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Review by MD Ekram Parvez – Watchmoviesonline.in
Rating: 3.5/5
“Arabia Kadali” is a poignant and gripping web series that delves into the harrowing experiences of fishermen from Andhra Pradesh who inadvertently cross into Pakistani waters and face imprisonment. Directed by V.V. Surya Kumar, the series stars Satyadev and Anandhi in lead roles, delivering powerful performances that anchor the narrative.
The series chronicles the journey of Nuragala Badiri (Satyadev), an educated and wise fisherman from Chepalawada, and his love interest Ganga (Anandhi) from the neighboring village of Matsyawada. Due to the lack of proper infrastructure, the fishermen travel to Gujarat for work, where they accidentally drift into Pakistani waters. The series effectively captures the struggles of the fishermen in jail, the efforts of their families to secure their release, and the bureaucratic hurdles they face.
One of the standout aspects of “Arabia Kadali” is its grounded and realistic approach to storytelling. The series effectively taps into the humanity angle in the enemy country, showcasing the problems faced by fishermen both in India and Pakistan. The love track between Badiri and Ganga is neatly done and adds emotional depth to the proceedings.
However, the series is not without its flaws. The release timing is a significant issue, as it deals with the same incident as a feature film released earlier this year. This might dampen the excitement for some viewers who are already familiar with the plot. Additionally, the VFX in some scenes, particularly the storm sequence, could have been executed better. The pacing slows down in a couple of episodes, and the editing could have been sharper.
Despite these shortcomings, “Arabia Kadali” is a decent watch with fresh faces and an unconventional plot. It offers a lighthearted escape for audiences looking for engaging performances and a unique storyline. The series is a must-watch for fans of survival dramas and those interested in stories based on real-life events.
Top Reviews From Other Critics
123telugu
Rating: 3/5
“Arabia Kadali” is an honest attempt at depicting the plight of Srikakulam fishermen who accidentally drifted into Pakistani waters. The realistic approach taken by the makers, the actors’ solid performances, and the solutions proposed for fishermen’s problems are the show’s biggest strengths. Since many would have already watched the feature film on the same subject, it might be fresh in their memory, taking away the excitement factor. For those who haven’t watched the feature film, “Arabia Kadali” ends up being a satisfactory watch. Read The Full Review Here.
The Hindu
Rating: 2.5/5
“Arabia Kadali” starts with an obvious disadvantage, basing its premise on incidents that have already inspired a widely watched Telugu film, Thandel (a major hit this year). The main issue with “Arabia Kadali” is its inability to make compelling characters out of the victims and build meaningful interpersonal relationships. Those pitted against them are portrayed as caricatures. The show portrays their struggles employing the usual cliches on the ‘inhuman’ neighboring nation, without building a solid foundation. Read The Full Review Here.
IndustryHit.Com
Rating: 3.5/5
“Arabia Kadali” is a web series drawing inspiration from the true events of 2018, when fishermen from Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district were detained in Pakistan. SatyaDev and Aanandhi played the lead roles. The series is worth watching for its grounded storytelling, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes. With its attention to detail and authentic portrayal, ‘Arabia Kadali’ is a must-watch for those interested in stories based on real-life events. Read The Full Review Here.
India Today
Rating: 2.5/5
“Arabia Kadali” presents a heartfelt and sincere retelling of a real-life crisis, combining a grounded human story with thematic depth. While the intent is solid and the performances authentic, the series suffers from dated presentation, occasional cliches, and uneven emotional engagement. The series stands out for its attention to detail, showcasing the lives and struggles of fishermen with honesty and rootedness. Read The Full Review Here.
Arabia Kadali: Everything You Need to Know
Director
Release Date
- August 8, 2025
- Where: Amazon Prime Video
Run Time
- 4 hours 30 minutes (8 episodes)
Cast
- Satyadev as Nuragala Badiri
- Anandhi as Ganga
- Nasser
- Ravi Varma
- Poonam Bajwa
- Amit Tiwari
- Dalip Tahil
- Nihar Pandya
- Alok Jain
- Prathyusha Sadhu
- Raghu Babu
With its quirky premise and engaging performances, “Arabia Kadali” is a must-watch for fans of survival dramas and lighthearted entertainers.