Devika & Danny OTT Review: A Promising Tale Let Down by Its Pace, But Ritu Varma Saves the Day
Devika & Danny, now streaming on JioCinema-Hotstar, is a Telugu fantasy drama led by the talented Ritu Varma. Directed by B. Kishore of Sreekaram fame, the story revolves around Devika, a small-town schoolteacher forced into an unwanted engagement, who finds herself caught up in a mysterious journey with a man named Danny (Surya Vasishta).
The series starts slow, setting up a regressive village backdrop where societal expectations weigh heavily on Devika. Her encounter with Danny brings intrigue, but the narrative struggles to maintain that spark. While Surya Vasishta and Shiva Kandukuri add depth to their roles, the show delays entering its core plot, wasting precious screen time.
The real highlight is Ritu Varma’s compelling performance. Her transition from a restrained teacher to a determined woman fighting norms is portrayed with nuance and strength. Supporting roles by Subbaraju and Kovai Sarala bring some relief, but the series suffers from a lack of engaging pacing and overused tropes.
Visually, the series scores well with earthy tones, soothing cinematography, and strong production values by Joy Films. While the music and dialogue are solid, tighter editing and earlier introduction of key plot elements could’ve made a huge difference.
➤ Verdict:
Devika & Danny is watchable for their performances, especially by Ritu Varma. However, the slow pacing and predictable subplots might test your patience. The fantasy elements arrive too late to leave an impact, but if you’re a fan of female-led stories and rural settings, it’s worth a try.
