Dhandha Review
Series Name :Dhandha
Runtime : 64 mins
Production House: Chai Shots
Cast: Dora Sai teja, Akshara Nalla, Nithin Prasanna, Kirankumar Kamtham, Suri K chaplin, Vikram Devaki,
Director/Co-writer: Aditya Devulapally
Story : Vijay Kumar
DOP: Ashwin Lenin
Music Director: Rishi M
Editor: Jagadish Goud
Art Director: Sanjana Kanchala
For a long time, vertical dramas have been dismissed as mere filler quick, fleeting content meant to pass time between scrolling. Dhandha steps into that space with striking confidence and completely shifts that perception. It doesn’t feel like a mobile-first series attempting to replicate cinema; instead, it feels like cinema that has simply adapted to a different screen.
Running for just 64 minutes across 29 crisp episodes, Dhandha excels in one crucial aspect momentum. Every episode serves a clear purpose, and each ending pulls you seamlessly into the next. The narrative never loses its hold, not even for a moment. By the time you pause to take a breath, you’ve already reached the final episode.
Story:
Dhandha revolves around Aravind, a 22-year-old B.Tech student driven by an obsession for money and power. Instead of following a conventional path, he chooses to channel his intelligence into Hyderabad’s cybercrime ecosystem. What begins as small-scale manipulation gradually expands into a larger network involving phishing scams, fraudulent call centres, extortion rackets and gang politics. The story tracks his rise through calculated decisions, psychological games and strategic control.
Analysis:
At a time when vertical dramas are often dismissed as throwaway content, Dhandha redefines the format with confidence. Spread across 26 short episodes with a total runtime of just 64 minutes, the series thrives on momentum. Each episode serves a purpose and ends on a hook, ensuring continuous engagement without any narrative drop.
Dora Sai Teja delivers a standout performance, bringing a calm yet commanding presence to Aravind. His restrained acting, subtle expressions and controlled intensity elevate the character. Director Aditya Devulapally makes a strong debut, showcasing clarity and confidence in storytelling. He uses the vertical format as a strength, maintaining a cinematic tone throughout. The screenplay and dialogues remain sharp, while the fourth-wall narration adds an engaging layer to the storytelling.
Highlights:
Dora Sai Teja’s performance – controlled and impactful
Fast-paced narration with no dull moments
Realistic and well-researched cybercrime detailing
Cinematic visuals despite the vertical format
Strong background score by Rishi M
Sharp writing and effective characterisation
Drawbacks:
The story could have explored certain layers in more depth
Supporting characters could have been given more screen time
Some emotional moments feel slightly rushed due to the format
Verdict:
Dhandha is stylish, tightly written and consistently engaging. It sets a new benchmark for Telugu vertical storytelling with its cinematic approach and compelling central character. A binge-worthy crime drama that leaves a lasting impact.
Rating :
3.5/5
