Mandala Murders Star Surveen Chawla Exudes Retro Chic Vibes In Latest Photos
For her glam, Surveen opted for nude makeup. And oh, what a delight it is! (Image: Viral Bhayani)
The year 2025 has been a busy and glorious year for Surveen. She began with a bang on her recurring role in Netflix's Rana Naidu. (Image: Viral Bhayani)
Surveen Chawla will now be seen in Netflix's new series, Mandala Murders. She will share screen space with the likes of Vaani Kapoor, Raghubir Yadav, and Shriya Pilgaonkar. (Image: Viral Bhayani)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
28 minutes ago
- NDTV
OTT And Theatrical Releases This Week: Dhadak 2, Pati Patni Aur Panga And More
New Delhi: Get ready for a cinematic treat. Exciting new releases are hitting both OTT platforms and theatres this week. Whether you're in the mood for romance, drama, action, or comedy, there's something for every taste and preference. From big-budget movies to indie flicks, here's a look at what's new and trending in the world of OTT and theatrical releases. Kingdom (July 31) - Theatres Directed by Gowtham Tinnanuri, the film features Vijay Deverakonda as a cop. The cast also includes Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse in key roles. The music for the movie is composed by composer Anirudh Ravichander. Glassheart (July 31) - Netflix Based on Mio Wakagi's novel, the Japanese series follows Akane Saijo, a talented drummer who gets kicked out of her band right before they're set to debut. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she's recruited by the enigmatic Naoki Fujitani to join the band Tenblank. As they strive for stardom, Akane and her bandmates fight their personal demons and the cutthroat music industry. Leanne (July 31) - Netflix The sitcom features comedian Leanne Morgan as a resilient Southern mom who starts over after her husband leaves her, with the support of her family. The show also features Kristen Johnston, Celia Weston and Blake Clark in supporting roles. Son of Sardaar 2 (August 1) - Theatres The film is a spiritual sequel to the 2012 action comedy film Son of Sardaar and features Ajay Devgn, Mrunal Thakur, Ravi Kishan and Sanjay Mishra. The plot revolves around Jassi, who travels to Scotland to reconcile with his estranged wife but gets entangled in a mob conflict and a chaotic Sikh wedding. Dhadak 2 (August 1) - Theatres Headlined by Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi, the film is a spiritual sequel to the 2018 film Dhadak It is also a remake of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018). The story focuses on Nilesh and Vidhi, a couple who fall in love but encounter challenges due to societal caste differences. My Oxford Year (August 1) - Netflix The film is inspired by Julia Whelan's novel of the same name. The story follows Anna, an ambitious young American woman fulfilling her dream of studying at Oxford University. She falls for a charming Brit hiding a secret that may upend her perfectly planned life. It stars Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest in lead roles. Chief of War (August 1) - Apple TV+ The series centres on the unification of the Hawaiian Islands, told from an indigenous perspective. It follows a Hawaiian war chief, played by Jason Momoa, who leads a campaign to unite the warring islands against the threat of colonisation. Beyond the Bar (August 2) - Netflix The K-drama follows a female lawyer, who recently joined a new law firm. She is upright and confident but socially awkward. Over the course of 12 episodes, she grows into a full-fledged professional with the help of her seemingly cold but skilled partner. The story is also based on real-life legal cases. Pati Patni Aur Panga (August 2) - Jio Hotstar The reality series will feature celebrity couples navigating the complexities of their relationships. The show's premise is to offer fun and unconventional challenges to the couple that put their bond to the test whilst sparking a laughter ride. Perfect Match Season 3 (August 2) - Netflix In the reality series, singles pair up and participate in challenges that test their compatibility in a tropical paradise. The winning couples get to shake things up by setting up new dates for their fellow contestants, which can lead to new connections and dramatic twists. Meanwhile, those who don't find a match face elimination, adding an extra layer of excitement and tension to the show.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Mandala Murders Season 1 Review: Vaani Kapoor and Vaibhav Raj Gupta impress in a twisty, myth-laden murder mystery
Story: In the eerie town of Charandaspur, brutal murders shake the community. CIB agent Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor) and suspended cop Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) team up to uncover the dark truth. As they dig deeper, chilling conspiracies emerge—will they survive the sinister secrets lurking beneath? Review: Mandala Murders, as the name suggests, is a fusion of ancient and modern—the 'Mandala,' a geometric configuration of symbols rooted in age-old spiritual practices, and a series of contemporary murders eerily linked to it. Created by Gopi Puthran (of Mardaani fame) and co-directed with Manan Rawat, the series attempts to weave mythology, crime, and psychological thriller tropes into one dense, atmospheric narrative. Anchored by a chilling premise—ritualistic murders tied to an ancient secret society, the series offers a slow-burn, lore-heavy experience that blends past and present timelines with eerie conviction. But in its ambition to say too much, it occasionally loses its sharpest edge. The show opens in 1950s Charandaspur (somewhere in UP), where a failed ritual by Rukmini (Shriya Pilgaonkar) hints at the disturbing roots of what is to come. Cut to 2025, suspended Delhi cop Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) relocates with his father to this very town, only to stumble upon a brutal murder that connects to his own haunted past. Enter CIB officer Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor), calm, determined, and sharp, who teams up with Vikram and local SHO Pramod (Sharat Sonu). What follows is a disturbing trail of cryptic symbols, hidden motives, and mythological conspiracies that test their logic, faith, and emotional resolve. YRF Entertainment's production values are top-notch. Shaz Mohammed's cinematography captures both timelines—1950s and 2025—with striking authenticity. From fog-draped forests and eerie tunnels to shadowy interiors and ritualistic iconography, the series excels in crafting a foreboding, immersive mood. The haunting score by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara further elevates the tension without ever overpowering the scenes. Performance-wise, Vaani Kapoor makes a compelling OTT debut as Rea Thomas—measured, intense, and impressively physical in her action scenes. Her character's line, Yeh case jitna seedha lagta hai, utna hai nahi... there's gotta be something more to it,' perfectly captures the show's central mystery. Vaibhav Raj Gupta breaks from his Gullak mould to portray a man tormented by grief and anger. Surveen Chawla stands out as Ananya Bharadwaj, a local politician whose vulnerability and steel are both rendered with compelling nuance. No spoiler ahead! But Surveen simply shines in the climactic sequences, as does Shriya Pilgaonkar in limited but pivotal role, while Jameel Khan adds a touch of wit and intrigue as Jimmy Khan. Sharat Sonu as SHO Pramod and Vikram's only friend is convincing and so is Manu Rishi as Vikram's father. Yet, the writing team—Gabe Gabriel, Matt Graham, Abinash Dwivedi, Chirag Garg, and Puthran himself—falters in keeping the narrative streamlined. The series juggles multiple arcs and characters—some more effective than others—and the constant timeline shifts may test your patience and attention. The dense lore can feel overwhelming, and certain subplots, while thematically interesting, bloat the overall pacing. The middle episodes especially sag under the weight of exposition. Despite these narrative hiccups, Mandala Murders remains a compelling watch. It doesn't revolutionise the crime thriller genre, but it carves its niche by grounding murder and mystery in ritual and belief. The cliffhanger ending suggests a deeper conspiracy still to unfold—setting up anticipation for a potential second season. A grim and mythologically rich thriller that occasionally buckles under its own ambition but is held together by strong performances, haunting visuals, and an engrossing central mystery.
Pink Villa
an hour ago
- Pink Villa
Mandala Murders Review First 3 Episodes: Vaani Kapoor and Surveen Chawla's show boasts ambition and novelty in a solid setup
Plot Mandala Murders dives into a dark and intriguing mystery set in the fictional town of Charandaspur. Detective Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor) and her partner Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) investigate a series of ritualistic murders tied to the secretive Ayastis, a centuries-old cult that is obsessed with the Aayast Yantra, an instrument that can control universal energy. The murders are gruesome, with supernatural symbols and body parts collected for a resurrection ritual. The show begins with a scene in 1952, showing Rukmini (Shriya Pilgaonkar), the Mahamani of the Ayastis, attempting a failed resurrection ritual. In 2022, her granddaughter continues this mission, sparking the modern-day killings. Meanwhile, a sly politician Ananya Bharadwaj (Surveen Chawla), navigates a web of political schemes that connect to the murders. The first three episodes, set the show up beautifully for what lies ahead. What Works for Mandala Murders Firstly, Mandala Murders is visually stunning. The eerie atmosphere of Charandaspur, with its spooky streets and haunting mandala symbols, grips you up from the first scene. The concept of the Ayastis and their ancient rituals feels fresh, and it's a very unique spin on the crime genre. The first three episodes keep the suspense alive, with each murder revealing new clues about the cult's motives. The chemistry between Rea and Vikram is refreshingly grounded. The show's ambition to merge mythology with detective work is bold. The intense action sequences succeed in deliver thrills. The subtle use of sound design enhances the creepy vibe, making the ritual scenes particularly unsettling. What Doesn't Work for Mandala Murders The narrative may, at times, feel cluttered. It's probably just the first three episodes and this perhaps may not happen in the episodes to follow. The political subplot involving Ananya feels disconnected at times, not adding much to the primary story. Rest, Mandala Murders has started well and there is a lot took forward to, in the episodes to follow. Watch the Mandala Murders Trailer Performances in Mandala Murders Vaani Kapoor as Rea Thomas brings intensity and nuance to her role as a determined detective. She looks very fit and convincing. Surveen Chawla as Ananya Bharadwaj shines as a shrewd, low-lying politician. Shriya Pilgaonkar as Rukmini is fiery onscreen. Vaibhav Raj Gupta as Vikram Singh is solid as Rea's partner, adding gravitas to the show. Supporting actors like Raghubir Yadav and Jameel Khan are expectedly good. There is an enigma around them and the episodes that follow shall be very interesting from that perspective. Final Verdict of Mandala Murders Mandala Murders is a visually striking and ambitious thriller if the first three episodes are anything to go by. The Ayastis' chilling rituals and strong performances, especially from Vaani Kapoor, Surveen Chawla, and Shriya Pilgaonkar, make it engaging. The plot may feel slightly convoluted and the pacing is, at times, uneven. But, it certainly has enough going for it, to give it a watch. Mandala Murders streams on Netflix now. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates.
