AIR Telugu Series Review: AIR focuses on three students Arjun, Imran, and Raju, who after they finish their 10 th grade are goaded into the IIT coaching rat-race by their parents. Being placed in a strict academic atmosphere, they are unable to cope with the pressure, isolation, and identity. A relatable light coming-of-age story turns in an intense way when a certain critical incident shakes their reality.
The series is a reflection of what several Indian students undergo with regard to their stay in hostels and coaching, which is an emotional process.
Plus Points:
- Relatable Themes: Hostel life, parental pressure, friendship dynamics — all resonate strongly with students and parents alike.
- Honest Performances: Harsh Roshan stands out with his grounded portrayal, backed well by Bhanu Prakash and Jayatheertha.
- Natural Chemistry: The trio’s on-screen bond is believable and engaging.
- Comic Relief: Harsha Chemudu and Jeevan Kumar balance the heavy narrative with timely humor.
- Nostalgia: Skipping classes, hostel tricks, strict teachers — the series nails the essence of student life.
Minus Points:
- Slow Pacing in the Middle: Episodes 4 and 5 drag the narrative, risking viewer fatigue.
- Unrealistic Climax: The motivational finale may feel cinematic and idealistic rather than grounded.
- Late Character Entry: Chaitanya Rao’s role starts strong but ends abruptly, lacking emotional closure.
- Underdeveloped Parent-Child Angle: The emotional conflict between parents and students could have had more depth.
Technical Aspects:
- Direction: Joseph Clinton handles the theme with sensitivity. He subtly critiques the system without blaming anyone outright.
- Cinematography: SS Manoj captures the tone and mood well — from dorm rooms to tense exam halls.
- Music & BGM: Anivee’s score, with Sinjith Yerramilli’s background music, enhances emotional moments.
- Editing: Srikanth Patnaik keeps most episodes tight, though a few scenes needed trimming.
- Production Value: ETV Win maintains good quality with consistent visuals and sound design.
Controversy Corner:
Shortly after release, AIR led to a backlash because of a conversation that is seen to encourage caste-based thinking. The scene of an elderly person being caste-centric in his advice and the use of a visual cue (a large C painted on a board) caused a Tworbit on X (or previously Twitter).
ETV Win’s Response:
ETV Win team had stated, expressed Saikrishna Koinni; We respect all the communities and have deleted the offending scenes. The producers promised that they had not meant to be offending.
Filmyhigh Verdict:
AIR- All India Rankers is a sentimental and tear jerking movie to those freaks who experienced the heat of competitive exams or life in hostel. Although it has some flaws and the rather slow pace, the good acting and the depiction of teenagers in distress are worth your watch.
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⭐ FilmyHigh.com Rating: 3/5
🎯 Watch it for the nostalgia, skip if you’re looking for fast-paced drama.