Devika & Danny Review: Ritu Varma shines in this otherwise middling fantasy thriller

Devika & Danny Story

Devika(Ritu Varma) is a teacher in the small village of Ramapuram. One fine day, her parents get Devika engaged, and she agrees to it even though she is not ready for marriage. One fine day, she meets Daany(Surya Vasistha) and falls for him. The twist in the tale arises when Devika comes to know that Danny has approached her for a special purpose and only she can help him. What is that help? Who is this, Danny? And what steps does Devika take to go out of her way to help Danny? To know the answers, stream the series on Jio Hotstar.

Devika & Danny Review

Devika & Danny has been directed by Sreekaram fame Kishore B and sets the story in a small town amidst the lives of simple people who do not have big dreams in life. The society they live in is regressive and always forces women to live in a certain way. 

What happens when a school teacher played by Ritu Varma gets to do something against the system and rules set by her family and fiancé is the basic theme of this fantasy village drama. 

The series starts on a very simple and routine note, showcasing the life of Devika and how she is dominated by her parents and would-be husband, played by Subbaraju. 

Once this is done, the key and important twists related to the character of Danny bring a lot of freshness to the story. This creates an instant effect on the series, and Ritu Varma makes it interesting with her stellar performance. 

But once the scene shifts to the city with the entry of Kovai Sarala, things become boring and mundane. The same old poor people being troubled by goons, a hero coming to help them, all this is showcased in a boring manner. 

One of the biggest drawbacks of the series is the addition of unwanted scenes. Even at four episodes, Devika and Dany does not enter into the main plot of what Devika is going to do next. The second hero of the series, Shiva Kandukuri, is introduced, and the mission starts only from the fifth episode. 

One needs to have a lot of patience to enjoy this series, as some routine and mundane scenes are placed between key and gripping scenes. But the chemistry between Ritu Varma and Surya Vasista is impressive, and all the scenes featuring them in the initial parts of the series are quite good. 

The pace of the show is quite and takes its time on you to grow. Kishore B, who is known for his family drama fails to elevate the tension in the series. There is not much drama happening in the show and what all is showcased looks forced after a point. 

But the sooothing visuals and earthy characters make you sit through the series. The so-called thrills related to the fantasy elements are kept for the last episodes but by then it is too late. As the series has a second season, the director slows down things and ends the series on just a passable note. 

If the thrills, drama, and backdrop could have focused more on engaging narration, things would have been a lot better. Coming to the performances, Shiva Kandukuri of Bhoothaddam Bhaskar Narayana fame is very good in the series. He gets to play a fun role and looks rustic in the beginning, but by the end, he brings a lot of depth to the series, and he was very good. 

Surya Vasista is also neat in his role and does what is required. His looks and screen presence are good. Subbraju is amazing as the reggrsive fiance and though he has done such roles in the past, he brings a lot of relief to the show. 

But it is Ritu Varma who makes sure that Devika & Danny is watchable. It is her girl-next-door looks, her opinionated stance in the series, and the way she transforms that are showcased superbly by the Pelli Choopulu and Mazaka star. Ritu had great scope to showcase her talent, and she does that with aplomb. The versatile act from Ritu in scenes related to her parents, finance, and her love interest is showcased in such a diverse manner that speaks volumes about her talent. 

Devika & Danny is Ritu Varma's one-man show, and she makes things quite interesting with her act. The production values by Joy Films are top-notch. The greenery, village backdrop, and native setup are showcased beautifully by the cameraman. 

The songs, background score are apt, but the dialogues are very good. The production design gives the show a unique look. But the editing could have been a lot better, as so much time is wasted for the show to come to the actual conflict point. 

Devika & Danny verdict

On the whole, Devika & Danny have a very interesting backdrop and story that creates interest. But it is the routine and slow narration that diverts your attention. As the show is clean, the entire family can watch it together, but be prepared for a few routine scenes before you get to watch the actual twist in the tale.