The intrigue surrounding the pursuit of undeniable truths or the challenge of their existence remains a captivating aspect of well-crafted investigative thrillers. Following the footsteps of series like Suzhal: The Vortex and Vadhandhi: The Fable of Velonie, Prime Video introduces another Tamil long-format police procedural destined to captivate audiences. However, ‘Inspector Rishi’ distinguishes itself by intertwining its investigative narrative with folk horror elements, creating an uncommon hybrid genre ripe for storytelling.
As the series creator, Nandhini JS, acknowledges, this mixing of genres is not only intriguing but also presents a delightful backdrop, especially when dealing with the supernatural and its inherently subjective nature. Taking place in the dense forests of Thaenkaadu, near Coimbatore, the local populace is terrorized by a string of baffling murders. Each victim is discovered upon a tree, shrouded in the glowing green threads spun by an enigmatic web-spinner insect, yet conspicuously devoid of any external wounds, or signs of violence.
The local lore attributes these heinous crimes to a spectral entity known as the vanaratchi – a spirit believed to inhabit the forest. Nonetheless, Rishi Nandhan, a determined crime branch inspector portrayed by Naveen Chandra, suspects otherwise. Leading the investigation, Rishi contends that a more malevolent human conspiracy might be at work, using the myth of the vanaratchi to either mislead the authorities or to convey a more sinister ultimatum.
His allies in this quest include Forest officer Sathya (played by the skilled Srikrishna Dayal) and forester Irfan (Kumaravel), who, in their duty to safeguard the ecologically vital Thaenkaadu from poachers, now face the added burden of aiding in the murder investigations. Even as other characters, including two female guards Kathy (Sunainaa) and Selvi (Saranya Ravichandran), swear to have witnessed the apparition, Rishi and his team remain skeptical.
As the plot thickens with more unexplainable deaths and witness accounts of supernatural events, Rishi’s logical deductions fall into chaos. Accompanied by sub-inspectors Chitra Lokesh (Malini Jeevarathnam) and Ayyanar Moorthy (Kanna Ravi), he faces a torrent of other dilemmas, which includes confronting his past traumas and battling severe migraines, a remnant of an accident that cost him an eye.
Nandhini crafts an intricate and layered screenplay, allowing viewers to delve into the personal lives and tribulations of the characters. Ayyanar’s fractured marriage and Chitra’s struggles as a queer woman coping with heartbreak and trauma are given significant focus. Despite this, the shift into these personal stories occasionally overshadows the central horror narrative, especially noticeable after the series’ first two compelling episodes.
One of the series’ more notable achievements is the meaningful storyline granted to Chitra, whose portrayal by debutant actor Malini is both poignant and moving. A particular moment stands out, explaining how the ostracized vanaratchi also serves as a metaphor for those marginalized by society for their non-conformity.
Unique to Tamil horror, the vanaratchi is a refreshing spectral figure, revitalizing a genre often laden with cliché jump scares. However, while horror aficionados may find satisfaction in this series, those seeking a riveting investigative narrative might feel let down. The deductive prowess of Rishi occasionally takes a backseat, reacting rather than proactively solving the enigma, reducing the series to a more predictable experience despite a few clever twists near the conclusion.
Nevertheless, ‘Inspector Rishi’ doesn’t strive for genre redefining brilliance. Midway through the series, it becomes evident that Nandhini has embraced a more traditional form of storytelling. The significant reveals and cliché callbacks established later in the series confirm this methodical approach.
What ‘Inspector Rishi’ brings to the table is its refreshing take on familiar territory, steering clear of lofty ambitions or convoluted plots. It’s an old-school ode that embraces its genre with simplicity and finesse. The engaging performances, top-tier production design, and fitting musical score make consuming the ten episodes an effortless journey.
‘Inspector Rishi’ is currently available for streaming on Prime Video, where it weaves its narrative in the rich tapestry of Tamil cinema and television, offering its viewers a chance to immerse themselves in mystery and the echoes of Indian folklore.
