Set in Repalle, Srikakulam during the late 1990s, Constable Kanakam tells the story of Kanaka Mahalakshmi (Varsha Bollamma), a timid police constable who unexpectedly gets caught in a chain of mysterious disappearances. When her close friend Chandrika goes missing in the feared Adavi Gutta forest, Kanakam is forced to step out of her comfort zone and face the dark truth behind a place known for “swallowing” women without a trace. The series tracks how she solves the mystery and uncovers the chilling motive behind the crimes.
Analysis:
From a Telugu OTT perspective, Constable Kanakam is a solid attempt and ranks among the better regional releases in recent times. The series is very bingeable, not because of shocking twists, but because of the curiosity to know why the women are vanishing. The unique use of crows in the narrative adds freshness and works effectively in setting the tone.
Varsha Bollamma shines as Kanakam. She plays the role of a timid constable who is even afraid of lizards, yet she comes across as relatable and believable. Megha Leka, even with her limited screen time, leaves a strong impression. Rajeev Kanakala, Srinivas Avasarala, and Ramana Bhargav provide solid support, while the villain stands out with sharp writing and a convincing motive. However, there is one noticeable gap. The villain claims the crimes began after gaining a position of unquestioned power, but the flashbacks only show three disappearances in recent years. What happened in the gap between gaining power and committing the first crime? The series never explains this.
The emotional angle between Kanakam and Chandrika could have
been stronger. Flashbacks meant to highlight their lifelong friendship fall
short and don’t fully justify their bond. The investigation itself also lacks
intensity. The sequences where new evidence is found don’t generate enough
tension. The overall plot is not completely new and while the pacing works for
a weekend binge, it never fully delivers the edge-of-the-seat thrills expected
from a mystery series.
Technical Aspects:
On the technical front, the show scores well. The
cinematography beautifully captures the green landscapes of the forest.
Dialogues carry an authentic Srikakulam flavor, adding natural charm. Suresh
Bobbili’s background score elevates many scenes and at times covers up for the
weaker writing. The editing is neat, but the overall narration could have been
sharper to create more suspense.
Verdict:
Constable Kanakam is not a high-voltage crime thriller
filled with shocking twists, but it is still a worthwhile weekend watch. The
central mystery of the disappearing women keeps you engaged, and Varsha
Bollamma’s performance makes the journey even more compelling. Strong
performances, an interesting premise with the crow element, and good technical
values hold the series together. While it doesn’t deliver big thrills, it is
definitely worth a watch.
