Filmy4wap : Hostel Days (Telugu Web Series) Review: A College Life Journey with Mixed Moments
Starring: Darahas Maturu, Akshay Lagusani, Mouli Tanuj Prasanth, Anannyaa Akulaa, Aishwarya Hollakal, Jaiyetri Makana
Director: Aditya Mandala
Producer: Anurabh Kumar
Music Director: Sidhartha Sadasivuni
Cinematographer: Fahad Abdul Majeed
Editor: Vinay
Streaming on: Prime Video
The popular Hindi web series Hostel Daze has been adapted into Telugu as Hostel Days, directed by Aditya Mandala. Now streaming on Prime Video, let’s dive into how well the show captures the essence of hostel life.
Storyline:
Hostel Days revolves around six engineering students navigating the ups and downs of hostel life. Sai (Darahas Maturu), Chitharanjan Bhattacharya (Mouli), and Naveen Yadav (Akshay Lagusani) are roommates trying to make the best of their college years. After four years of struggle, Theppa finally secures his admission. The story also includes Kavya (Aishwarya Hollakal) and Rithika (Jaiyetri Makana), who have distinct personalities that add to the group dynamic. The series follows the events and experiences these six students encounter during their time in the hostel.
Positives:
For those familiar with hostel life, the show is quite relatable, evoking memories of their own experiences. While the series has its shortcomings, it succeeds in capturing some of the authentic aspects of hostel life. The cameos by Jhansi and Rajeev Kanakala are handled well, adding a pleasant touch to the series.
One of the standout elements is Sai’s character. Many viewers will find themselves relating to Sai, and Darahas Maturu’s authentic portrayal of this character is a major highlight. His performance adds sincerity and depth to the series. The show picks up pace in the mid-episodes, particularly when Sai’s love story takes center stage. These scenes are filled with cute and heartwarming moments that make the narrative more engaging.
The final episode, where the students cram for their M1 exam just the day before, is both humorous and entertaining. Mouli Tanuj Prasanth, known for his comedic social media presence, shines with a strong performance. The rest of the cast, including Akshay Lagusani, Anannyaa Akulaa, Aishwarya Hollakal, and Jaiyetri Makana, deliver solid performances in their respective roles.
Drawbacks:
The series gets off to a slow start, with the first two episodes feeling sluggish and uneventful. Some early scenes, such as those depicting ragging, lack excitement and feel repetitive.
While younger audiences might not be bothered by the use of cuss words, these elements could limit the show’s appeal to broader demographics. Additionally, Mouli Tanuj Prasanth’s screen time feels too limited, leaving viewers wishing for more of his entertaining presence.
The humor in the show is hit or miss. While some jokes land effectively, others, particularly in the second episode titled The Rakshakudu, fall flat and fail to elicit the intended laughter. The character development could have also been handled better, allowing for deeper audience engagement.
Technical Aspects:
Sidhartha Sadasivuni’s music fits well within the show, featuring a song that resonates with viewers. The cinematography by Fahad Abdul Majeed is commendable, providing a clean and crisp visual experience. The production values are decent, and the editing picks up significantly from the third episode onwards.
Aditya Mandala’s direction is competent, and his effort to explore the female lead’s inner journey, where she strives to live on her terms, is noteworthy. However, the first two episodes could have been more refined. While the humor is enjoyable at times, it doesn’t consistently hit the mark.
Verdict:
Overall, Hostel Days has its share of enjoyable moments, particularly from the mid-point onward. The cast delivers commendable performances, but the series only gains momentum after the initial episodes. While some comedic elements work, others do not, resulting in an overall experience that is entertaining but not extraordinary. It’s an okay watch for the weekend, especially for those who enjoy college-themed content.