Story
The Game, directed by rajesh m Selva, is the tamil adaptation of the 2018 French series Le Jeu. The story follows Kavya, a game designer whose life takes a sharp turn after a viral interview goes public. Her success quickly becomes the target of online hatred, leaving her abandoned on a beach, while her niece tara faces a virtual relationship that spirals dangerously. A female cop, Bhanumathi, steps in to investigate the unfolding cyber threats, connecting the dots across multiple lives affected by misogyny, online trolling, and casual sexism.
The show addresses several timely issues, including the toxicity of social media, the constant pressure on women to “play it safe” in professional settings, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. Yet, while the premise is strong, the pacing struggles, and the tension in the thriller segments never fully materializes. The drama works better than the suspense, leaving the series feeling uneven despite its relevant themes.
Performances
The performances are the strongest pillar of the series. shraddha srinath is perfect as Kavya, embodying both strength and vulnerability. Her character feels natural, making her struggles and victories resonate with the audience. Santhosh Prathap delivers an assured performance as Anoop, a supportive partner who stands out for his relatability and depth.
Stand-up comedian Syama harini is a smart casting choice, bringing effortless charm and humor to her role as Kavya’s colleague. Supporting actors Hema, Misha Ghoshal, Chandini Tamilarasan, and bala Hasan make notable impressions, though their roles are brief. The performances largely compensate for the series’s weaker structural and narrative moments, keeping viewers engaged even when the storytelling falters.
Technicalities
Simon K king handles the soundtrack competently but does little to elevate the thriller aspects; his background score shines in the lighter, introspective moments rather than high-stakes sequences. Cinematographer Akilesh Kathamuthu captures chennai with sharp, urbane visuals, enhancing the series’ polished look. writer Deepthi Govindarajan localizes the original French material effectively, creating an indian context that feels authentic, though it does little to surprise or reinvent the thriller genre.
The intro song, showcasing Kavya’s zest for life, is a highlight, setting a positive tone before the darker elements of the story unfold. Overall, the technical execution is solid, but it plays it safe rather than pushing creative boundaries.
Analysis
The Game succeeds in highlighting women’s struggles in professional and personal spheres, examining how casual sexism, online abuse, and misogyny impact multiple generations. Kavya’s determination to speak truth to power, even at personal cost, anchors the narrative, while Tara’s arc underscores the dangers faced by young women navigating social media. Bhanumathi’s role emphasizes the power of sisterhood and the importance of female agency in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
However, the screenplay undercuts its potential. Despite laying a neat foundation and establishing arcs for multiple characters, the series fails to sustain tension. The identity of the perpetrators, meant to drive suspense, never becomes truly gripping. Some characters, including Bhanumathi, feel underdeveloped, and the series struggles to capitalize on the momentum it builds in quieter, character-driven moments.
What Works
• Strong lead performance by shraddha srinath as Kavya.• Effective supporting cast: Santhosh Prathap, Syama Harini, and others.
• Timely and relevant themes: online abuse, casual sexism, and misogyny.
• Polished cinematography showcasing Chennai’s urban milieu.
• Introductory moments and quieter scenes are emotionally resonant.
What Doesn’t Work
• thriller segments lack tension and originality.• Character development is inconsistent; some arcs feel underexplored.
• Story loses momentum mid-series; reveals are predictable.
• Macro-level storytelling fails to fully capitalize on a strong foundational premise.
Bottom Line
The Game is a polished, socially relevant OTT series with strong performances, particularly from Shraddha Srinath, but it fails to deliver a gripping thriller experience. While its commentary on women’s struggles and online toxicity is timely, the narrative and suspense never fully land. It works as a thoughtful drama with occasional engaging moments, but viewers expecting a taut cyber-thriller may be left wanting.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Percentage Meter: 62%
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