Constable Kanakam Web Series Review: A Gripping Telugu Thriller with Flaws and Strengths

Constable Kanakam: A Telugu Crime Thriller

The Telugu entertainment industry has been making significant strides in the OTT space delivering compelling web series that cater to diverse audiences. Among the latest offerings is Constable Kanakam a suspense thriller that premiered on ETV Win on August 14, 2025. Directed by Prasanth Kumar Dimmala and featuring Varsha Bollamma in the titular role this six-episode series has garnered attention for its intriguing premise strong performances and a controversial backstory.

A Tale of Mystery and Courage

Constable Kanakam is set in the 1990s in Repalle a fictional village near Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh. The story revolves around Kanakamahalakshmi fondly called Kanakam (played by Varsha Bollamma) a young and determined woman who joins the local police station as the only female constable. The village is plagued by a chilling mystery. Young women mysteriously disappear every full moon particularly near a forbidden forest hill known as Adivi Gutta. When Kanakam’s close friend Chandrika (Megha Lekha) becomes the latest victim Kanakam takes it upon herself to unravel the truth defying opposition from her colleagues and seniors.

The narrative follows Kanakam’s investigation as she navigates a web of secrets local superstitions and hidden motives. The series introduces elements of black magic adding a layer of intrigue to the crime thriller format. As Kanakam digs deeper she uncovers shocking revelations about the disappearances confronting both external challenges and internal conflicts within the police station. The six-episode arc builds towards a climactic twist with the final two episodes delivering the most engaging moments.

The plot while rooted in a familiar "missing girls" trope attempts to stand out by blending suspense horror and drama. However the pacing and narrative choices have sparked mixed reactions which we’ll explore further in this review.

Performances: Varsha Bollamma Shines Supported by a Strong Ensemble

One of the standout aspects of Constable Kanakam is its cast with Varsha Bollamma leading the charge. Known for her roles in films like Middle Class Melodies and Thammudu Varsha brings a natural charm and emotional depth to Kanakam. Her portrayal captures the character’s innocence determination and vulnerability making Kanakam a relatable and inspiring protagonist. While her performance is consistently engaging some reviews note that her character arc feels underdeveloped particularly in how she approaches the investigation. Despite this Varsha’s ability to convey fear courage and resolve makes her the emotional anchor of the series.

Rajeev Kanakala playing the head constable delivers a stellar performance that many critics have hailed as the highlight of the series. His nuanced portrayal adds depth to the narrative balancing authority with subtle layers of complexity. Megha Lekha as Chandrika brings charm and energy to her role though her screen time is limited. The friendship between Kanakam and Chandrika is meant to be a core emotional thread but some scenes feel forced or overly dramatic which slightly undermines their chemistry.

Technical Aspects: Visuals, Music and Production

Cinematography:

Sriram Mukkapati’s cinematography captures the rustic charm of Repalle with night scenes and forest sequences standing out. However repetitive shots and lacklustre framing in some episodes dilute the visual appeal. The authentic village setting is a plus but the visuals could have been more dynamic.

Background Music:

Suresh Bobbili’s background score is a major strength elevating the suspense and horror elements. The music enhances emotional beats and compensates for weaker scenes earning praise across reviews. It’s particularly effective in the forest sequences creating a haunting atmosphere.

Editing and Production:

The editing handled by Gullapalli Madhav Kumar is a weak link. The series suffers from noticeable lag especially in the first half and tighter editing could have improved the pacing. The production values backed by Kovelamudi Satya Saibaba and Veturi Hemanth Kumar are impressive with rich visuals and authentic costumes. However the budget seems unevenly distributed with some scenes lacking polish.

Controversy: The Plagiarism Allegations

Constable Kanakam was embroiled in controversy when director Prasanth Dimmala accused the makers of Viraatapalem PC Meena Reporting (streaming on Zee5) of plagiarising his story. While both series feature female constables solving village mysteries reviews suggest they differ in narrative setting and execution. The controversy generated pre-release buzz but also raised expectations that the series struggled to meet. The makers reportedly altered the script to differentiate it from Viraatapalem, focusing on black magic and a distinct village backdrop.

Comparison with Other Telugu Web Series

Compared to other Telugu OTT releases like Paruvu, Vikkatakavi and Bahishkarana Constable Kanakam holds its own in terms of production quality but falls short in narrative innovation. While Paruvu excels in tight storytelling and Bahishkarana offers intense drama Constable Kanakam struggles with pacing and predictability. However its focus on a female lead and regional authenticity gives it an edge in cultural representation.

Why Watch Constable Kanakam?

Constable Kanakam is worth watching for its strong performances particularly by Varsha Bollamma and Rajeev Kanakala, and its atmospheric background score. Fans of suspense thrillers and Telugu cinema will appreciate the rural setting and black magic elements. However those expecting a fast-paced twist-heavy thriller may find it underwhelming due to its slow start and familiar plot. It’s a breezy watch at six episodes ideal for viewers who enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of mystery.

Constable Kanakam is a mixed bag a Telugu web series with a promising premise that doesn’t fully live up to its potential. The strong performances, excellent background score and engaging climax are its biggest assets but the slow pacing predictable plot and underdeveloped characters hold it back. It’s a decent one-time watch for fans of crime thrillers especially those who enjoy women-centric narratives. The series sets up a potential second season which could address its shortcomings if the makers focus on tighter storytelling and deeper character arcs.