The poster of the series.
Image: Instagram
Series review: Local Times
Cast: Rishikanth, Abdool Lee, Adwitha Arumugam, Maurish Dass and R Pandiaraajan
Director: Naveen George Thomas
Rating: 8/10
THE best part of hitting rock bottom is the spark it ignites – the hope, the renewed drive, and the belief that with a little luck, the unimaginable might just be possible.
Every one of us has been part of a dream or a project held together by a handful of people who believe in the idea even when there’s nothing to gain.
The Local Times follows that very spirit: four friends, led by Veera, trying to save a dying newspaper, Namma Seidhi.
Veera and Azhagu share a long-standing friendship and a common dream – to revive Namma Seidhi, the newspaper Veera inherited from his grandfather. But time hasn’t been kind; readership has dwindled, revenue has dried up, and the publication is on the brink.
From 2018 to the present, a core team of five colleagues becomes the backbone of the operation, constantly reinventing themselves to keep the paper alive. Their journey is riddled with challenges: being targeted by an influencer, delayed payments, advertising mishaps and editorial blunders. Yet one unexpected incident flips their fortunes, bringing a wave of success. The question remains – will it be enough to save the Local Times?
This seven-part Tamil series on Prime Video celebrates hope, friendship, optimism and the quiet power of perseverance. Director Naveen George Thomas steers the narrative with confident control, keeping viewers engaged right through to the final episode. A standout choice is the splitscreen storytelling mid-season, which cleverly contrasts and deepens the bond between Veera and his steadfast friend, Azhagu – a technique that adds texture to the narrative flow.
Light-hearted and easy to binge, the series offers gentle humour, soft emotions and absolutely no violence – making it a refreshing watch. Rishikanth leads with effortless charm, excelling in comedic moments, though his emotional beats land with slightly less impact.
Abdool Lee, however, is the heart of the show, delivering a grounded and quietly beautiful performance that stays true to his character. Overall Local Times is good watch for a light-hearted audience.