When people think of journalism, they often associate it with bringing the truth to the world after verifying all the facts.
However, in the series Newsense, Shiva, a reporter from Republic TV (played by Navdeep), expects "respect" from others in his job. This raises the question of what happens when journalists abuse their authority and respect to hide the larger truth.
The show, directed by Sri Prawin Kumar, delves into the world of political journalism in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, from the early 90s to 2000.
The storyline, based on real events witnessed by senior Telugu journalist Priyadarshini Ram, exposes the efforts of journalists to conceal the unsavory side of politics from the public.
The series presents a nuanced view of the issues, painting a world of corrupt politicians, dishonest media, corrupt police, and innocent civilians in shades of grey.
The show intertwines various narratives, including a love story and the involvement of Ishaan in an extremist group.
It raises questions about what is more important for a reporter: the truth or doing the right thing? Shiva, who is shaped by his upbringing and the way society treats him, is often unsure about whether to reveal the truth or make ethical/moral compromises.
Bindu Madhavi delivers a measured performance as Neela, a political journalist, who maintains a commanding screen presence and adds depth to the storyline.
Navdeep's portrayal of Shiva as an ethically ambiguous journalist is compelling, and the romance between Shiva and Neela adds heartwarming moments to the narrative. The rest of the cast also plays their parts well.
Despite the flaws, the show sheds light on the issues that existed in the 90s and early 2000s and continue to persist today.
The captivating background score by Suresh Bobbili contributes to the larger story, and the show leaves the audience wondering how the long-standing romanticization of political journalism will be addressed.
In summary, Newsense lifts the curtain on the grim reality of political journalism, exposing the harsh truths that still exist today.
Streaming On: Aha