Cast: Varalakshmi Sarath Kumar, Rao Ramesh, Satyaraj, Tulasi, Avika Gor, Manas, Nandu, Bindu Madhavi, Abhinaya, Rajeev Kanakala, and others.
Director: Ohmkar
Producers: Ohmkar, Ashwin, Kalyan
Release: October 17, 2023
Streaming On: Disney+Hotstar
After a prolonged hiatus, anchor Ohmkar has unveiled his latest horror series, “Mansion 24,” featuring an impressive ensemble cast. The series generated significant buzz with its captivating promos and diverse South Indian cast. Here’s an in-depth review of the series.
Story:
The story follows Amrutha (Varu Sarathkumar), an investigative journalist on a quest to uncover the truth about her father, Kalidas (Satyaraj), an archaeologist wrongly accused of stealing an excavated artifact. With her mother’s health deteriorating, Amrutha embarks on a mission to find answers. Her journey leads her to a mysterious mansion, where the security guard (Rao Ramesh) shares chilling ghost stories about various rooms. After each tale, Amrutha applies her analytical skills to debunk the supernatural elements, revealing that these are not ghost stories but something more.
In the end, Amrutha unravels the mystery surrounding her father’s actions and disappearance inside Room No 24, concluding Season 1 with a surprising twist.
Performances:
Varalakshmi Sarath Kumar delivers a competent performance as an investigative journalist, although her portrayal lacks emotional depth.
Rao Ramesh impresses with his role as the security guard, effectively delivering one-liners and ghost stories.
Satyaraj’s appearance is limited, and his performance appears routine.
Other cast members, such as Nandu, Avika Gor, Abhinaya, and Rajeev Kanakala, perform well but are limited to one emotion – fear.
Technical Aspects:
“Mansion 24” excels in production design and cinematography, creating a realistic and visually appealing atmosphere.
The background score and sound effects by Vikas Badisa add a compelling dimension to the series.
However, the visual effects are poorly executed and appear fake.
Pros:
High-quality visuals and sound.
Cons:
Predictable plot in each episode.
Routine horror elements.
Poorly developed story arcs.
Analysis:
“Mansion 24” follows a narrative structure similar to “Bhagamathie,” featuring illusions within a mansion to deliver a crucial message. The storytelling format, where Rao Ramesh narrates ghost stories to Amrutha, initially piques interest but eventually loses its charm. The need for these narratives given Rao Ramesh’s real identity remains questionable.
Each episode introduces a unique theme, but most rely on clichéd horror elements and fail to excite. The series struggles with predictable plots and a lack of depth in the narrative and direction.
While “Mansion 24” may appeal to viewers seeking casual entertainment, it falls short of delivering a truly scary or suspenseful horror experience.