Review and Analysis

I have honestly have come to the conclusion that we are simply spoiled with choices. So much so that we have lost the patience to appreciate that this is a piece of art that carefully designed to take you on a journey. My first thought watching the trailer of Indra Subramanyam written and directed series November story was that it will be similar to the countless number of crime thrillers that already exist. But setting aside this thought I took deep dive into this seven episode series on Disney plus and Hotstar. And I am glad I took that leap of faith. I am usually not a viewer who is going to sit through a 7 episode web series without any breaks. This was one of those rare cases where I just couldn't stop writing and speculating of what may transpire in the next episode. A beautiful problem with a crime thriller. This animosity towards this show is quite shocking to me. I blame the excessive stimuli that we are subjected to today. We are surrounded by 15 seconds mindless videos on social media that we can swipe past and move on to the next thing. Anything that requires a careful viewing, a small time investment we label it as a boring or a drag . It puts me to think that if Game Of Thrones was to release in 2021, would audiences and publications label the first season as an absolute bore of a series. Because all it does in first 2 or 3 seasons is world and character building. Where did the magic of being transported to an new world to explore. And the hilarious part is that November Story isn't even that slow. The seven episode series is something I highly reccommend you watch in Tamil with English subtitle. As the impact of the dialogues often get dampened with Hindi dubbing.

It focuses on Anuradha who is a software expert dealing with the mental degradation of her father. A former Crime Novelist Ganeshan played by GM Kumar. And finds her in a shocking crossroads, A murder takes place and all the fingers point towards her father. Who was at the scene of the crime. Anu's exploration of what may have transpired that night forms the journey of November Story. Just think of it this way Drishyam focused on George Koti committing the perfect crime and the steps he takes to get way with it. Whereas November Story is simply Anu getting to the bottom of what exactly happened at the scene of the crime, completely ruling out the possibility of her father such a heinous act. Maybe my favorite quality of a series like November Story is to see such exemplary performance from the cast, from comedic, dramatic to downright bone chilling. It is such a capable effort showcased by the entire cast. Can I say how amazing it is to see a commercial actor like Tamannah in such a space. Where she can truly have a platform to showcase her acting range. I don't know whether all of you will agree with me but kudos to Tamannah's commercial success with films, but I still think her talent is terribly wasted in this formulaic films fo the masses. Commercial Tamil and telex cinema at one end but the god awful Hindi ventures like Himmatwala and Entertainment really make me sad on just how her talent remains unchallenged or untapped. Tamannah in November story puts an extremely emotional and resolute performance as Ann independent woman who has to figure out solutions while acknowledging her unfortunate circumstances. While She doesn't have time for small talk and is a woman of action, it is the emotional or helpless moments with especially her father that she stole the show for me. It would be lovely to see Tamannah to take risks such as this in future. Because it just adds another layer to her extensive filmography. This is the beauty in many ways of the OTT space. Which has become the new normal. And now it is attracting Big Star names who have to work their asses off as actors. Rather than what they have resorted to in the commercial *Star-Led system. The supporting cast in this series lend such great support that I can't remember any jarring moments where someone didn't assimilate or blend in the world perfectly. GM Kumar as Ganeshan a crime novelist who is suffering from Alzheimer and borderline schizopherenia never comes across as over the top. Even when he has his random outburst with the domestic help of the house . His interest in fictional tales and how the mind becomes alert when he is transported to the world of make believe account for some of the most interesting moments of the series. He is deteriorating and helpless state that is something is beautifully performed as well in all sequences. at a rehabilitation facility. Pashupathi as Kuzhandhai Yes is understated and so effective in this series. without giving anything away. It is very easy for a character with traits such as Yesu to be like many of the renditions we have already seen crime thrillers. But the actor makes it own and this addition creates a layer of subtext and nuance to the series which elevates it further.

What you will also notice with this series is that it is beautifully shot. Cinematographer Vidu Ayana who is also responsible for capturing the beauty of Mandela. It presents such a visually engaging. Even from the perspective of capturing characters the unique creative decisions taken heighten the overall quality of the series. From what the series focuses on you would assume that it wouldn't generate laughter right? You are so wrong. the series has such a delicious blend of humor while not starring too far from its core focus. the hilarious sequences never become overbearing. These sequences mostly showcases the pressure and incompetence of the police force. Aruldas plays the investigating officer and he shares some of the most funny scenes with super good. Subramanyan the brainstorming session to come to the bottom of the case probably will be best of the all. It just showcases what a great effort it has been to formulate and design this story kudos to writer and dirctor Subramanyam.How are we with blank statements completely ditching the series is beyond my understanding. The series through its characters focuses on the detrimental effects of abandonment from a young age. And the significance of being surrounded by likeminded individuals . Aiding you to circumvent your path to success. How failures lead to resentment. and often a optimistic attitude with life causing excessive ramification to yourself and the around you. While you I take this away from a lesson standpoint, strictly from a thriller point of view. I was literally designing flow charts and family trees by the fourth episode. So whosoever is stating that this is a straight up boring I think quite on the contrary. and I believe that it had me guessing till the fifth episode. A huge plus for crime thriller.

The criticism I may agree with is that the series has a rather half-hazard way of concluding things. it is ow on action and the action that exists and by that I mean physically altercations are executed in a very flimsy way. Something that I wholeheartedly agree a demerit of the series. But it in no way takes away from the exceptional interesting journey I have had watching November Story. I think Ray Davis had said that"patience is not passive waiting, patience is the acceptance of the process"

November Story on Disney plus and Hotstar delivers that process. You shouldn't think twice before checking it out. I highly praise and recommend this to you guys. A perfect 9 out of 10.

And that was the review guys, write down the comments below what you thought about the series🧐. Don't forget to follow me on Hive. Also please support me by upvoting.