Mandala Murders Review: Vaani Kapoor & Surveen Chawla Power A Mystery That’s More Than Just Murder

When you see the word “murder” in the title of a series, you might assume it’s a typical whodunnit — a murder mystery with a killer twist and possibly the murder of good content itself.

If you're tired of the usual and craving something fresh, Mandala Murders is worth your time.

Source : IMDb

Don’t be fooled by the title. When you see the word “murder” in the title of a series, you might assume it’s a typical whodunnit — a murder mystery with a killer twist and possibly the murder of good content itself. But Mandala Murders is nothing like that. It surprises you, pulls you into a world you didn’t expect — the world of the Mandala. Who created this world, and what secrets does it hold? This gripping Netflix-YRF production answers those questions in a fascinating and immersive way. After The Railway Men, YRF and Netflix strike gold again.

The Plot

Set in a fictional place called Charan Das Pur, the story introduces a mystical baba who grants wishes. But there’s a catch: the person making a wish must place their thumb in a strange machine, which slices it off in exchange for a miracle — even something as impossible as defeating death. Soon, a string of murders follows. Each killing has a unique pattern, deeply tied to the secrets of a mysterious "Mandala." What is this Mandala, and how is it all connected? The only way to find out is to watch this remarkable series on Netflix.

At a time when many claim that Indian stories are running out of originality, Mandala Murders proves otherwise. The story is unpredictable, and every episode is full of tension. It’s masterfully written, and not once will you want to look away — not even for a second, or you might miss crucial details. The world-building of the Mandala is impressive, and the way it's visualised is spectacular. Spanning 8 episodes, the show never feels stretched. Each scene is necessary, each twist impactful. This is storytelling that demands attention and rewards curiosity.

Performances

Vaani Kapoor is known for her glamorous roles, but here she stuns as an investigative officer. It’s a departure from everything we’ve seen her do before, and she delivers with conviction. Vaibhav Raj Gupta, known for Gullak, surprises with a performance that’s completely opposite from his previous role — and he shines. He’s clearly here for the long haul. Surveen Chawla, with her strong screen presence, fits perfectly into her role. Shriya Pilgaonkar makes an impression even with limited screen time. Jameel Khan appears in a very different avatar and excels, while veteran actor Raghubir Yadav leaves a mark despite a brief appearance.

Writing & Direction

Created by Manan Rawat and Gopi Puthran, the series scores high on both writing and execution. The script is intelligent, and the direction is bold and precise. Their attempt to present something entirely new is not only admirable but successful.

Verdict

If you're tired of the usual and craving something fresh, Mandala Murders is worth your time. It’s original, engaging, and unlike anything you've seen lately.