'Inspector Rishi' Review: Naveen Chandra show drowns in predictability

‘Inspector Rishi’ Review: Naveen Chandra show drowns in predictability

Director JS Nandhini’s ‘Inspector Rishi’ starts with a tribal ritual followed by a mass suicide in the forest of Thaenkadu in Tamil Nadu. Years later, series of murders take place and residents believe it’s the spirit of Vanaratchi that haunts the forest. However, inspector Rishi (Naveen Chandra), who leads the crime investigation feels that there’s more to the murders. Along with sub-inspectors Ayyanar (Kanna Ravi) and Chithra (Malini Jeevaratnam) and forest officers Irfan (Elango Kumaravel), Sathya (Srikrishna Dayal) and Kathy (Sunainaa), Rishi tries to find the reason behind the murders.

‘Inspector Rishi’, which is a 10-episode-long show, blends supernatural/horror with murder mystery. The show, directed by JS Nandhini, works well as long as it remains an investigative thriller. When it gets into the supernatural/paranormal elements, it becomes clichéd and predictable. The set properties and the elements which indicate the arrival of Vanaratchi needed more finesse. While the overall production value is great, these issues stick out like a sore thumb.

Here’s the trailer:

Naveen Chandra’s Rishi is a neatly-written character who is haunted by the ghosts of his past. And his performance makes one invested in the web series. Rishi’s character also makes the audience curious to know about his past and why he lost one of his eyes.

JS Nandhini should also be applauded for the world she has created. She tried to merge folklore and superstition in the show. While it works initially, as the episodes progress, it becomes repetitive. Some of the scientific explanations in the show also add an eerie touch to ‘Inspector Rishi’. Eventually, when the show takes the man vs nature route, you can guess every twist that’s coming your way.

‘Inspector Rishi’ fails in this aspect as the twists and turns remind us of many Tamil films, including ‘Whistle’. The show could have been a little more taut for it to have maximum impact.

Nandhini also incorporated a same-sex love story, which was a welcome touch and was dealt with sensitivity. With some great touches peppered throughout the series, ‘Inspector Rishi’ is a decent watch.

2.5 out of 5 stars for ‘Inspector Rishi’.

‘Inspector Rishi’ is streaming on Prime Video.