Seamlessly blending cult horror with investigative grit, Mandala Murders streaming now on Netflix is a twisted, tension-laced thriller reminiscent of Asur crossed with a Dan Brown novel. Yet, it surpasses the former in polish and tightness, and offers far more captivating thrills than any of the latter’s film adaptations. Created by Mardaani 2‘s Gopi Puthran (co-directing with Manan Rawat) and produced by YRF, this series also marks Vaani Kapoor’s impressive OTT debut.
Story
The story’s foundation is laid in 1952, taking cues from the book ‘The Butcher of Benares’, and unfolds in Charandaspur, a fictional North Indian town. Here, a collective of women, identified as the Ayastis, suffer the ignominy of being labelled witches by the local populace. Their leader, Rukmini (Shriya Pilgaonkar), is deep into a covert undertaking to manifest their deity, Yast. Yet, just as success seems imminent, the villagers—under the command of Giyasuddin Khan (Anang Desai)—violently assault the group.
Fast forward to the present day: Suspended Delhi Police officer Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) embarks on a journey to Charandaspur alongside his father, Vishwanath (Manu Rishi Chadha). Aboard the train, they encounter fellow passenger Abhishek Sahay. But by the following morning, Vishwanath makes a shocking discovery: Abhishek’s mutilated corpse in the river, a distinct mandala symbol etched into his forehead. This grim find is merely the prelude. A spate of additional murders ensues, each exhibiting the identical, brutal hallmark. The unfolding crisis brings CIB officer Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor) to the locale, and an investigation that starts as simple soon spirals into an intricate tapestry woven with secrets, political machinations, ancient mythology, and profound human obsession.
Performances
Surveen Chawla is a delight to watch, following her brilliant performance as Naina in Rana Naidu Season 2 earlier this year with another impressive turn as Ananya Bharadwaj. She powerfully conveys an authoritative presence, complete with an edge of arrogance that always feels authentic, never forced.
Vaibhav Raj Gupta is a revelation, completely reinventing himself from his well-known role as Anand Mishra in Gullak. He portrays Vikram Singh, a haunted and determined ex-cop navigating personal trauma while relentlessly chasing a ruthless killer.
Vaani Kapoor plays Rea Thomas, an officer with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). Despite openly admitting to hallucinations, she convinces her senior to let her back on the field. While this familiar trope of an officer battling inner demons to prove herself appears again, Kapoor’s portrayal successfully makes it compelling.
Shriya Pilgaonkar consistently makes a notable impact, even with limited screen time. From Mirzapur to The Broken News and The Gone Game, she continually proves her versatility, and her role as Rukmani in Mandala Murders yet again showcases her impressive range.
Jameel Khan delivers a steady and nuanced performance as Jimmy Khan, effectively serving as a vital support system for the narrative. His character possesses a ‘desi’ Robert Langdon vibe, adept at decoding ancient symbols and mandalas, though not as central to the overall plot.
Behind the scenes
The initial episodes are a whirlwind, packed with information and introducing a large cast of characters, each holding a piece of the overarching mystery. The language and setting feel deeply authentic, with the Hindi and Bhojpuri blend adding a rich layer of realism. A palpable warmth permeates the depiction of friendships and community ties, especially among childhood friends returning to their hometown, their shared history palpable.
Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat skillfully attempt to create a unique narrative, finding considerable success in their endeavor. Their direction maintains a tight plot, and the overall tone is well-established. Furthermore, the visual elements, including the color palette and shoot locations, effectively reinforce the show’s dark and gritty theme.
Ankit and Sachit Balhara deserve immense credit for their haunting, atmosphere-elevating score, as does Ganesh Gangadharan for his flawless sound design.
Final Verdict
The standout aspect of Mandala Murders is its profound mythological depth. It evokes an ‘Indian Da Vinci Code,’ incorporating elements like the Vitruvian Man and intricate ritualistic symbols. While skillfully employing familiar mystery-thriller tropes—such as a secret society, a tormented detective, and cryptic clues—the series still manages to present them in a fresh and engaging manner.
The series establishes an unsettling, eerie tone. The gore, while present, isn’t gratuitous; instead, it serves to propel the narrative forward. Ironically, the show’s depiction of violence also underscores how desensitized viewers have become, to the point where even a severed corpse might not elicit a flinch.
While largely engaging and tightly paced, the series does falter slightly in its final stretch. The rapid succession of multiple revelations and the tying up of various loose ends can make the plot feel somewhat convoluted. It’s akin to the writers trying to tick off an extensive to-do list all at once. Although this doesn’t completely derail the viewing experience, it certainly demands the viewer’s undivided attention.
Despite a somewhat overstuffed finale, Mandala Murders remains a riveting and highly binge-worthy watch. It’s commendable to witness OTT platforms providing a stage for unique narratives and fostering breakout performances. Ultimately, the series is ambitious, well-acted, well-paced, and thoroughly worth the investment of your time.
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