Mandala Murders Review

Overview:

Mandala Murders is a rare attempt to blend police procedural drama with mystical horror. Across eight tightly packed episodes, it keeps viewers hooked with its chilling atmosphere, layered storytelling, and powerful performances.

The series explores the clash between logic and legend, as investigators uncover a chain of ritualistic murders linked to an ancient myth about a terrifying entity called Yast.

If you enjoy shows that combine science with superstition and leave you questioning what’s real, Mandala Murders is worth your time.

Plot Summary:

The show begins with a strange murder marked by a mysterious symbol. Soon, more bodies appear — each missing a body part. These killings are revealed to be part of a ritual designed to resurrect Yast, a monstrous godlike being said to bring the world to its end.

Enter CIB Officer Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor), who teams up with disgraced cop Vikram (Vaibhav Raj Gupta). Together, they dive deep into a world of occult rituals, ancient texts, and scientific experiments gone wrong.

Adding complexity is Ananya Bhardwaj (Surveen Chawla), a powerful politician with her own agenda. As the case unfolds, every clue blurs the line between myth and madness — and no one is who they seem.

Performances:

Vaani Kapoor impresses as Rea Thomas — confident, sharp, and physically strong. While her emotional scenes lack depth at times, she makes up for it with her commanding screen presence and well-executed action sequences. Surveen Chawla delivers a standout performance. Her portrayal of Ananya is layered and intense, giving the series its emotional and moral weight.

Vaibhav Raj Gupta is terrific as Vikram, adding grit and realism to the supernatural plot. Shriya Pilgaonkar, Aditi Pohankar, and Raghubeer Yadav deliver strong supporting performances, adding depth to the ensemble cast.

Each character serves a purpose, and that’s one of the show’s biggest strengths — no one feels wasted.

Direction & Writing:

Directed by Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat, the series balances science, mythology, and police drama with surprising control. The writing team (Avinash Dwivedi, Chirag Garg, and others) does a fine job weaving multiple subplots without losing focus.

While the finale may feel predictable to genre fans, it ties the story neatly and leaves room for reflection. The show isn’t just about solving murders — it’s about exploring how faith and fear can shape reality.

Verdict:

Mandala Murders isn’t flawless, but it’s one of the more ambitious Indian thrillers in recent years. It combines horror, mystery, and science in a way that feels fresh and intriguing.

If you’re into dark thrillers, occult mysteries, or shows like Asur or Adhura, this one’s right up your alley.

👉 Final Word: Smart, spooky, and stylish — Mandala Murders is a chilling ride worth bingeing.