Mandala Murders brings to its viewers a bold, and edge-of-the-seat thriller. But does this Vaani Kapoor-Surveen Chawla starrer really hit the mark? Read our review to get the answer.
Cast: Vaani Kapoor, Surveen Chawla, Vaibhav Raj Gupta and Shriya Pilgaonkar
Director: Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat
Netflix’s Mandala Murders, which has been directed by Gopi Puthran and Manan brings to the viewers a genre not many have delved deeper into. By offering an interesting mix of crime, mythology, suspense, rituals and their symbolism through Mandala Murders, the makers proved they aimed high, and managed to succeed. The series – which features Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, Jameel Khan, and Shriya Pilgaonkar in key roles – sits well with the viewers who prefer straightforward plot which translates into a dark thriller that promises a rewarding watch.
What is the story of Mandala Murders?
Set in the town of Charandaspur, the series sets a mysterious tone right from the first shot which makes the viewers aware of a secret society Ayast Mandal. In the next few minutes, we are told how the members and their leader, Rukmini (Shriya Pilgaonkar) couldn’t succeed in finishing their ritual in Varuna Forest. Members of the mandal who are referred to as Ayastis were set to create their own god – Ayast, but fails in turning their big dream into reality.Flash forward to present day, former police officer Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) accpmapnies his father to Charandaspur. During their train journey, they meet a photographer, Abhishek. Later, we are told, Abhishek is the same photographer who is employed by politician Ananya Bharadwaj (Surveen Chawla) for a secretive job. Not long after completing it, he is found dead. Following his murder, CBI officer Rea Thomas is asked to track the case. Just as she begins to investigate the case, Yadav Brothers are also killed under mysterious circumstances. Since the shocking murder rocks the entire town, both Vikram and Rea join forces to investigate the murders- a pattern which is connected to ritualistic killings in Charandaspur.
Mandala Murders: Does it hit the mark?
Mandala Murders keeps you invested right from the beginning. Through its eerie introduction of the Ayast Mandal, and chilling murders that follow, the viewers are made familiar with the show’s uneasy vibe. The makers waste no time in introducing multiple twists that further keeps the suspense building, and hook the viewers. It is with the unexpected murder of Yadav brothers that you understand that a lot more is happening than what you had earlier expected. What really keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats in the perfect casting Mandala Murders, in addition to its gripping plot. Everybody who has been roped in – including Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, Jameel Khan, Raghubir Yadav, Manu Rishi Chadha, and Shriya Pilgaonkar – play their part with perfection. While Vaani remains steady and calm as CIB officer Rea Thomas, Vaibhav Raj Gupta as Vikram infuses intensity, courtesy the different ups and downs he faces in his career. What makes the story more real is their natural onscreen chemistry. Jameel Khan too deserves a special mention for he does a fabulous job in playing a mandala-obsessed academic with perfection. Raghubir Yadav, Manu Rishi Chadha, and Shriya Pilgaonkar too ensure their characters remain unforgettable. Surveen Chawla is an absolute scene-stealer. As politician Ananya Bharadwaj, she remains fierce, calculating, and show no qualms in manipulating her own husband.
Mandala Murders: Does it stumbles at the finish line?
As Mandala Murder nears the finish line, things begin to fall apart. Final episodes try to wrap everything up, but instead, they shift into messy territory. Even though the series is gripping, courtesy its promising premise, its ending doesn’t really hit as hard as you’d expected it to.
Rating: 3/5
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