Starring: Nitya Menen, Gauthami, Thiruveer, Nirupam, Talluri Rameshwari, Praneetha Patnaik, Prem Sagar, Dr. Vijaya Krishna Naresh, Murali Mohan, Usha Shree, Gavi Reddy Srinivas
Director: Gomtesh Upadhye
Producer: Swapna Cinema
Music Directors: Staccato & Kamran
Nitya Menen stars in the family drama series “Kumari Srimathi,” directed by Gomtesh Upadhye and written by Srinivas Avasarala. The show boasts a strong ensemble cast, and we delve into its performance.
Story:
Set in Ramaraju Lanka, the series revolves around a property dispute between Srimathi (Nitya Menen) and her uncle Keshava Rao (Prem Sagar) over ancestral property. Srimathi had made a childhood promise to her grandfather never to sell their house. However, Keshava Rao presents a will deed in court, claiming the property is in his name. He even enters into a sale deed with another party, but the court rejects it as it is an ancestral property.
The court gives Srimathi an opportunity to purchase the house within six months. However, Srimathi, a chef with a modest income, faces a daunting challenge. Her neighbor Sriram (Nirupam) suggests she start a business. The series follows Srimathi’s journey to meet this challenge.
Pros:
“Kumari Srimathi” takes a familiar concept of a family feud over ancestral property and infuses it with clean comedy and family emotions. The show’s primary focus is on providing entertainment, and it succeeds in this regard. While some one-liners may feel a bit old-fashioned, most of the humor works well.
The series subtly highlights women’s empowerment without being preachy. The protagonist starts a bar and restaurant business and faces opposition from the villagers. Nitya Menen’s character finds practical solutions, showcasing good writing. The show is enhanced by a special cameo appearance by a noted actor.
Nitya Menen shines in her role, effortlessly embodying her character. Gautami delivers a natural performance as a protective mother.
Supporting cast members Talluri Rameshwari, Praneetha Patnaik, and Prem Sagar add depth to the story. The music and visuals enhance the viewing experience. “Kumari Srimathi” is suitable for family viewing, a rarity in the OTT landscape.
Cons:
The romantic subplots are not as effective, partly due to how they are staged. This detracts from the overall impact of the series.
The pacing occasionally slows down in some mid-episodes, and the climax feels rushed. A more satisfying conclusion could have elevated the show.
Verdict:
On the whole, “Kumari Srimathi” is a decent comedy-drama that subtly addresses women’s empowerment. The comedy elements work well for the most part, and standout performances by Nitya Menen and Gautami enhance the viewing experience. While some aspects could have been handled better, and pacing issues exist, “Kumari Srimathi” remains a watchable show for the weekend.