Mandala Murders

I like this, if you're looking for a fresh sci fi concept based thriller that takes one step ahead, Mandala Murder will clench your thirst. I have to say that I don't like Vani kapoor as a cop here, she's trying very hard to be badass ass, the stunt looks cool and all, but that's it, she has a flat expression throughout the series; maybe due to excessive botox on the forehead, I couldn't keep my eyes of it.

Surveen Chawal is pure gem, what a beauty, lovely acting, big brother from Gullak "Vaibhav Raj" has grown up, dude is fantastic here. Direction and setting is awesome, the story is tightly packed and not a single screen time is wasted.

The only problem I have here is they have used fake town name, fake investigation agency and etc, and I don't get this logic. Surprisingly, forensic team is also less involved. Maybe they can fix this in season 2.

I promise this initially looked like a Asur kind of 10/10 series but it is somewhat satisfying. Nice try.

A gruesome cult thriller that starts strong with terrifying early episodes but quickly falls into a predictable, formulaic rhythm. Great visuals and setting carry it, though the story loses steam as it goes on.

Story Summary: The series follows a string of cult murders with religious undertones. The first episodes set a chilling tone, but as the narrative unfolds, the structure becomes repetitive, each new chapter focusing on one body part or ritual, making the plot feel increasingly stretched and predictable.

Analysis: While the premise and production are strong, the formulaic structure weakens the impact. If the creators had woven story-building with varied pacing, sometimes doubling down on horror and sometimes letting characters breathe, the show would have landed harder. The religious elements and cult setting are surprisingly well executed, and overall it remains watchable, but not a must.

Dialogue (8/10): Tense and well-paced, the dialogue supports the atmosphere effectively, though it does not always push characters deeper once the formula takes over.

Acting (7/10 overall): Performances are solid, with Vikram's actor standing out as especially convincing. The main female lead, while serviceable, feels a bit like a weaker imitation of a star actress and does not carry as much weight. Supporting roles vary but mostly deliver what the script requires.

Visuals (10/10): The strongest aspect. The dark tone, settings, and cult visuals are executed brilliantly, creating a haunting atmosphere that makes the series gripping even when the story lags.

Costume & Makeup (8/10): Authentic and immersive, enhancing the cult environment and giving the murders a gruesome but believable edge.

Special Effects (7.5/10): Effective but inconsistent. At times realistic and chilling, at other times unconvincing or unclear in execution.

Music (7.5/10): Ambient and supportive, complementing the tension well, but nothing that stands out as memorable.

Anything Else (Original Story, Liberties, etc.): The story concept is original and well produced, but the decision to lean on a strict formula, one ritual or body part per episode, hurts its long-term impact. A more varied narrative approach could have made the finale as gripping as the beginning.

Overall Assessment (7/10): Not a series I would strongly recommend, but if you stumble upon it, you might find it worth finishing. It starts with excellent promise but gradually loses its edge, saved mainly by its visuals and setting.

End Word: A chilling idea held back by repetition, gripping in the beginning but not a lasting standout.

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.

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.

I had high hopes because this was from YRF and on Netflix, but Mandala Murders just feels like a confused, overcooked mess. Every episode brings in a new character, more timelines, more flashbacks - and instead of building the story, it just gets more tangled. It feels like they wanted to copy a bit from Stranger Things, Suzhal, Sacred Games, and some international thrillers, but forgot to create their own unique voice.

The writing is weak. The character arcs are random - people act without any proper reason or build-up. Some scenes feel so forced that you can literally see the writer/director pushing it just to make it "cool." The sequences are badly edited, the emotional beats don't land, and the acting - although sincere - gets wasted in this chaos.

Too many inspirations + no clarity = perfect khichdi.

Also, Anurag Kashyap had once rightly said:

"What's not on screen can't be cinema to them. The biggest problem with YRF is the trial room effect." This series is a prime example of that. Feels like it was made more in a boardroom than in a writer's room.

Visually, yes, it looks good. Some locations and costumes work. But what's the point if the story doesn't engage?