MUMBAI: Netflix’s newest crime thriller Mandala Murders, which debuted on 25 July 2025, has already become a talking point among mystery and thriller aficionados. Set against the eerie, fictional backdrop of Charandaspur in Uttar Pradesh, the series plunges viewers into a sinister tale where myth and menace walk hand in hand.
This eight-part psychological drama, based on the bestselling novel The Butcher of Benares, comes from the creative vision of Gopi Puthran — best known for his hard-hitting narratives — who co-directs the series with Manan Rawat. Backed by YRF Entertainment, the show has carved a niche with its atmospheric storytelling and unrelenting suspense.
Marking her digital debut, Vaani Kapoor plays the unflinching CBI officer Rea Thomas, who joins forces with Vaibhav Raj Gupta’s Vikram Singh — a disgraced cop with a harrowing past — to unearth the truth behind a series of ritualistic killings.
(ALSO READ : 'Actresses get meatier projects on streaming': Vaani Kapoor)
These chilling murders, staged in elaborate mandala formations, are orchestrated by a secretive cult named Aayast Mandal, whose followers believe in the resurrection of an ancient god, Yast, through human sacrifice.
The narrative masterfully interlaces timelines, using evocative flashbacks from the 1950s to uncover the origin of the cult and its mysterious founder, Rukmini — played hauntingly by Shriya Pilgaonkar.
In the present, Surveen Chawla commands attention as Ananya, the current cult leader, who believes Vikram is destined to become the earthly vessel for Yast’s return.
While the series has earned acclaim for its haunting cinematography, gripping direction, and compelling performances — particularly from Kapoor and Pilgaonkar — some critics have pointed out occasional lapses in pacing and logic. Nevertheless, Mandala Murders has cemented its place as one of Netflix’s most binge-worthy thrillers of the year.
At Indian Television Dot Com recent Content Hub event, the creators shed light on the meticulous research and mythology that shaped the series, calling it “an exploration of how blind faith can turn fatal.
”With a heady blend of horror, intrigue, and psychological tension, Mandala Murders is a chilling journey into the heart of darkness — and viewers can’t seem to look away.
"What Mandala Murders does beautifully is that it takes fan-favourite genres like crime mysteries, and creates a world that will trap you like the real Mandala," said Tanya Bami on choosing such a story for Netflix.
"Vaani playing this role is such a fresh approach from her side. It is a complete contrast from anything she has played before. I think it's a fabulous debut for Vaani on OTT, I don't think it can get better than this," chimed in moderator Swati Chopra on Vaani's character in the series and her OTT debut.
"It is the novelty of the story that drew me in, it's the layers, the emotional complexity of the character, and not just the outer strength, but also how Gopi sir and Manan have taken us through the characters' inner strength — what we as women embody, which is wonderful," echoed Vaani Kapoor, opening up about her character in Mandala Murders.
"I love films, but what intrigued me about Mandala Murders was getting to explore various layers of the character that you can peel off like an onion with each episode, and you can invest that much time in culminating the beautiful qualities in my character," added the versatile actor when quizzed about why she chose Netflix and Mandala Murders as her OTT debut.
"For me, Mandala Murders began with a feeling about what I wanted to explore and first see as an audience myself, and also share it with everyone, which was a sense of wonder as I grew up watching shows and reading stories that provoked such senses within me," underscored Gopi Puthran when asked how he conceived Mandala Murders as an idea before it even became a story, and later, a series.
"For me, a heightened drama is us, as creators, providing a railing to the audience to hold on to as you take them deeper and deeper into your world. In our show, that railing is the emotional core of our characters," stated Manan Rawat on how they struck a balance between making the show relatable and building a world that's unexplored.
"Honesty, my intent has always been to look for something new and refreshing and challenge myself not just for the audience to take it, but ask myself whether i have it in me and can I bring out something new in me. That's always been the intent," signed off Vaani Kapoor when asked about whether there was a conscious effort to search for such a character or it just came along at the right time.
"I firmly believe that every story has to be different from the last, innovation is not optional anymore because the audience likes to be surprised. If they're watching a thriller, they need to be thrilled to the core — that's when the show works," reverberated Tanya Bami on why she chose to give Mandala Murders a platform like Netflix and what drew her to the show.
Stay tuned to TellyChakkar for all the latest updates on this much-awaited television masterpiece.
(ALSO Read: Netflix and YRF Entertainment’s ‘Mandala Murders’ Builds a Gripping World of Mythological Crime-Thriller)
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