Mandala Murders Review: An ambitious thriller that dares to dig deep, but loses its way

India Today

2 days ago

When it comes to stories rooted in India's complex history and myth-like rituals, there's always a certain intrigue. Add to that a thriller format, currently a firm favourite among audiences, and the possibilities feel endless. 'Mandala Murders', Netflix's latest Hindi original series, attempts to tap into this potential. Created by 'Mardaani 2' director Gopi Puthran, the show is a sprawling, pulpy crime drama that draws you in with its premise but doesn't quite deliver the punch it promises.advertisementSet in the fictional town of Charandaspur in Uttar Pradesh, the series kicks off with a series of gruesome ritual killings dating back decades. As these murders begin to resurface in the present day, we're introduced to Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor), an elite CIB officer sent to investigate. Vaani, marking her OTT debut, plays a woman haunted by her past and driven by her duty. Opposite her is Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta), a suspended Delhi Police officer with mysterious ties to the village and its twisted history.What begins as a classic investigative setup soon dives into darker, more philosophical territory. The murders are linked to a cult called Ayastha Mandala, which, back in the 1950s India, believed in upending the natural order by worshipping a deity named Yast - said to grant wishes in exchange for death sacrifices. As Rea and Vikram dig deeper, they not only uncover the horrifying truth about the Mandala but also find themselves entangled in it - personally, emotionally, and spiritually.To the show's credit, the world-building is rich. The dusty lanes of Charandaspur, the dense eeriness of Varuna's jungle, and the dark visual tone help establish the mood effectively. The cinematography captures the haunting stillness of the UP-based town, and muted chaos with finesse. The background score, while serviceable, doesn't leave a strong impression, though it complements the suspense decently.Vaani Kapoor, stepping into long-format storytelling for the first time, delivers a performance that's sincere but not always convincing. While she manages to bring a sense of quiet restraint to Rea Thomas, there are moments where her emotional graph feels slightly disconnected - especially in scenes that demand vulnerability or raw intensity. That said, the effort is commendable, and she holds her ground in a world that's far removed from the glossy terrain of her previous roles.
On the other hand, it's Vaibhav Raj Gupta who subtly shoulders much of the series. His portrayal of Vikram, a man battling internal demons while trying to piece together external horrors, adds emotional weight to the narrative. Surveen Chawla, playing a political figure with a veiled past and an intricate connection to Vikram, brings layered energy to her screen time, even if her arc remains slightly under-explored. Shriya Pilgaonkar appears in a key role, mostly in flashbacks, and adds intrigue to the backstory.Watch the trailer of the show here: One of 'Mandala Murders' most ambitious choices is its attempt to blend Indian mythology, socio-political commentary, and crime fiction into a cohesive story. It tries to comment on caste, patriarchy, trauma, and systemic apathy - all under the umbrella of a whodunit thriller. However, that's also where it falters. The show has too many threads, and while some are pulled effectively, others remain hanging or meander into confusion.advertisementThe pacing, for the most part, is decent. The initial few episodes are gripping enough to make you hit "next episode" without hesitation. But as the series progresses, it starts to feel both overwhelming and underwhelming - overwhelming in its ambition, underwhelming in its payoff. There's a point in the middle where the mystery becomes too tangled for its own good, and by the time it untangles, it feels slightly predictable.Also, the show leans heavily into the metaphorical. The 'Mandala' isn't just a ritual system - it becomes a symbol of chaos, control, and belief. But in trying to elevate the narrative to this near-mythic plane, it sometimes loses sight of basic storytelling clarity. There are moments where the plot feels muddled, and viewers might find themselves zoning out, waiting for it to regain focus.Another jarring contrast is the blending of fantasy with science. While the ritualistic elements draw from historical imagination, their overlap with modern science and conspiracy theories feels somewhat unconvincing. This genre-blending could have been brilliant, but here it feels a tad mismatched - like two puzzle pieces that almost fit, but not quite.Still, 'Mandala Murders' isn't a lost cause. For those who enjoy slow-burn thrillers with rich atmospheres, a touch of occult mystery, and layered characters, it offers a decent one-time watch. The final few episodes attempt to bring everything full circle, but there's a noticeable dip in emotional and narrative payoff. One may walk away intrigued, but also a little disappointed.- Ends3 stars out of 5 for 'Mandala Murders'