‘Mandala Murders’
Netflix’s Mandala Murders is a bold, genre-defying crime thriller that fearlessly blends science fiction, mythology, blind faith, and psychological horror—all within the sinister setting of a mysterious small town in India. Directed by Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat, and featuring a powerful ensemble cast led by Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, and Surveen Chawla, this Hindi-language series dives deep into the darker corners of belief systems and the human psyche.
The story is set in Charandaspur, a sleepy town shrouded in eerie myths and secrets. At the heart of the plot is a cult called Ayastha Mandala, worshipping a superhuman entity named Yast. As bizarre and disturbing murders begin to unfold—each victim missing a specific body part—the local CID gets involved.
Leading the investigation is Officer Rhea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor), a tough yet emotionally complex character on a mission to uncover the cult’s twisted motives. Vaani’s performance is a career-best—subtle, grounded, and emotionally layered.
The show excels in atmosphere and world-building. Ancient rituals and futuristic elements intersect seamlessly, as the cult uses scientific machines to harvest body parts for the creation of Yast—a mythical, invincible being made from “the best parts” of the human sacrifices. There are chilling scenes that include sacrificial rituals masked as blessings, where followers willingly insert their thumbs into machines that sever them in exchange for wish fulfillment. These unsettling moments manage to terrify without resorting to mindless gore.
The narrative spans several decades, starting in 1952, and every scene feels tightly woven into the overarching mystery. The storyline doesn’t waste a single frame—each moment, each symbol, and each line of dialogue contributes to the puzzle. What makes Mandala Murders even more compelling is that every character has depth, from cult leader Rukmini (Shriya Pilgaonkar) to the haunted police officer Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta), who returns to his hometown in search of his mother who disappeared two decades ago.
What truly sets Mandala Murders apart is its bold rejection of traditional Bollywood tropes. There are no definitive heroes or heroines—every character is grey, with moral ambiguities and personal traumas driving their choices. Despite its large cast, the series never feels overcrowded. Every character has a purpose, a backstory, and a personal stake in the larger narrative.
The series is based on the book The Butcher of Benaras by Mahendra Jakhar, but Netflix’s adaptation takes creative liberties, shifting the focus from global religious conspiracies to a homegrown cult rooted in Indian mythology. It’s a refreshing change that allows the show to explore local cultural textures while maintaining universal appeal.
The direction is slick, the visuals are haunting, and the writing is the real star. There’s a thematic richness—exploring faith, science, power, and trauma—that elevates the story beyond mere crime thriller. The cinematography captures the decaying beauty of small-town India, while the eerie score builds a persistent sense of dread.
Though not without flaws—some plot points stretch believability and the pacing slightly dips mid-season—Mandala Murders remains one of the sharpest and most original Indian crime dramas on digital platforms. With a clever script, tight direction, and standout performances, this is a binge-worthy series that dares to be different.
Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, psychological dramas, or mythological fiction, Mandala Murders will not disappoint. Watch it in one sitting, or take your time—but whatever you do, don’t skip it.
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
