ZEE5’s latest Telugu thriller “Viraatapalem: PC Meena Reporting” arrived with high expectations but delivers a mixed bag that frustrates more than it thrills. Despite a decent concept, the series suffers from clueless writing, lifeless performances, and carelessly stitched episodes that lead absolutely nowhere.
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Viraatapalem Plot: Cursed Village Mysteries
Set in the 1990s in a remote village named Viratapalem, the series follows several young brides who died mysteriously immediately after getting married, leading people to believe that the village is cursed. Police constable Meenakshi, known as PC Meena, is transferred to investigate these supernatural occurrences that have prevented marriages for over a decade.
The premise hooks you immediately—a chilling curse looms over residents where every bride mysteriously dies on her wedding day, leaving the village home only to the very young and very old.
Viraatapalem Series Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Viraatapalem: PC Meena Reporting |
| Platform | ZEE5 |
| Release Date | June 27, 2025 |
| Genre | Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural |
| Lead Cast | Abhignya Vuthaluru, Charan Lakkaraju |
| Director | Poluru Krishna |
| Episodes | 7 |
| Setting | 1990s Rural Village |
What Works (Barely)
Abhignya Vuthaluru’s Performance: Abhignya is brave, brilliant and acts like a calm before the storm as Meenakshi, the new constable in Viraatapalem. Her portrayal of PC Meena shows determination and grit, making her the series’ saving grace.
Atmospheric Setting: The 1990s rural backdrop creates an eerie atmosphere perfect for supernatural storytelling. The production design captures the isolated village’s haunting vibe effectively.
Supporting Cast: Charan Lakkaraju provides ample support as Kittu, with the rest of the cast doing their jobs well, leaving no space for complaints.
Where It Stumbles
Pacing Issues: Critics noted inconsistencies in screenplay and pacing that diluted the series’ impact. The thriller loses momentum in crucial moments, failing to maintain tension.
Writing Problems: The screenplay lacks the tight narrative structure essential for mystery thrillers. Plot holes and convenient coincidences undermine the supernatural elements.
Predictable Twists: For a mystery series, the revelations feel telegraphed rather than shocking, robbing viewers of genuine surprise.
Technical Aspects
Director Poluru Krishna, known for the “Recce” series, shows promise in creating atmospheric tension but struggles with narrative coherence. The series benefits from decent production values and cinematography that captures the village’s isolated feel.
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Final Verdict
While “Viraatapalem” starts with an intriguing supernatural premise and benefits from Abhignya Vuthaluru’s committed performance, it ultimately disappoints due to weak writing and pacing issues. The series has been described as a “nail-biting thriller” with a promising storyline, but the execution falls short.
Rating: 2.5/5
The series might appeal to fans of supernatural thrillers willing to overlook narrative flaws, but discerning viewers seeking tight storytelling should temper expectations.
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FAQs
Q: Is Viraatapalem worth watching on ZEE5?
A: Viraatapalem has an intriguing supernatural premise and Abhignya Vuthaluru delivers a strong performance as PC Meena. However, the series suffers from inconsistent pacing and weak writing that prevents it from reaching its full potential. It’s worth a watch if you enjoy supernatural mysteries, but don’t expect a masterpiece.
Q: How many episodes does Viraatapalem have and what’s the plot about?
A: Viraatapalem has 7 episodes available on ZEE5. Set in the 1990s, it follows the story of a cursed village where newlywed brides mysteriously die on their wedding day. Police constable Meenakshi (PC Meena) investigates these supernatural occurrences to uncover the truth behind the village’s dark secrets.
