Mumbai : In the Netflix series, Rana Naidu, the real-life uncle-nephew duo of Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubati portray a gangster father-son duo in a crime series adapted from the popular American show Ray Donovan. The show brings the Sacred Games and Mirzapur vibes in terms of gore, profanity, action, and sex, and offers a depiction of sheer realism and power-packed performances. The Suparn Verma-Karan Anshuman directorial is designed for audiences who like to experiment with genres and enhance their binge-watching experience. The series explores the dark side of showbiz and wealthy businessmen and their interlinking with the underworld.
Rana Naidu’s story of a dysfunctional Naidu family from Hyderabad set against the backdrop of Mumbai is far more exciting, and the series provides a fresh take on marital tensions. The big bad world of metropolitan urban rich sets the perfect pace for the show, which includes issues such as handling teenage children with utmost honesty, dealing with grown-up problems, and showcasing how a family of gangsters with a dark past sticks together.
The relationship between Rana and Surveen Chawla, as on-screen husband and wife, is one of the best parts of the series. Apart from their acting prowess, their sizzling chemistry makes them look convincing as a couple who are very much in love. Surveen’s portrayal of sexuality is fearless, and Rana’s scenes with Venkatesh give insight into these flawed characters. All actors involved transport viewers to a larger-than-life yet human world.
The series deals with LGBTQ, child abuse, and teenage infatuation with sensitivity. Surveen’s scenes with her kids going through hormonal changes and consoling a victim of child abuse have been filmed with sensitivity, making for a great cinematic achievement in balancing a noir-drama with emotional aspects. While Rana Naidu is engaging, it cannot be denied that sex and violence have been the easiest way for filmmakers to attract viewership. The series is meant for those who are fond of noir and edgy series and not for those seeking light-hearted slice-of-life escapism.
Overall, Rana Naidu is a realistic and superbly acted series that showcases the harsh realities of life through dramatic twists and turns. Although it is not for everyone, it will be loved by a section of audiences who enjoy crime, action, and sex. Rana Naidu is streaming on Netflix in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam languages from March 10, 2023.
