Irai web series Review

Before kick-starting the analysis of the new OTT release ‘IRAI’ launched no Aha Tamil, it’s great to see this platform reviving the career of talented actors. Well, this is a real bliss for film buffs to see their matinee-idols shine back in glory with their insatiable passion for acting still remaining vigor. Irai is premiering on AHA Tamil. It is directed by Rajesh M Selva (Thoonga Vanam & Kadaram Kondan fame) and is produced by Radhika Sarathkumar for Radaan Media works

The story is set against the backdrops of two different periods. One in the past and present revolves around ACP Robert Vasudevan (Sarath Kumar), who has refrained from field works, and is now owning a beach resort with his wife Sheeba and dotting daughter… However, when a slew of influential and wealthy men are being abducted, he is urged by the department to handle the case as a consultant. Initially, he isn’t bothered, but some personal reasons, take him back to the land that he had avoided for a long time. As he gets closer to the case, he is about to get personally impacted. Will he be able to track down the culprit while reconciling with the fears of his buried past?

The makers have done a good job of adapting a book for web series that keeps the narrative perfect and tailor-made for web series lovers. Yes, if you have been an ardent watcher of foreign detective series, where the protagonist has a phobia or ailment that plays a barricade in his mission, this might look like a time-worn plot. However, the way, Rajesh M Selva along with his team of writers has penned the screenplay keeps the show going without boredom.

The top-notch technical works play a pivotal role in enhancing the screenwriting and actors’ performances. What’s more intriguing is the musical score by Ghibran, whose work looks so promising. Of course, he keeps proving his proficiency in BGM, and this one has given him larger scope to exhibit his musical prowess. The cinematography across the hilly tops of Kodaikanal is yet another highlight. The action sequences aren’t in plenty, but still, it has been done according to the actors effectively.

The non-linear narrative slightly reminiscences of Late actor Vivek’s Vellai Pookkal followed by Disney Plus Hotstar November Story starring Tamannaah in the lead role. However, we can appreciate Rajesh M Selva for avoiding the blunders we found in the latter series, thereby delivering an engaging drama. Episodes 1,2 & 3 keep us glued to the screens, but there are sluggish moments in the interim that gets eclipsed by surprises and twists by the final chapter.

When it comes to performance, Sarath Kumar’s screen presence adds more value to the show, but the actual showstopper is Abhishek Shankar, who plays the baddie.

The open ending hints at a gripping cat and mouse thriller in the second season. Hope, the makers won’t disappoint us like many other Tamil series that promised for the new season but got shelved. If this happens, it would definitely demand the team exploit the best of their potential.

Verdict: Worthy for a Binge-watch for the focused writing and decent performances of actors.