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Mandala Murders (2025) : Series Review -

Mandala Murders is an ambitious and compelling attempt to blend science, police procedural, and mystical horror into a dark and gripping thriller. Spanning eight tightly packed episodes and over five hours of runtime, the series takes viewers on a suspenseful ride that never loses momentum. At its core, it's a battle between reason and belief, between logic and legend-set against the backdrop of a terrifying myth called Yast (a monster). If you're willing to suspend disbelief and give in to the power of an ancient supernatural force, Mandala Murders delivers an experience that's more than just entertaining-it's haunting. Based on The Butcher of Benaraz, the series uses its source material to create a world that's eerie, fantastical, and disturbingly plausible. Each episode ends with a slight twist or misconception that keeps the viewer engaged and guessing, making it binge-worthy in the truest sense. The creators skillfully sprinkle just enough misdirection to keep curiosity piqued without ever overwhelming the narrative.

The story kicks off with a peculiar murder that bears a strange symbol. As more murders unfold, it becomes clear that they are all linked-each victim is killed for a specific body part. These ritualistic killings are part of a sinister process meant to culminate in the creation of a monstrous entity, a Frankenstein-like being powered not just by science but also by black magic and religious fanaticism. The entity, Yast, is believed to be a dark god whose birth will signal the end of the world as we know it. CIB Officer Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor) is assigned to investigate these bizarre deaths. She is joined by a disgraced Delhi cop, Vikram (Vaibhav Raj Gupta), who also has a person interest in the case. The duo embarks on a journey that takes them deep into the heart of ancient cults, forgotten rituals, black magic, and a world where beliefs can be deadlier than bullets.

Surveen Chawla plays Ananya Bhardwaj, a powerful political figure who influences the course of the investigation. She immediately points fingers at a pair of local brothers, accusing them of committing the first murder. But as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that nothing is as it seems, and almost every character is entangled in the deadly prophecy. The idea that eight specific murders must occur-each claiming a different body part-is chilling and symbolic. This Frankenstein-esque concept, while rooted in horror and myth, is treated with seriousness and sincerity, making it eerily believable.

The world of Mandala Murders is meticulously constructed. Avinash Dwivedi, Chirag Garg, and others create an atmosphere steeped in tension, history, and fear. The dark caves, mysterious yantras (mystical machines), cryptic symbols, and ancient texts are all designed to immerse you in a realm where the line between the real and the unreal is blurred. It almost feels like watching Veerana or Purana Mandir mixed with Frankestein-but with a modern update and a far more intelligent script.

One of the show's biggest strengths is that every character has a purpose. None of them feel redundant, and each one contributes meaningfully to the unraveling mystery. This cohesion in character writing is rare in ensemble thrillers. The finale may be somewhat predictable, especially for seasoned web series fans, but it still manages to pack a punch. As the pieces of the puzzle come together-past traumas, scientific experiments, supernatural legends-the payoff is satisfying.

Vaani Kapoor shines in her action-heavy role as Rea Thomas. While she falters a bit in emotionally intense scenes, she makes up for it with her physicality and screen presence. In her own words, this may not be War (2019), but it certainly gives her a War-like action palette. She kicks ass when needed and commands the frame well. Surveen Chawla, on the other hand, is exceptional. Her portrayal of Ananya is layered, nuanced, and powerful-a career-best performance that adds gravitas to the narrative. Vaibhav Raj Gupta is rock-solid as Vikram, bringing intensity and needed frustration to his role. His rugged physics will likely win over a new fan base, especially among female viewers. Shriya Pilgaonkar delivers a standout performance as Rukmini, and her costume design deserves a special mention-it's both beautiful and haunting. Aditi Pohankar slips into a Tomb Raider-like mode with ease, bringing flair and confidence. Sukhiya Aiyar, Raghubeer Yadav, and Jameel Khan all deliver impressive performances, while Saurabh Dubey's makeup and dialogue delivery enhance the horror element. Sharat Sonu blends seamlessly into the ensemble, helping elevate the entire acting unit. The rest of cast only adds more weight to it.

On the technical front, Mandala Murders punches above its weight. Despite having a moderate budget, the production values are commendable. The art direction, especially the depiction of sacred caves, blood-soaked rituals, intricate machines, and cultish set pieces, is on point. The cinematography does its job effectively, though it doesn't quite reach the haunting elegance one might expect from a show of this genre. It's functional, but not visionary. One noticeable weak link is the background score. A show like Mandala Murders, which leans so heavily on tension and atmosphere, could have greatly benefited from a chilling and memorable soundtrack. The absence of an impactful score leaves some scenes feeling flatter than they should. On the other hand, the editing is slick and maintains a fast pace throughout, which helps retain the viewer's engagement. The dialogues are straightforward-sometimes too on-the-nose-but given the genre, subtlety isn't always necessary.

Directors Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat deserve applause for staying true to the vision. They don't just present a murder mystery-they invite the audience into a world where science, faith, and fear coexist. The seamless weaving of modern police work with ancient occult practices is no easy feat, but they manage it with finesse. The ending leans slightly towards preachiness, but nothing that derails the overall experience. Ultimately, Mandala Murders may divide opinions. Some may question the belief systems it portrays or the liberties it takes with logic and realism. But as a fictional crime thriller dipped in supernatural horror, it works quite well. It's not groundbreaking or flawless, but it's certainly a cut above the usual fare in Indian web series. For those who enjoy fictionally mystical thrillers, cult mysteries, and horror-laced investigations, Mandala Murders is worth the ride. It's dark, imaginative, and just believable enough for the time being.

RATING - 6/10*

Vaani Kapoor is such a bad actor that I was rooting for the bad guys to win. Everyone else has done a good job.

Looks like there will be a part two. A Desi Stranger things Mandala Murders is an ambitious thriller. It blends myth and crime with good visuals, but its convoluted plot and uneven pacing can be a bit boring. Worth a watch for occult mystery fans.

Hindi film and TV industry is notorious for overselling a success mantra. In recent times, some of the other series which are based on the backdrop of small towns in Hindi belt have done exceptionally well.

However, what the makers of this series fail to understand is that the reason why those other series are so appreciated is because of their authenticity, tight direction, character development and excellent screenplay.

Mandala Murders on the other hand seems to be a very third rate attempt at just putting ingredients like small town, action, mysticism and some good actors together and hoping that it would turn into a good dish somehow.

The characters aren't developed well and a cheap substitute for character development is an abruptly concocted backstory.

Vani Kapoor is as ineffective in this series as she has been in all her previous failed ventures. Gym is not the only place where she should be spending time. Once in a while, she should work on her acting skills too.

Other well known and good actors have been fully and utterly wasted in this series.

Mandala Murders has an interesting story and the overall vibe is quite dark and gripping, which works well for a crime thriller. But somehow, it doesn't hit as hard as it could have. One big reason is Vaani Kapoor in the lead role - she just doesn't fit. Her expressions feel flat, and the role needed someone who could really bring intensity and depth. A stronger actress would've made a big difference. The show has some good moments, and the supporting cast is decent too, but the lead performance holds it back. It's one of those shows that had potential but doesn't fully deliver.

Mandala Murders is not just another crime thriller-it's an experience. From the opening sequence to the final frame, the show grips you with its layered narrative, stunning visuals, and haunting score. The gritty realism, clever screenplay, and psychological depth make it a standout in the Indian OTT landscape.

The performances are stellar. The lead actor brings a perfect blend of vulnerability and intensity, while the antagonist is chilling without resorting to clichés. Each episode peels back the layers of trauma, corruption, and human depravity without losing narrative momentum.

What sets Mandala Murders apart is its atmospheric storytelling-echoes of True Detective and Suzhal, but with a unique Indian ethos. The cultural symbolism and mythological undertones enrich the plot without being overbearing.

Minor flaws exist-pacing dips slightly in the middle episodes-but the payoff is worth it. If you're a fan of intelligent thrillers that make you think, this series deserves your time.

Highly recommended for viewers who appreciate smart, slow-burn mysteries with emotional weight.