Meter on OTT: Will Kiran Abbavaram’s cop drama impress audiences on Netflix?

While Kiran Abbavaram made a terrific acting debut with Ravikiran Kola’s Raja Gaaru Rani Vaaru a few years ago with an underplayed portrayal of a shy boy, he took the mass-route from his second film, SR Kalyana Mandapam, a surprise success at the box office after the second COVID-19 lockdown. After a series of unimpressive outings, he scored a hit with Vinaro Bhagyamu Vishnu Katha again.

Within one and a half month post the release of Vinaro Bhagyamu Vishnu Katha, Kiran Abbavaram came up with Meter, the second film he’s played a cop. He was also seen as constable in Sebastian PC524 who experienced night-blindness. In Meter, he played an out-and-out flamboyant youngster who turns a cop to make his father happy but there’s a twist in the tale, thanks to a crooked politician.

Tamil actress Athulyaa Ravi forayed into the Telugu industry with Meter, which also marked the directorial debut of Ramesh Kaduri. The film released in theatres on April 7, receiving disastrous feedback from audiences and critics alike and had a poor run at the box office. Now, Meter is all set to test its fortunes on OTT with its digital release on Netflix this Friday i.e. May 5.

All films of Kiran Abbavaram before Meter are available to stream on aha. This is the actor’s first release on Netflix and presents him an opportunity to reach a wider audience base. The masala element and twist in the premise are not bad at all, but they deserved a star with a greater charisma for the audiences to appreciate the idea fully.

The outdated treatment is another aspect of concern too. Chammak Chammak Pori, the catchy dance number, is one of the major highlights of the film which has music by Sai Kartheek. Meanwhile, the leading OTT platform has been very aggressive in acquiring Telugu biggies this year - Dasara, Sir, Butta Bomma, 18 Pages, Dhamaka, Miss Shetty Mrs Polishetty, Virupaksha feature in its lineup for 2023.