Ayyana Mane web series review: Interesting premise let down by dated treatment

Still from Ayyana Mane

The Kannada film industry, after making a strong mark nationally with blockbuster films like KGF and Kantara, has now ventured into the web series arena with Ayyana Mane. Rooted deeply in the region's cultural ethos, this debut series had all the ingredients for an engaging supernatural thriller. Unfortunately, despite its intriguing premise, the execution feels dated and reminiscent of early 2000s television dramas.

Set in the 1990s in Chikkamagaluru, Ayyana Mane tells the story of Jaaji (Kushee Ravi), a cheerful young woman who marries Dushyanta (Akshay Nayak) and moves into his ancestral home. The house, overseen by her strict mother-in-law Nagalambike (Manasi Sudhir), holds a sinister history that Jaaji is initially unaware of. On her first day itself, tragedy strikes as her father-in-law dies of a heart attack, leading some family members to view her as an ill omen. Soon, Jaaji discovers that the house is believed to be cursed, with previous daughters-in-law having met mysterious deaths. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a journey to unravel whether the threat lurking in the shadows is human or supernatural.

What works and does not work

Director Ramesh Indira builds an atmospheric setup - an old, ancestral home, an ominous deity believed to protect the family, and a small-town superstition that feels authentic to Chikkamagaluru's setting. The premise is strong, believable, and initially manages to hook the viewer.

However, the narrative suffers from a heavy influence of television-style storytelling, a possible hangover from Indira's and producer Shruti Naidu's extensive background in TV soaps. The series often struggles with pacing, lacking the sharpness and narrative complexity that contemporary web series audiences expect.

While the mystery element is sustained to some extent, the storytelling remains largely straightforward. There are no major twists or jaw-dropping reveals that are typically essential to a gripping murder mystery. This predictability dulls the tension that the premise promises.

The web series format ideally offers space to explore characters in depth, but Ayyana Mane underutilizes this advantage. Despite its six episodes (around 20 minutes each), the writing fails to flesh out the many characters living under the cursed roof. Their motivations and histories remain largely unexplored, limiting emotional investment from the audience.

Cinematographer Rahul Roy makes a commendable attempt to create an eerie atmosphere with thoughtful framing and unconventional camera angles. His efforts lend the series occasional moments of genuine suspense, but they aren't enough to elevate the overall experience.

Kushee Ravi shines in the lead role, transitioning convincingly from a timid newlywed to a determined woman fighting for her survival. Manasi Sudhir delivers a strong performance as the enigmatic mother-in-law, maintaining an aura of mystery throughout. The supporting male cast also lends credible support, though their roles are restricted by the script's limitations.

Final verdict

In conclusion, Ayyana Mane is a sincere but flawed attempt at creating a regional web series grounded in folklore and mystery. With a stronger, more modern treatment, it could have been a standout debut for Kannada content in the OTT space. As it stands, it remains a passable watch for those interested in small-town mysteries but falls short of its true potential.