Newsense[3] is a Telugu-language web series that is directed by Sri Pravin Kumar[4] and stars Navdeep[5] and Bindu Madhavi.[6][7] It was produced by People Media Factory for Aha and premiered on May 12, 2023. Newsense has been praised for its strong performances, its sharp writing, and its timely subject matter. The series has also been a commercial success, with over 200 million[8] streaming minutes in its first month.
| Newsense | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Political drama[1] |
| Created by | Sri Prawin Kumar |
| Directed by | Sri Prawin Kumar |
| Music by | Suresh Bobblli |
| Country of origin | India |
| Original language | Telugu |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Producers | T. G. Vishwa Prasad Vivek Kuchibhotla |
| Editor | Srinivas Bainaboyina |
| Production company | People Media Factory |
| Original release | |
| Network | Aha |
| Release | 12 May 2023[2] – present |
Cast
edit- Navdeep as Shiva
- Bindu Madhavi as Neela
- Ramesh Konambhotla as Eswar
- Mahima Srinivas
- Shelly Nabu Kumar
- Nanda Gopal
Plot
editThe series revolves around the lines of “Dabbuki Media Daasohama” where a young journalist named Shiva(Navdeep) who is trying to make a name for himself in the world of media. He gets a job at a new news channel called Newsense, which is run by a ruthless businessman. Shiva and his journalist friends make money unethically in Madanapally by publishing false news stories and colluding with local politicians who control the town.
Shiva is faced with a difficult choice: he can either stay silent and keep his job, or he can speak out against Siddhartha and risk losing everything. He eventually decides to speak out, and his actions lead to a series of events that shake the foundations of the media industry.
Episodes
edit| No. | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Fourth Estate" | |
|
MLA Karunakaran Reddy and his party members are involved in election campaigning, while journalist Shiva is engaged in taking settlements. Ayyappa, who has a land issue, visits Shiva to file a complaint with the press club. Amidst all this, will shiva help him in seeking justice? | ||
| 2 | "Whitewash" | |
|
Karunakar Reddy punishes Subbayya's grand-daughter for defacing his political poster with mud water. She demands that the press club reveal her grandfather's killers. Meanwhile, Shiva arrives at the channel office to meet Neela. Will their encounter shed light on the mystery surrounding Subbayya's death? | ||
| 3 | "Coverage" | |
|
Ayyappa passes away as his land issue remained unresolved, and the journalist Shiva takes on the case. Shiva investigates the circumstances surrounding Ayyappa's death, gathering evidence and following the leads. During the investigation, Shiva comes across some surprising clues that lead the case in unexpected directions. What are these clues? | ||
| 4 | "Limelight" | |
|
Shiva reflects on the death of Ayyappa following a fake encounter, prompting a significant shift in his thinking. Ayyappa's wife's words stay with him, causing him to confront his past. However, Nagireddy sends people to attack Shiva, putting his survival in question. Will Shiva be able to make it out alive? | ||
| 5 | "The Glare" | |
|
In the aftermath of Nagareddy's attack, Shiva is hospitalized and Suvarchala visits him. The new police sub-inspector, Edwin, arrests Karunakar Reddy's associates. While investigating, Shiva discovers a dead body with an unknown identity and cause of death. | ||
| 6 | "Watch Dog" | |
|
Inspector Edwin tightens things up at the press club and with MLA Karunakar Reddy after taking charge. Karunakar Reddy and Shiva team up and plan something unexpected. Can Edwin come out of it? | ||
Soundtrack
editThe film score and soundtrack album of the film is composed by Suresh Bobbili. The music rights were acquired by Aditya Music.[9]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Myneeru Pillagada" | Penchal Das | Hari Teja | 3:22 |
Reception
editNewsense garnered mixed reviews. 123telugu.com rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars,[10] praising the performances but criticizing its slow pace and weak plot. The Hindu gave it 3 out of 5 stars,[11] commending the sharp writing and thought-provoking themes, but noting inconsistent execution. Times of india rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars,[12] appreciating its realistic portrayal of the media industry but finding it too long. Telangana Today rated it 3 out of 5 stars,[13] highlighting the interesting premise but noting slow pacing and lack of direction.
Various news outlets covered different aspects of Newsense. The trailer was described as dark and gritty by Times of India. Navdeep, in an interview with Cinema Express, praised the series for exploring important themes. An article by Koimoi focused on director Sri Pravin's aim to challenge audience thinking. Times Now News highlighted the series' strong performances and thought-provoking themes, as well as its achievement of 200 million streaming minutes. The Hans India published a PR article celebrating its commercial success and critical acclaim.
Overall, Newsense received mixed reviews, with praise for performances and themes, but criticism for pacing, execution, and direction. Despite this, the series achieved commercial success and resonated with current times.
References
edit- ^ "Newsense Web Series Review: Navdeep, Bindu Madhavi Earnest Act Add Depth To This Political Drama". Zoom TV. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Govardhan, Maragani. "Newsense OTT Release: న్యూసెన్స్ ఓటీటీ రిలీజ్ డేట్ ఫిక్స్.. ఎప్పుడొస్తుందంటే?". Hindustantimes Telugu (in Telugu). Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "'Newsense' Telugu Trailer: Navdeep, Bindu Madhavi Starrer 'Newsense' Official Trailer". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ IANS (22 March 2023). "Newsense Season 1 Director Sri Pravin Says, "The Series Is A Searing Look At The Harsh Realities..." Raising Important Questions About The Role Of Media In Society". Koimoi. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ "Navdeep: Newsense is definitely relevant to the times we are living in". Cinema Express. 9 May 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ "Newsense Web Series Review: Navdeep, Bindu Madhavi Bring Out The Ugly Truth Of Political Journalism". TimesNow. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ "Newsense Review: న్యూసెన్స్ రివ్యూ.. మీడియా బ్యాక్ డ్రాప్ పొలిటికల్ డ్రామాలో ట్విస్టులు". News18 Telugu (in Telugu). 12 May 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ Sistu, Suhas (11 June 2023). "OTT: Aha's 'Newsense' reaches 200 million streaming minutes". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ "Newsense | Song - Myneeru Pillagada". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "OTT Review: Newsense S1: Telugu web series on Aha". 123telugu.com. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ "'Newsense' Telugu web series review: Navdeep embraces the grey shades in this partially gritty tale of media and politics". The Hindu. 12 May 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ "Newsense Season 1 Review : An intriguing series exploring the nexus between politics and journalism". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ Today, Telangana (13 May 2023). "Newsense Web Series Review: Good story but bad execution". Telangana Today. Retrieved 28 June 2023.