Isakapatnam: A Gritty Gangster Drama with Mixed Results

Isakapatnam: A Gritty Gangster Drama with Mixed Results premiered on Prime Video on July 2, 2026, delivering a so-so gangster action drama set in a gritty world. The Telugu web series, directed by Garry BH, stars Samuthirakani, Aishwarya Rajesh, Sunil, Naresh Agastya, and Merin Philip in key roles. It tells the story of Mr. Naidu, who rises to power in the port city of Isakapatnam, facing opposition from his daughter Bharathi and rival Prathap Varma.

The series benefits from strong performances, especially from Samuthirakani as the power-hungry Naidu and Aishwarya Rajesh in a dual-shaded role. Naresh Agastya also delivers a promising performance as a man trying to rise above his circumstances. However, Isakapatnam struggles to stand out in a genre already crowded with similar power struggles. The pacing is decent, but the screenplay lacks high moments and tension, making it hard to stay fully engaged.

Many characters feel one-note and underdeveloped, while key death scenes lack impact due to weak setup. Sunil is wasted in a poorly written role, and the love track and family dynamics feel shallow. The twist in the climax is predictable, and the threat to the lead character isn’t showcased effectively, keeping stakes low. Cinematography and production design capture the dark 1980s setting well, but direction and writing fail to elevate the premise.

On the whole, Isakapatnam offers some decent moments through its cast, but the absence of gripping writing and tension holds it back from being a fully engaging gangster drama. 123telugu.com rates it 2.75/5, noting that while the world had potential, the presentation doesn’t impress enough to make it a must-watch.