Rana Naidu Season 1 Review: Is It Worth Watching Before Season 2 Arrives?
With Rana Naidu Season 2 set to premiere on June 13th, 2023, many might be wondering if catching up on Season 1, released in 2023, is a worthwhile endeavor. The reviewer, having missed the initial release, dedicated three days to watch all 10 episodes on Netflix, each averaging 45 minutes, to prepare for the upcoming season. This dedicated review aims to share insights and invites those who have already watched it to compare notes.
Overall Impression: A Mixed Bag of Engagement
In summary, the reviewer found the last three episodes of Rana Naidu Season 1 to be genuinely engaging and well-executed. However, the first seven episodes were largely boring, with the suggestion that about 10 minutes could have been trimmed from each. Overall, the series felt average. Despite the slow start, a connection to the family was established by the climax, though the reviewer felt more emotional depth could have further enhanced it. The initial six or seven episodes left a strong impression that “Rana Naidu” should have been titled “Don’t Come Naidu” (Ravaddu Naidu).
A Strict Warning: Not for Family Viewing
A crucial point highlighted is that Rana Naidu Season 1 is emphatically not suitable for family viewing. The series is described as being excessively filled with “vulgar words” and “adult content.” This content, even involving a child character, often felt forcibly inserted and unnecessary in nearly every episode. Therefore, it is deemed “literally impossible to watch with family.”
The Story Unveiled: Crime, Family, and a Father’s Return
The general storyline centers on Rana Naidu, one of the brothers in a family, who confidentially resolves problems for famous individuals. This line of work increasingly pulls him into criminal activities, which in turn profoundly impacts his family. The plot thickens with the return of his father, Naga Naidu (portrayed by Venkatesh), from jail after a 15-year incarceration. The central questions explore the new problems Naga Naidu brings, the reasons behind his 15-year imprisonment, and the ultimate fate of the family.
Performances and Character Analysis
Rana Daggubati’s performance stands out as a highlight, maintaining maximum screen presence throughout the series. Venkatesh, as Naga Naidu, appears intermittently, with more significant screen time in the final episodes. While Venkatesh delivered a solid performance, the reviewer felt he was often depicted in a diminished light, which was not entirely satisfying. However, his character’s elevation at the very end was appreciated.
Other supporting characters, including Rana’s wife, children, brothers, team, and notably his paternal uncle Surya, featured limited but well-defined characterizations. Conversely, some roles, such as the wife’s misunderstandings or a character attempting to control Rana, were deemed unnecessary, with the reviewer suggesting their removal could eliminate a substantial portion of unneeded scenes.
Pacing and Content Issues: A Dragged-Out Narrative
The pacing was a significant concern. The core story of Naga’s imprisonment and motivations could have been told efficiently within two, or at most three, hours. Instead, conversations in the first seven episodes were prolonged for hours. Even the supposedly “good” final episodes, while engaging, didn’t offer a vast story, relying primarily on suspense.
A notable content issue was the perception that “adult content” frequently overshadowed the main narrative, making the core story feel secondary. Engaging content was consistently limited across the series.
Technical Aspects
Regarding the technical elements, the Background Music (BGM) was considered “okay.” However, the Cinematography received high praise for being “very good,” showcasing rich interior and exterior locations.
Episode-by-Episode Breakdown: Navigating the Series
- Episode 1 (58 minutes): Starts well, slowly introducing key characters. It’s engaging and sets up the father-son conflict, with Rana Daggubati shining.
- Episode 2 (48 minutes): This episode created apprehension, making the reviewer wonder how to endure the remaining eight, as progress was mostly driven by dialogue without much detail.
- Episode 3 (48 minutes): A slight improvement, offering some engagement, connecting plot points, and setting up the next episode effectively.
- Episode 4 (40 minutes): Decent. Explores a relationship forming between one of the brothers and a doctor, and delves into why Naga went to jail.
- Episode 5 (47 minutes): Lacks substantial content, save for a family quarrel at the end and the entry of the CBI. Venkatesh’s character continues to be portrayed in a diminished light.
- Episode 6 (52 minutes): Reveals the main reason for Naga’s incarceration and the plan against him. The rest of the episode is described as “chatter.”
- Episode 7 (48 minutes): Acceptable. An emotional episode commemorating a deceased sister’s birthday, featuring a poignant BGM and the uncle’s arrival in Mumbai.
- Episode 8 (45 minutes): Fully engaging with compelling drama, providing a sense of relief that at least one episode was consistently captivating.
- Episode 9 (43 minutes): Good, but “fully dragged.” This episode sheds light on Rana’s suffering.
- Episode 10 (42 minutes): Offers a good and reasonable conclusion, ending with a clear hint for Season 2 and the potential return of Naga Naidu.
Final Verdict and Rating: An Average Watch with Patience Required
The series’ strength lies in its final three episodes. However, viewers must possess considerable patience to navigate the slow and dull initial seven episodes to reach the more engaging conclusion. For those interested in witnessing the performances of this star-studded cast in an OTT series, it might be worth a one-time watch. Ultimately, Rana Naidu Season 1 is an “average” series, receiving a personal rating of 2.5 out of 5 from the reviewer.
Season 2 on the Horizon
Rana Naidu Season 2 is scheduled to release on Netflix on June 13th, at 12:30 PM. Season 1 concludes with a strong indication that Naga Naidu may indeed return soon, setting the stage for the next installment.
