Mandala Murders is an 8 episode Hindi crime thriller that goes big with a mix of spooky mythology, sci-fi weirdness and classic cop drama. Created by Gopi Puthran (Mardaani 2) and co-directed with Manan Rawat, this YRF Entertainment series based on Mahendra Jakhar’s novel The Butcher of Benares stars Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Raghubir Yadav. Set in the fictional Uttar Pradesh town of Charandaspur, it follows two detectives chasing a series of creepy, ritualistic murders linked to a secret society. It has big ideas – ancient cults, a thumb-chopping machine and heavy themes of faith vs science – but the plot is a mess and the pacing is shaky and not always fun. Still, there’s enough to keep you hooked if you like dark, twisty mysteries.
Mandala Murders: A Wild Ride Through Myth and Mayhem
The show begins with a gruesome find: a headless body in a pond with a strange mandala symbol. Enter Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor), a sharp CIB officer and Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta), a suspended Delhi cop with a troubled past. They team up to crack the case, which spirals into a wild web of the Ayastha Mandala, a shadowy cult worshipping some mythical figure called Yast. The story jumps between 1950s and 2025, old wounds, modern conspiracies and a sci-fi gadget that grants wishes if you… uh, feed it human thumbs. Yeah, it’s as weird as it sounds. The murders are brutal – chopped up bodies and cryptic symbols – and it’s very Indian, steeped in local mythology.
It’s tackling big issues: faith vs science, caste, patriarchy and corruption in small town India. You have a politician with secrets (Surveen Chawla), a creepy mystic (Raghubir Yadav) and a cult leader (Shriya Pilgaonkar) stirring the pot. The setup has all the makings of a binge-worthy thriller, but it often feels like the show is trying to juggle too many balls and drops a few.
The Cast Keeps It Real
The performances keep this crazy ride from falling apart. Vaibhav Raj Gupta is good as Vikram, a cop dealing with the mystery of his mom’s disappearance and troubled memories from his childhood. He’s quiet but focused; you want to root for him even when things get messy. Vaani Kapoor, in her first OTT role, is a mix of strong determination as a detective. But the script doesn’t give her enough to flesh out her character, so it’s unclear. Surveen Chawla is great as Ananya, a politician with a royal feel, especially in the last scenes. Shriya Pilgaonkar is cool as Rukmini, the cult leader and even though she doesn’t have much screen time, she makes an impact. Jameel Khan is funny as Jimmy, the guy figuring out symbols and Raghubir Yadav’s character is as mysterious as you would think. The only downside is that there are so many characters; some of them get ignored and don’t really contribute much.
What Works: Spooky Vibes and Big Swings
The show has a great vibe. Shaz Mohammed’s cinematography captures the eerie streets of Charandaspur and the creepy Varuna Forest. The sets—blooded ritual sites and shadowy cult hideouts—give me the goosbumps. Mixing Indian mythology (mandalas as symbols of chaos) with sci-fi (that thumb hungry machine) is bold for an Indian thriller. The first few episodes hook you in with a slow burn and the gore—severed heads, stitched up limbs—isn’t just for shock value, it actually moves the story forward. It’s trying to do something new and when it’s working, it feels like an Indian True Detective with a desi twist.
Where It Trips Up: Too Much, Too Messy
Here’s the thing: Mandala Murders bites off more than it can chew. The timeline jumps and heavy handed exposition makes it hard to keep up and subplots—like a shady nuclear plant deal or a politician’s feud—pop up and then just disappear. The middle episodes drag with flashbacks that feel repetitive and slow down the pace. That wish granting machine? Sounds cool, but comes off kinda goofy, like something out of a B-movie, which messes with the show’s darker tone. The writing, credited to Gabe Gabriel and Matt Graham, tries to tie everything together but leaves loose ends and murky motivations. The dialogue feels clunky, like it’s trying too hard to explain the plot. The music’s okay, but doesn’t hit hard enough to make you feel suspenseful and some choppy editing makes the story even more confusing.
Final Take
Mandala Murders is a bold, dirty thriller that has a lot going for it—great performances from Vaibhav Raj Gupta and Surveen Chawla, a creepy vibe and some crazy ideas. But the messy plot, slow middle and no emotional payoff makes it not a home run. If you like complex mysteries and don’t mind figuring out some chaos, it’s worth a binge for the cast and visuals. But if you want something tighter or more emotional, you might find it more annoying than fun. It’s a cool experiment that doesn’t quite land.