The Telugu web series Hometown, which started streaming on the Aaha OTT platform on April 4, 2025, was released as a nostalgic family drama. Directed by Srikanth Reddy Palle and produced by Naveen Medaram and Rajasekhar Medaram, the series stars Rajiv Kanakala, Jhansi, Prajwal Yadma, Yani, Sairam, and Anirudh Bhaskar in key roles. The team, which raised expectations with the success of ‘#90s: A Middle Class Biopic’, has once again brought a story set in the 2000s against the backdrop of a middle-class family. Did this series connect me emotionally, recreate nostalgia, or disappoint me? Let me tell you about my feelings, series highlights, and shortcomings in this review
What is the story?
The story takes place in 2003 in a small village called Hanmanthula Gudem in Telangana. Prasad (Rajeev Kanakala) runs a photo studio and lives a middle-class life with his wife Devi (Jhansi), son Srikanth (Prajwal Yadma), and daughter Jyoti (Yani). Prasad's dream is to send Srikanth to America, marry Jyoti, and settle down. But, Srikanth's studies are hectic, he spends his time with movies, has a crush on a girl named Sameera (Sravya), and spends his time with his friends Jaggu (Sairam) and Shastri (Anirudh). Jyoti, on the other hand, is a topper in her studies, but she puts her dreams aside and gives in to her father's wishes. The story moves forward with nostalgic elements like the 2003 World Cup, the beginning of Facebook, cyber cafes, and film fandom. Did Srikanth fulfill his dream of becoming a film director? Did Prasad's dreams come true? What happened to Jyoti's dreams? The story is told.
My Feelings: Heart-touching moments, but freshness is missing!
When the series started, looking at the 2003 backdrop, rural Telangana setting, cyber cafe scenes, and World Cup fever, I felt, “Oh, this is going to be a nostalgia trip!” In the first two episodes, the comedy between Srikanth, Jaggu, and Shastri, and the father-son dynamics between Prasad-Srikanth were very engaging. In one scene, the scene where Srikanth is interacting with a movie star on ‘Facebook’ in a cyber cafe made me laugh. “Oh, I wish there were more scenes like this!” I felt. In the last episode, the father-son emotional climax and Jyothi’s character closure were heart-touching.
But, if you look at the series as a whole, the ‘#90s’ hangover is clearly visible. The story and screenplay felt routine and predictable at many places. Srikanth's character started out as a Chiranjeevi fan and suddenly the filmmaker's dream seemed forced. "Hey, if there is such a good concept, it would have been better to try something new!" I felt. The fourth episode felt stretched and slow. It would have been better if Jyothi's character had been written with more depth. Even though there are five episodes (each 30-35 minutes), some scenes would have been crispier if they had been trimmed. Although the Telangana accent and dialogues are authentic, the writing lacks freshness.
Technical aspects, acting
Devdeep Gandhi Kundu's cinematography is decent. Karimnagar, Hanmanthula Gudem settings, 2000s rural atmosphere are authentically captured, but the visuals lack that special touch. Suresh Bobbili's music is a plus for the series—the BGM works well in the emotional scenes, but the songs are not that memorable. Sridevi's costumes and Gandhi's art direction recreate the 2000s vibe well. While Srikanth Reddy's direction is good, he falters as a writer—the series would have had more impact if the screenplay had been tighter.
Rajeev shines as Kanakala Prasad in the acting department. His performance as a father who looks tough but inside is yearning for his family, "Whammo, Rajeev garu is class acting!" was like. Jhansi Devi is decent as a supportive mother, but her role is limited. Prajwal Yadma did a sincere job as Srikanth, but his impact stopped halfway due to the character writing being weak. Sairam entertained with his comedy timing as Jaggu—he was a star in the cyber cafe scenes! Anirudh was okay as Shastri, although Yani did well in the emotional scenes as Jyothi, her role was underutilized. Sravya was so-so as Sameera, the love track fell flat.
Likes and Dislikes
Likes:
Rajeev Kanakala's performance—He carried the series as a stern yet caring father.
Nostalgia—The 2003 World Cup, cyber cafe, and Facebook scenes reminded me of those days.
Sairam's comedy—His timing was spot on, the cyber cafe scenes were super.
Climax—Father-son emotional moment, Jyothi's closer was heart-touching.
Suresh Bobbili's BGM—Elevated the emotional scenes.
Dislikes:
Routine screenplay—‘#90s’ shades were too much, fresh touch was missed.
Slow pace—The fourth episode was stretched, some scenes were boring.
Weak writing—Sreekanth's character arc, love track felt forced.
Underutilized cast—Jhansi and Yani’s roles could have been more in-depth.
Visuals—Cinematography is decent, but lacks a special touch.
Who can watch it?
Home Town is a decent watch for those who like nostalgic family dramas and slice-of-life stories from the 2000s. Fans of Rajeev Kanakala and Prajwal Yadma may like it for their performances. With a UA certificate, there are some emotional and comedy scenes, so it will suit the family audience and youth. But, this series may feel repetitive for those who have watched ‘#90s’. Those who expect fast-paced thrillers and fresh stories may get a little bored. Those with Aha subscription can enjoy it lightly on the weekend, but don't expect a blockbuster experience.
Rating: 2/5
Home Town impressed with Rajeev Kanakala and Sairam's performances, 2000s nostalgia, and an emotional climax. Suresh Bobbili's BGM and comedy scenes are a plus for the series. But, the routine screenplay, '#90s' shades, slow pace, and weak writing stopped the series halfway. Nostalgic drama lovers can watch it once on Aha, but it could not recreate the '#90s' magic!
Release Date: April 4, 2025 (Aha)
Streaming: Aha (Telugu)
Director: Srikanth Reddy Palle
Cast: Rajiv Kanakala, Jhansi, Prajwal Yadma, Yani, Sairam, Anirudh Bhaskar
Music: Suresh Bobbili
Cinematography: Devdeep Gandhi Kundu