Crime thrillers are gaining popularity in the Telugu OTT space. One such new venture is the web series ‘Touch Me Not’, which was released on Jio Hotstar on April 4, 2025. Based on the South Korean series ‘He is Psychometric’ (2019), this series, directed by Ramana Teja, stars Navdeep, Dixit Shetty and Komali Prasad in the lead roles. How much did this crime thriller, made with a new concept called psychometry, impress the audience? Let’s see in the review.
Story:
The story of ‘Touch Me Not’ revolves around Raghav Rao (Navdeep), a tough SP. He loses his mother in a fire accident in an apartment when he was a child. Rishi (Dixit Shetty) loses his parents and Megha (Komali Prasad) loses her father in the same accident. Rishi suffers a head injury in the accident, which results in him gaining the ability of psychometry—that is, the ability to see the past of objects or people by touching them. Raghav, Rishi, and Megha raise their spirits, but the secrets behind this accident change their lives. Ten years later, another fire breaks out in a hospital, which is revealed to be linked to events from the past. Rishi uses his psychometry ability to help solve the case, but his efforts to uncover the truth lead to accidents. What is the truth behind this case? How does Raghav, Rishi, and Megha's past affect the story? The story revolves around these questions.
Analysis:
‘Touch Me Not’ introduced a new concept of psychometry to the Telugu audience, which became the main attraction of the series. Although it is based on the Korean series ‘He is Psychometric’, this Telugu adaptation has tried to add a local flavor. The series combines crime, mystery, supernatural elements, and emotional drama. Although the first few episodes are a bit slow, the emotional aspect of the story and the characters' pasts are impressive in the second half. Director Ramana Teja has driven the story with more focus on emotional drama, but the depth and thrill in the crime investigation aspects seem to have diminished somewhat. The series would have been more gripping if the concept of psychometry had been used more effectively. Some scenes feel unnecessary, while other scenes seem illogical. The climax ends mysteriously, leading to season 2, which arouses interest in the audience but also leaves it incomplete.
Acting:
Navdeep Raghav Rao has delivered a brilliant performance. His intense expressions and deep acting in emotional scenes are a big strength of the series. Dixit Shetty impressed with his psychometric skills as Rishi, especially in the emotional scenes. Komali Prasad played the role of Megha brilliantly, her transformation from a weak student to a brave police officer was delightful. Supporting actors like Sanchita Poonacha, Bablu Prithviraj, Harshavardhan, Raja Ravindra did justice to their roles, but some of the supporting roles were not very impactful.
Technical aspects:
Mahathi Swara Sagar's background music is a big asset to the series. The music elevates the emotional scenes and suspenseful scenes. Gokul Bharathi's cinematography gives the series an attractive visual experience, especially the fire scenes and investigation scenes which are visually good. However, the editing in the early episodes could have been crisper and the pacing would have been better. While the dialogues are good, they feel generic at times.
Director:
Raman Teja has succeeded in introducing a new concept called Psychometry to the Telugu audience. His focus on emotional drama has added heart to the series, but the lack of gripping screenplay and unexpected twists in the crime thriller elements is a shortcoming. Some scenes feel unnecessarily long and others lack logic. The mysterious ending for season 2 is intriguing but leaves the first season incomplete.
Plus points:
A new concept called Psychometry
Acting by Navdeep, Dixit Shetty, Komali Prasad
Background music by Mahathi Swara Sagar
Attractive cinematography
Emotional drama
Minus points:
Slow-paced first episodes
Lack of depth and thrill in crime investigation
Some unnecessary, illogical scenes
Incomplete climax
Overall:
‘Touch Me Not’ is a crime thriller that starts with an interesting concept and impresses with emotional drama. Acting by Navdeep, Dixit Shetty, Komali Prasad, music by Mahathi Swara Sagar, attractive visuals are the strengths of the series. However, the lack of depth in the crime investigation, gripping screenplay, and slow pacing keep the series at an average level. This series is worth a watch for those who like crime thrillers and supernatural dramas, but may disappoint those who are expecting a great thrill.
Conclusion: ‘Touch Me Not’ is an emotional drama with a psychometric concept, but it fails to fully capture the essence of a crime thriller. This series is a decent weekend watch that is generating interest for a second season.
Recommendation: Those who like crime thrillers and supernatural dramas, and fans of Navdeep and Dixit Shetty can give this series a try. However, those who are expecting a great thrill and twists should lower their expectations.
Rating: 3/5