Mansion 24: Ohmkar, renowned for his horror films, takes a leap into the world of horror series with ‘Mansion 24’. Starring Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Rao Ramesh, Satya Raj, Avika Gor, and others, the series is currently available for streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar. Let’s delve into the eerie tale.
Plot Summary:
Amrutha (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar) is a tenacious investigative journalist. When her father, Kaalidas (Satya Raj), a devoted archaeologist, mysteriously vanishes after an excavation, he is accused of absconding with precious artifacts. This tarnishes his reputation, impacting the health of Kaalidas’ wife, Tulsi. Determined to uncover the truth, Amrutha discovers her father’s visit to an ancient mansion prior to his disappearance. Despite warnings of its ominous history, she ventures into the mansion. What unfolds within its walls? What happened to her father? Can Amrutha solve the enigma? These questions form the crux of the series.
Pros:
The series comprises a collection of short stories, with standout performances from Archana Jois and Nandu, known for their roles in KGF. While the narratives may not break new ground, their presentation is engrossing. Archana Jois, Nandu, and Bindhu Madhavi deliver commendable performances.
One of the standout features of ‘Mansion 24’ is its remarkable production design. Art director Ashok Kumar excels in setting the chilling ambiance required for a horror series. This is complemented by visually stunning scenes. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar delivers a solid performance, and Abhinaya, Avika Gor, and Rajeev Kanakala hold their own in their respective roles.
Cons:
The first three subplots lack engagement and fail to deliver the anticipated thrills. The storytelling pattern, akin to films like ‘Darna Mana Hai’ and ‘Darna Zaroori Hai’, lacks the necessary punch. The narrative featuring Avika Gor, while promising on paper, falters in execution, resulting in a flat progression devoid of chilling or terrifying moments.
The character development and writing lack depth for key figures, despite a talented cast including Satya Raj, Rao Ramesh, Jaya Prakash, and Tulsi. This weakens the impact of the show considerably. The climax’s predictability and its lackluster presentation are disappointing.
The conclusion of the series leaves much to be desired. While brevity can be a virtue, stronger character development is essential for viewer engagement. The abundance of horror clichĂ©s and tropes in ‘Mansion 24’ feels stale, and a departure from these conventions would be refreshing. The overuse of these elements may lead to viewer fatigue.
Technical Aspects:
Vikas Badisa’s background score and music, though competent, are hampered by subpar writing. Rajasekhar’s cinematography is outstanding, lending the series a visually opulent feel with commendable production values. The VFX work could have been more refined, and the editing aligns well with the director’s vision.
Director’s Craft:
Ohmkar’s execution of ‘Mansion 24’ falls short of expectations. While a few subplots engage, others fail to make a lasting impression. Unlike his previous works, which seamlessly blended comedy and horror, here Ohmkar opts for a predominantly horror-centric approach. However, the execution of the stories leaves room for improvement, and the climax’s predictability is a letdown. The horror elements, though present, lack variation.
Verdict:
‘Mansion 24’ is primarily reliant on conventional horror elements. While some sub-plots manage to captivate, others fall short. The central narrative suffers from weak writing, limiting the cast’s performance scope. The main twist is easily anticipated, and the conclusion follows a predictable path. The series gains merit from its superior technical aspects—impressive sound design, lavish visuals, and a compelling background score. Yet, the overall experience leaves much to be desired.