Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
MoreBack to News Headlines
‘Sivarapalli’ web series review: A loyal remake uplifted by solid performances

‘Sivarapalli’ web series review: A loyal remake uplifted by solid performances

The Hindu
Friday, January 24, 2025 7:45 AM GMT

‘Sivarapalli’ web series review: This Telugu remake of ‘Panchayat’ is uplifted by solid performances

While remakes are commonplace in feature films, the concept of targeting hyper-local markets using already successful material is gaining traction in the OTT space as well. The digital medium has thrived on the idea of ‘overcoming the two-inch barrier’ (subtitles), allowing stories to transcend language barriers. Yet, platforms continue to commission near frame-by-frame adaptations to attract a new set of viewers.

Over the years, villages have served as backdrops for various genres, ranging from political sagas to dramas, comedies, thrillers, action-packed entertainers, and romances. Amazon Prime Video’s eight-episode series Sivarapalli, a remake of TVF’s hit show Panchayat, takes a middle path, exploring the familiar terrain of rural drama through the perspective of an urban youngster.

Shyam Prasad (Rag Mayur) is an average, somewhat aimless Telugu youth who, by a stroke of luck, secures a government job as a panchayat secretary in the picturesque village of Sivarapalli. Hoping to clear the GMAT and move to the United States in the near future, he reluctantly accepts the role and begins his journey in an unfamiliar environment. Gradually, the village and its way of life grow on him, albeit not without a fair share of challenges along the way.

For the unversed, the show offers a light-hearted and quirky glimpse into the power dynamics and mundane routines of a fictional village. As is typical in a conventional Telugu rural drama, it steers clear of caste, religion, and political realities. Its primary aim is to explore the protagonist’s uncertainties while reflecting the essence of the region through a selection of ‘inoffensive’ issues.

A few days into his new role, Shyam finds himself in trouble for organising a government campaign with the slogan, “One who does not educate a girl child is a donkey.” He later reprimands a teacher for smoking ganja and spreading rumours about a haunted tree. Shyam also encourages the sarpanch, Suseela (Roopa Laxmi), to become literate and assists her in confidently reciting the National Anthem ahead of Republic Day.

The unlikeliest of issues cause a ruckus for Shyam — leaving him amused, bewildered, and often at a loss. The village is portrayed without romanticising or undermining its essence, striking a balance that feels refreshing and understated, especially for Telugu audiences. Free from exaggerated drama or intense emotions, the situational humour and conversational dialogues, laced with sarcasm, ensure the show moves along smoothly.

However, the resolution of social issues in the story feels overly sanitised and sugarcoated, carefully crafted not to offend anyone. The heart of the show lies in the bittersweet camaraderie between Shyam, Mitta Sudhakar (the sarpanch’s husband, played by Muralidhar Goud), and their colleagues. They stand up for one another, navigate their mood swings, and come together over drinks in the evening to momentarily forget their everyday struggles.

Read full story on The Hindu
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
BBMP seizes goods of street vendors on Church Street

Street vendors on Church Street protest against unfair seizure of goods by civic officials, demanding acknowledgment and proper procedure.

States’ report card: Chandigarh is best performer in school education, Meghalaya at the bottom

Chandigarh excels in school education, while Meghalaya lags behind in the Performance Grading Index report by Ministry of Education.

The Hindu named ‘The Champion of Digital Media Awards South Asia 2025’

The Hindu wins 10 awards at WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards South Asia 2025, including Best Use of AI and Video.

AISF protest against ‘irregularities’ by junior college

AISF leaders detained by police in Vijayawada following protest against corporate college irregularities.

Two dead, three critically injured in landslide on Kedarnath trek route

Two dead, three injured in Kedarnath landslide; officials urge caution for Char Dham pilgrims in Uttarakhand.

Former MLA P.J. Francis passes away

Former MLA P.J. Francis, known as a "giant killer," passed away at 88 due to age-related ailments in Alappuzha.

BIS launches programme for science teachers on learning science via standards

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — Madurai, on Wednesday, launched a two-days residential training programme on ‘Learning science via standards,’ for science teachers of BIS Standard Clubs.

BJP, Trinamool wage war of words over West Bengal’s revised OBC list

Trinamool Congress and BJP clash over new OBC list in West Bengal, sparking heated debate and accusations.

Defending Saharanpur MP Imran Masood’s remarks, U.P. Congress chief says the INDIA bloc is united

Uttar Pradesh Congress president clarifies Imran Masood's statements, confirms Congress-SP alliance for 2027 Assembly election.

Pandarachira canal in West Kochi to be restored with international funding

Kochi Corporation's ₹100-crore project to restore Pandarachira canal with international funding aims to prevent pollution and flooding.

Don’t fall prey to fraudsters promising medical seats, says Minister

Medical Education Minister warns against fraudulent middlemen promising guaranteed medical seats, urging aspirants to follow official procedures to avoid scams.

Modi’s tele-conversation with Trump exposed ‘lies’ of Congress: BJP

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya exposes Congress lies on Modi-Trump call, Operation Sindoor, and foreign policy.

911 houses damaged due to natural calamities in Dakshina Kannada since April: DDMA

Natural calamities damage 911 houses in Dakshina Kannada, prompting action from District Disaster Management Authority.

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
Warangal students win $5,000 in prestigious Generative AI Hackathon

Pavushetty Yashwanth Krishna and Eesha Belladi of KITSW win IBM Generative AI Hackathon with innovative Content Hub project.

Metro Rail slaps ₹1 cr. fine on contractor, removes four staff after girder crash

Chennai Metro Rail fines contractor ₹1 crore for girder crash, leading to death; responsible persons removed from project.

Delhi’s public libraries struggling with neglect and lack of funds

Neglected public libraries in Delhi struggle with poor infrastructure, limited resources, and lack of funding for revival.

BSNL soft-launches SIM-less, 100% home-grown 5G fixed-wireless service ‘Quantum 5G FWA’

BSNL launches high-speed connectivity solutions in Telangana, including 5G FWA, Micro Data Centre, and International Gateway in Hyderabad.

U.S. top court upholds ban on gender-affirming care for minors

U.S. Supreme Court upholds Tennessee law banning gender-affirming treatments for transgender minors, sparking cultural debate.

TNPL | Sensational Surya wins it for Madurai Panthers

Surya Anand's hat-trick and four-wicket over leads Siechem Madurai Panthers to victory in TNPL match.

Extraction will start in six sand blocks in non-CRZ areas soon: Dinesh Gundu Rao

Sand extraction to begin in non-CRZ areas in Dakshina Kannada district, with focus on monitoring and legal framework.

Two Congress MLAs jailed for blocking Jaipur road in 2014

Two Congress MLAs and seven others sentenced to one-year imprisonment for unlawful assembly and road blockage in Rajasthan.

State governments duty-bound to provide judicial infrastructure without citing excuses, says Madras High Court

Madras High Court orders Tamil Nadu government to provide required judicial infrastructure, disregarding financial constraints, for TNSCDRC.

Karnataka to roll out Hepatitis B vaccination drive for healthcare workers

Karnataka Health Department to vaccinate 56,000 healthcare workers against Hepatitis B with two lakh vaccine doses.

Leaders close to CM Nitish Kumar blocking his son’s entry into politics, says Tejashwi Yadav

Tejashwi Yadav accuses Bihar CM's aides of nepotism, preventing Nishant Kumar from entering politics, criticizes PM Modi's visit.

Will act against sale of substandard seeds, pesticides, says Agriculture Minister

Union Agriculture Minister plans to amend Seeds and Pesticides Acts to protect farmers from substandard inputs, ensuring quality control.

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us