A Review of Beetal: Netflix's Innovative Zombie Series

Beetal, a new Netflix original series, takes the horror genre to a fresh and thrilling level. Fueled by suspense, action, and a well-crafted storyline, it stands as a significant addition to the Indian web series market. Dive into a chilling tale that combines classic horror elements with modern narrative techniques, introduced by the creators of Goa Gone Gone.

Plot Overview and Characters

The series unfolds in a remote Indian village, which is being developed through a tunnel that cuts through a cursed mountain, the Beetal Mountain. This mountain is steeped in dark history, with a lingering curse dating back to British East India Company times and a Lieutenant Colonel named John Lynedoch, a respected soldier and practitioner of black magic. Lynedoch's ultimate sacrifice preserves the Beetal curse for generations to come.

The main characters, the Baaz Squad, are hired to clear the village and prepare it for the tunnel's construction. The team faces unexpected challenges and horrors as they navigate through the cursed land, battling the undead in the form of Beetal. The series offers a blend of traditional zombie characteristics and unique plot twists that set it apart from mainstream zombie narratives.

Character Highlight: Puniya and Sanvi

Manjiri Pupala portrays Puniya and Syna Anand portrays Sanvi, both of whom stand out among the cast. Their performances add depth and authenticity to the story, making the viewers feel the tension and drama more profoundly. Their character arcs are well-written and engaging, providing a strong emotional foundation for the series.

Technical Aspect and Visuals

Directed by Patrick Graham, the same director behind Ghoul, Beetal delivers a commendable effort. The series leverages contemporary VFX to create horrific yet visually stunning scenes. The use of red eyes for the zombies adds an extra layer of fear and intrigue, making these creatures genuinely frightening. The cinematography, directed by Shrinivas Achary and Tanay Satam, further enhances the overall viewing experience.

Direction and Plot

The direction and plot structure receive mixed reviews. While Patrick Graham does a decent job, the plot can sometimes feel predictable. The story is well-organized, but there are moments where the narrative focus shifts, potentially leaving some viewers feeling unsatisfied. Regardless, Beetal holds viewers' interest, especially from the second episode onwards. The engagement of the audience is crucial in the horror genre, and Beetal manages to maintain it through its well-executed horror scenes and suspenseful storytelling.

Production and Release

Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, this four-episode series is a Netflix original and a decent attempt at bringing a fresh perspective to the zombie genre in Indian cinema. The creators' vision and the overall production quality suggest that Beetal is a promising start for the series. The predictability of the plot is somewhat compensated for by the impressive plotline that sets the stage for a potential follow-up season.

Conclusion

For fans of the dark and horror genre, Beetal is highly recommended. The series offers a blend of good performances, effective VFX, and a well-crafted tale that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. While it's not perfect, it is a formidable entry in the Indian zombie series market. For a detailed review, visit our blog, [Your Blog Link Here].

Rating: 3.5 out of 5