Mathagam is a Tamil web series, available in Disney Hotstar, directed by Prasath Murugesan and produced by Screen Entertainments. it is a promising series that starts off with a strong and organic opening, but unfortunately falls short in delivering a satisfying plot. The series revolves around a birthday party organized by Manikandan’s character, Padaalam Sekar, who invites every goon in the city to pass on a potentially dangerous plan. Meanwhile, the protagonist, DCP Ashwath, played by Atharvaa, and his team are trying to stop Sekar’s plans. The anticipation of what the party is about and what the plan entails is what keeps the audience engaged.
However, the frustration sets in when the first season, consisting of five episodes, only provides a glimpse of what could possibly happen. The announcement of the series, stating “The party has begun!”, is misleading as the actual party and its consequences are not showcased. This decision to withhold the crucial episodes for a second part of season one undermines the efforts put into the content. The final episode also ends abruptly, leaving the viewers disappointed and unsatisfied.
The series excels in its portrayal of the main characters and their development throughout the season. The struggle of a postpartum mother and the complexities of a lived-in couple are depicted convincingly. However, the constant introduction of side characters becomes overwhelming, especially in the limited runtime of the series. This approach would have been better suited for a longer format narrative with more episodes to explore each character in depth.
Director Prasath Murugesan’s ability to extract subtle performances from the actors sets Mathagam apart from other OTT content. However, there are moments where the actors resort to manufactured punchlines, which feel out of place. Manikandan delivers a convincing portrayal of the brain-over-brawn gangster, while Nikhila Vimal shines with her seamless portrayal of her character.
Overall, Mathagam starts off strong but fails to deliver a satisfying plot due to the incomplete nature of the first season. The detailed and well-drawn characters are overshadowed by the rushed and half-hearted plot. It feels like a missed opportunity to explore the crime world that the series is built upon. Hopefully, future seasons will rectify these shortcomings and provide a more fulfilling viewing experience.
