Mandala Murders, released on July 25 on Netflix, is a genre-blending crime thriller directed by Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat. The series stars Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, Jameel Khan, and Shriya Pilgaonkar, offering a fresh yet flawed take on the mystery drama genre.
A Gripping Start Rooted in Folklore
Inspired by the book The Butcher of Benares, the story begins in 1952 in the fictional town of Charandaspur, where a group of women called the Ayastis are accused of witchcraft. Their leader, Rukmini (Shriya Pilgaonkar), is on the verge of completing a mysterious experiment when the village turns against them.
In the present day, Delhi Police officer Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) returns to Charandaspur with his father. After meeting a local named Abhishek Sahay, they discover his body the next morning-marked with a mysterious mandala carved into his forehead. This brutal act sets the tone for a string of murders that follow a similar pattern.
Enter Rea Thomas: A Strong Female Lead
The case attracts CIB officer Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor), who believes it to be a straightforward investigation. However, she’s quickly pulled into a deeper web of secrets, caste politics, and unresolved trauma. Kapoor plays her role with poise and subtle authority, anchoring the chaotic storyline.
Strong Performances Amid a Disjointed Narrative
The initial episodes are fast-paced and densely packed with characters and subplots. Vaibhav Raj Gupta delivers an emotionally layered performance, and Surveen Chawla stands out as Ananya Bharadwaj, a complex, power-driven character who commands every frame.
Jameel Khan’s academic obsession with Mandalas adds a cerebral touch, and the show’s mix of Hindi and Bhojpuri dialogues adds authenticity to its small-town setting.
Genre Juggling Hampers the Flow
While Mandala Murders sets up a unique premise, it suffers from genre confusion. It begins with a supernatural tone, shifts into a crime thriller, flirts with political drama, and then retreats from the paranormal just when it seems most promising. This lack of consistency may leave viewers confused.
A Finale That Misses the Mark
Despite its gripping beginning and standout performances, the final episodes struggle to tie everything together. The resolution feels far-fetched and diluted, undercutting the emotional payoff built up across the series.
Mandala Murders is a bold and ambitious attempt at redefining Indian crime thrillers on Netflix. Its powerful performances, intriguing premise, and cultural backdrop work in its favor. However, an uneven tone and inconsistent storytelling hold it back from being truly memorable.