OTT Review: Yakshini – Telugu OTT Series on Disney Plus Hotstar

Movie Name: Yakshini
Release Date: June 14, 2024
Cinescoop Rating: 2.70/5
Starring: Rahul Vijay, Vedhika, Lakshmi Manchu, Ajay, etc.
Director: Teja Marni
Producers: Shobu Yarlagadda, Prasad Devineni
Music Director: Priyadarshan Balasubramanian
Cinematographer: Jagadeesh Cheekati
Editor: Karthikeyan Rohini

OTT Review: Yakshini – Telugu OTT Series on Disney Plus Hotstar

Yakshini, produced by the team behind the Baahubali franchise, marks actress Vedhika’s OTT debut. This Telugu fantasy series, featuring Rahul Vijay, Lakshmi Manchu, and Ajay, is now streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of the series.

Story:
Cursed by Kubera, the King of the Yakshinis, Maya (Vedhika), a Yakshini, must kill 100 humans to return to her homeland, Alkapuri. The final victim must be a willing virgin. Maya finds the innocent Krishna (Rahul Vijay), falls in love with him, and marries him. As she prepares to kill him, Mahakal (Ajay) intervenes. Who is Mahakal, and why does he despise Maya? How does Jwalamukhi (Lakshmi Manchu) fit into this narrative? Is Krishna aware of Maya’s lethal plan? Can Maya complete her mission and return to Alkapuri? The series answers these questions.

Plus Points:

Vedhika delivers a commendable performance, embodying the essence of a Yakshini beautifully.
Rahul Vijay suits his role well, entertaining viewers with his performance.
Ajay, as Mahakal, creates necessary tension, and Lakshmi Manchu performs adequately in her role.
Supporting actors perform satisfactorily in their respective roles.

Minus Points:

The series blends fantasy, thrills, and comedy but falls short in terms of a compelling story.
While the first three episodes are strong, the series loses momentum in the fourth, almost concludes in the fifth, and drags in the sixth episode with a predictable ending.
The plot lacks proper twists and turns, making it straightforward and predictable. More creativity was needed to maintain interest.
Extending Lakshmi Manchu’s character and adding emotional depth would have enhanced the series.
The emotional connection between Vedhika and Rahul Vijay could have been stronger.

Also Read: Rajamouli Opens Up About Expanding Bahubali Brand Beyond Traditional Cinema

Technical Aspects:

Director Teja Marni manages the show well, but the screenplay needed to be more engaging to make the story move faster and conclude effectively in five episodes.
The CG work is disappointing, especially considering the producers’ previous work on Baahubali.
Priyadarshan Balasubramanian’s music provides a decent ambiance, and Jagadeesh Cheekati’s cinematography is satisfactory.
The production quality is good, but the editing requires improvement.

Yakshini – Telugu OTT Series on Disney Plus Hotstar

Verdict:
Yakshini, a 6-episode series blending fantasy, thrills, and comedy, entertains in parts. Despite adequate performances by Vedhika, Rahul Vijay, and Ajay, the straightforward narrative and lack of a compelling screenplay result in a predictable plot. Poor CG work, weak emotional connections, and a few unnecessary scenes are notable drawbacks. Even hardcore fantasy drama fans should keep their expectations low. Others might want to explore alternative entertainment options.