"Sarvam Shakthi Mayam," a 10-episode web series, has captured the attention of eager viewers as it gears up for its premiere on Zee 5 on October 20, 2023, just in time for Dasara. The series is being marketed as a spiritual odyssey to the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, heightening the anticipation. Let's explore whether "Sarvam Shakthi Mayam" lives up to its promise of providing spiritual solace and leading viewers on a divine journey.
When the influential businessman Madhav Suri (Sanjay Suri), grappling with inner turmoil, turns to his friend for guidance, he receives sage advice—to embark on a spiritual pilgrimage to the sacred Maha Shakti Peethas, in search of inner peace and self-discovery. Accompanied by his family, including his wife Priya (Priya Mani), son Pranav (Abhay Simha Reddy), and daughter Revathi (Asletha Thakur), the Suri family embarks on this transformative journey. Along the way, they encounter author Ranjith Suri (Samir Soni), who hails from the United States. The ensuing events and revelations from this journey shape the course of their narrative.
The performances by Sanjay Suri, Priya Mani, Abhay Simha Reddy, Aslesha Thakur, and Samir Soni make their presence felt, though their characters' intensity fails to elevate their acting to the extraordinary.
Director Pradeep Maddali embarked on a storytelling journey that revolves around the transformation of an atheist and his evolving spiritual beliefs, shaped by his visits to various holy shrines. Comprising ten episodes, each approximately 30 minutes in duration, the series focuses unwaveringly on the spiritual aspects, prioritizing them over the depiction of the family's challenges and emotional nuances.
While this approach may seem innovative, it raises eyebrows as it delves into the life of a contemporary family, which, in the context of the present generation, is often marked by emotional susceptibilities. Regrettably, the storytelling lacks the finesse of execution, resulting in a somewhat lackluster narrative that struggles to resonate with the audience. The family conflicts come across as superficial and contrived, with characters and their behavior feeling somewhat disconnected from the overarching plot. The director's portrayal of the Maha Shakti Peethas is both convincing and aesthetically appealing.
Turning to the technical aspects, the background score tends to be overpowering and disrupts the overall mood and ambiance. Sajeesh Rajendran's cinematography showcases commendable work. However, it could have been better. The editing leaves much to be desired and tests the viewers' patience. The production values, on the other hand, maintain an average standard.
In general, "Sarvam Shakthi Mayam," crafted with noble intentions, unfortunately, falls short of providing the spiritual solace it aspires to deliver. This shortfall can be attributed to a lackluster screenplay and a sense of haste in manipulating viewers' emotions, rather than allowing them to authentically engage with the narrative. Considering all these elements, Cinejosh goes with a 1.5 Rating for Sarvam Shakti Mayam.