Sagi, portraying Niharika’s friend, delivers a standout performance as she tries to influence her companion.
There are a few well-executed comedy scenes sprinkled throughout the series. The interaction between Akshay and Rajeev Kanakala stands out, with the senior actor making a lasting impact despite his brief appearance.
Minus Points:
The show primarily targets a niche audience—gamers—making it less appealing to a wider range of viewers. This major drawback limits its potential audience. If the series fails to entertain or engage those who are not avid gamers, it raises the question of why they should invest their time in watching it. Furthermore, the underlying message the makers intended to convey remains unclear.
Throughout the series, the characters seem to have only one thing to do—play the game—regardless of their surroundings. For instance, one character is a pilot who even plays the game during work hours. Although no one questions or reprimands them, this aspect might come across as excessive and unrealistic to most viewers.
The series attempts to explore how the game affects personal lives, but the execution falls short of leaving a lasting emotional impact. While this aspect is expected given the premise of the show, the poor execution undermines its potential. Consequently, the emotional depth of the series remains lacking.
In the series Guilty Minds, one of the episodes delves into online gaming and portrays a teenage boy who commits a fatal act due to an unhealthy obsession with the game. Even viewers who are unfamiliar with or uninterested in such online games may find themselves captivated by its exploration of the negative consequences of video games. Including elements like this could have appealed to a broader audience, including non-gamers.
Technical Aspects:
The background score by Sidhartha Sadasivuni remains somewhat monotonous throughout the series, failing to make a significant impact. Fahad Abdul Majeed’s cinematography is satisfactory, and the editing is adequate. The series is shot in a limited number of locations, and the production values are decent.
Verdict:
Overall, Dead Pixels is an incredibly dull series that caters exclusively to gamers. While Niharika and the rest of the cast deliver competent performances, the series severely tests one’s patience due to its weak storytelling and narration. If you’re not a gamer, it’s safe to skip this series without giving it a second thought.