Hi friends! Today we are talking about the latest Telugu web series ‘Kobali’ streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Starring Ravi Prakash, Rocky Singh, Tarun Rohit, and Shyamala in the lead roles, this series was created and directed by Revanth Levaka. This 8-episode crime-revenge thriller, which was released on February 4, 2025, is set against the backdrop of the Rayalaseema faction. Has this series, which created hype with the trailer, really lived up to expectations? How was Ravi Prakash’s performance? Let’s go into the details
What is the story?
The story of ‘Kobali’ takes place in the village of Mullakatta on the Andhra-Telangana border, against the backdrop of the Rayalaseema faction. The story revolves around the family of a tree-cutting laborer named Sambaiah (Revanthinath). His three sons—Gopi (Shiva), Seenu (Ravi Prakash), and Ramu (Tarun Rohit)—lead separate lives. Seenu looks after the family responsibilities along with his wife Meera (Shyamala), while Gopi and Ramu don’t care much. Gopi has a secret affair with Ramana’s (Rocky Singh) sister, which turns tragic when she dies in a fight. Ramana sets out to take revenge on Gopi and his entire family. This revenge turns into a war between the two families filled with bloodshed, violence, and betrayal. Seenu fights Ramana to save his family. How will this revenge cycle end? What are the secrets behind this? This is the core of the series.
How is the series?
‘Kobali’ is a rustic faction drama, with a Rayalaseema vibe, revenge theme, and action scenes that grip well in the first two episodes. The series, which opens with a fair scene, creates interest with flashbacks and fight sequences. However, between episodes 3-6, the story feels a bit stretched and repetitive. The violence, gore and vulgar dialogues are too much, which can cause disconnection for some. The last two episodes of Chit Sahapat grip the series again with some unexpected twists, but lack emotional depth and character development. Ravi Prakash and Rocky Singh's performances elevate the series a bit, but the lack of depth and twists in the screenplay disappoints. Overall, it is a decent watch for those who like faction dramas and revenge thrillers, but it may disappoint those who expect something new and intense drama.
How did the actors do?
Ravi Prakash has acted wonderfully as Seenu. In a rustic look, his intensity and dialogue delivery in the character who fights for his family are superb. It can be said that he single-handedly ran this series. Rocky Singh looked scary and brutal in the villain role as Ramana—his body language and expressions were the highlight. Tarun Rohit was decent as Ram, but seemed a bit overacting in the intense scenes. Shyamala gave a good performance as Meera, her role added an emotional touch to the series. Supporting characters like Bharat Reddy, Sukku Reddy, Venkat are okay, but their roles do not have much scope.
How is the technical work?
Rohit Bachchu's cinematography captured the rough and ragged vibe of Rayalaseema well. The visuals of the fair scenes and night fights were impressive. Gaura Hari's music and background score add intensity to the scenes, especially in the action sequences. Kishore Maddali's editing seems a bit slow in the middle, but the speed picks up in the climax scenes. The production design and sets are realistic, but the dialogues seem excessive and vulgar at times. The CGI and VFX are decent, but there is no special impact.
About the direction?
Revanth Levaka's direction has succeeded in showing the Rayalaseema factionism in a raw and realistic way. The opening that starts with the fair scene and the flashback narration are good. However, the lack of novelty in the story, and the focus on gore and violence rather than emotions are disappointing. The vulgar dialogues and unnecessary violence have distanced the series from the family audience. Revanth creates interesting characters, but he falls short in giving them strong arcs. Overall, the direction is decent, but the series would have been better if there was more depth in the screenplay.
Hits:
Ravi Prakash, Rocky Singh, Shyamala's performance
Rayalaseema visuals, Rohit Bachchu's cinematography
Goura Hari's background score
Jatara opening, climax twists
Production values, rustic setting
Missed:
Episodes between the saga (3-6)
Unnecessary obscene dialogues, excessive gore
Predictable story, twists
Lack of emotional depth, character development
Unsuitable for family audiences
Final Word:
‘Kobali’ is a rustic crime-revenge thriller, decently impressive with Ravi Prakash’s acting, Rayalaseema visuals, and Gaura Hari’s music. However, the stretched screenplay, vulgar dialogues, and excessive violence keep the series at an average level. This 4-hour series is worth watching once for those who like faction dramas and action thrillers. However, those who expect novelty and intense drama should lower their expectations. Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and those who like revenge dramas, this weekend seems okay
Recommendation: Faction and crime thriller lovers will like the series. However, due to vulgar dialogues and violence, it is not suitable for watching with family. Better for youth audiences who watch solo or with friends.
Rating: 2.5/5