✅ Mandala Murders (2025) is an ambitious Indian Hindi-language crime thriller web series that plunges audiences into a dark, intricate world where ancient rituals clash with modern investigations. Premiering on Netflix on July 25, 2025, the series, created and co-directed by Gopi Puthran, masterfully intertwines elements of mystery, supernatural horror, and psychological drama. Starring Vaani Kapoor and Vaibhav Raj Gupta, it delves into a chilling conspiracy of ritualistic killings tied to a secret cult, offering a dense, multi-layered narrative that aims to redefine the Indian thriller landscape. Despite its dense plotting, “Mandala Murders” stands out for its unique premise and atmospheric tension.

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7.4/10

Mandala Murders

Created By: Gopi Puthran

Writers: Matt Graham, Gopi Puthran, Goswami Anurag, Avinash Dwivedi, Chirag Garg

Stars: Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla

Country: India

Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Languages: Hindi

Network: Netflix

Overview: When a series of ritualistic murders shakes a small town, a detective and an ex-cop must investigate a mystery with deep ties to their pasts.

TMDb: View on TMDb

Mandala Murders (2025) – Series Overview & Analysis-bollyflix.ist

Series Details 

• Full Name: Mandala Murders (2025)
• Language: Hindi
• Production Cost: Not Publicly Disclosed (Estimated to be significant for a YRF/Netflix production)
• Number of Seasons: 1 (as of now)
• Number of Episodes: 8
• Average Episode Length: 39-49 Minutes
• Total Runtime (Season 1): Approximately 5 to 6.5 hours
• Release Date: July 25, 2025 (Netflix)
• Genres: Crime Thriller, Mystery, Supernatural Horror, Psychological Thriller
• Cast: Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, Raghubir Yadav, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Ishan Saxena, Jameel Khan, Sammy Jonas Heaney, Siddhanth Kapoor, Piloo Vidyarthi, Monica Chaudhary
• Created By: Gopi Puthran
• Directors: Gopi Puthran, Manan Rawat
• Screenplay: Gopi Puthran, Gabe Gabriel, Matt Graham, Abinash Dwivedi, Chirag Garg, Anurag Goswami
• Studios & Producers: YRF Entertainment (Producers: Aditya Chopra, Uday Chopra, Yogendra Mogre, Akshaye Widhani)
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable

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Plot Summary

“Mandala Murders (2025)” unfurls a complex and unsettling narrative set in the fictional town of Charandaspur, Uttar Pradesh. The series kicks off with the discovery of gruesome, ritualistic murders, each victim mutilated and their body parts arranged in an intricate mandala pattern. These macabre acts draw the attention of CIB officer Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor) and the suspended local cop Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta), who is grappling with his own haunted past and the disappearance of his mother.

As Rea and Vikram delve deeper, they uncover a chilling conspiracy involving a centuries-old secret cult known as the Aayastis. This fanatical group is determined to resurrect a mythical, god-like entity called Yast by assembling human body parts as part of an ancient, horrific ritual. The narrative masterfully alternates between the present day, with the escalating investigation, and 1950s flashbacks, revealing the cult’s origins through the story of its founder, Rukmini (Shriya Pilgaonkar), and Rea’s own grandmother, Nandini (also played by Vaani Kapoor), who was once part of the cult but later turned against it.

The series explores a rich tapestry of themes including faith, betrayal, caste dynamics, patriarchy, and the collision of ancient mysticism with pseudo-scientific ambition. The detectives find themselves entangled in a web of personal connections to the cult, particularly when they confront Ananya Bhardwaj (Surveen Chawla), a powerful political figure driving the cult’s modern revival. As the body count rises and the cult inches closer to completing its ritual, Rea and Vikram race against time, leading to a climactic showdown in underground chambers where the fate of many hangs in the balance. The series challenges perceptions of good and evil, blurring the lines between victims and perpetrators in a haunting game of destiny.

Cast & Crew

Vaani Kapoor

Rea Thomas

Vaibhav Raj Gupta

Vikram Singh

Surveen Chawla

Ananya Bhardwaj

The cast of “Mandala Murders (2025)” is a strong ensemble that brings depth and intensity to its complex narrative. Vaani Kapoor takes on a dual role as CIB officer Rea Thomas in the present and Nandini in the 1950s flashbacks. While some critics found her performance as Rea a bit restrained in the initial episodes, she excels in moments demanding vulnerability and showcases promise in her OTT debut, especially in her more impactful role as Nandini. Vaibhav Raj Gupta delivers a standout performance as suspended cop Vikram Singh. His portrayal of a haunted officer grappling with personal trauma is consistently praised, with many calling him the series’ anchor.

Surveen Chawla as the political figure Ananya Bhardwaj brings a simmering tension to her character, though some felt her arc could have been more fully explored. Shriya Pilgaonkar as Rukmini, the cult’s founder in the 1950s, is captivating and central to the series’ mythological backdrop. Veteran actor Raghubir Yadav and others like Jameel Khan, Siddhanth Kapoor, and Piloo Vidyarthi provide solid support, adding layers to the diverse tapestry of Charandaspur. Directors Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat have extracted intense performances, particularly from the leads, navigating a challenging script that demands both nuanced acting and visceral portrayals of horror. The collective effort of the cast ensures that the dense storyline remains engaging despite its convoluted nature.

Critical & Audience Response

“Mandala Murders (2025)” received a mixed but generally positive reception from critics, with audiences showing a strong inclination towards its unique premise. Critics lauded the series for its ambitious storytelling, attempting to blend a police procedural with elements of occult mystery, supernatural horror, and psychological thriller. The dark and haunting atmosphere of Charandaspur, achieved through meticulous world-building and cinematography, was widely praised. Vaibhav Raj Gupta’s performance as Vikram Singh received significant acclaim for its intensity and emotional depth, often cited as a grounding force in the convoluted narrative.

However, the series faced criticism for its overly complex and sometimes convoluted plot, with too many narrative threads that occasionally led to confusion and a loss of focus. Some reviewers felt that the attempt to comment on various socio-political issues (caste, patriarchy, systemic apathy) under the umbrella of a thriller made the story dense and occasionally incoherent. The blend of ancient mythology with “pseudo-science” was also a point of contention for some, feeling mismatched. While the initial episodes were found to be gripping, the pacing sometimes faltered in the middle, and the payoff, though climactic, left some feeling slightly underwhelmed or unsatisfied with certain unresolved character arcs.

Despite these critical observations, the series managed to create a buzz among viewers, particularly for its genre-bending nature and willingness to explore darker themes. Audience reviews highlighted its binge-worthy potential and appreciated the attempt to deliver something fresh in the Indian streaming space. The show’s visual appeal and the intriguing premise kept viewers hooked, making it a polarizing yet compelling watch.

Direction & Cinematography

The directorial vision of Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat for “Mandala Murders (2025)” is undeniably ambitious. They successfully create a distinct and unsettling atmosphere for the fictional town of Charandaspur, which becomes a character in itself. Their direction is marked by a willingness to delve into dark themes and visceral imagery, not shying away from depicting gruesome details of the ritualistic murders. They attempt to weave together multiple timelines and genre elements, demonstrating a bold approach to storytelling, though at times this ambition leads to narrative density. The directors effectively elicit intense performances from their lead actors, particularly Vaibhav Raj Gupta, grounding the more fantastical elements of the plot.

The cinematography by Shaz Mohammed is a significant strength of “Mandala Murders.” Mohammed’s visual work is atmospheric and moody, effectively capturing the haunting stillness of the Uttar Pradesh setting. The use of muted colors and a dark visual tone helps establish the grim mood, creating a sense of foreboding that permeates the series. The camera work is often unsettling, framing the crime scenes and ritualistic elements with a clinical precision that enhances the horror. The cinematography consistently contributes to the series’ unique aesthetic, making it visually arresting even in its most disturbing moments and playing a crucial role in immersing the audience in its macabre world.

Music & Background Score

The music for “Mandala Murders (2025),” composed by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara, plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining the series’ dark and ominous atmosphere. The background score is particularly effective, skillfully building tension and enhancing the suspense during the investigative sequences and the gruesome ritualistic moments. It features a blend of haunting melodies and unsettling soundscapes that underscore the supernatural horror and psychological thriller elements of the narrative.

While the score is generally serviceable in complementing the visuals and plot, some critics noted that it doesn’t always leave a strong, memorable impression beyond its functional role in building suspense. However, its consistent ability to create an eerie and foreboding mood is undeniable. The music effectively mirrors the series’ complex themes, oscillating between moments of mystery, horror, and occasional emotional beats, ensuring that the auditory experience aligns with the visually disturbing and convoluted narrative. The Balhara brothers’ composition contributes significantly to the overall immersive and chilling ambiance of “Mandala Murders.”

Visuals & Special Effects

“Mandala Murders (2025)” leverages its visuals and special effects to create a truly unsettling and visceral experience, crucial for its horror and thriller elements. The series does not shy away from depicting graphic details of the ritualistic murders, and the body horror is presented with a clinical, almost fetishistic precision. Severed body parts, intricate patterns, and the chilling reconstruction of a mythical entity are rendered with a level of realism that can be disturbing but effective in conveying the horror.

The visual effects, handled by yFX (YRF Studios), are seamlessly integrated to enhance the fantastical and supernatural elements, such as the mysterious “yantra” and the visual representation of the god-like entity Yast. While some critical reception suggested the “sci-fi” elements, like a “wish-fulfilling machine” or “particle physicist” aspects, could be “laughable” or “unconvincing,” the overall visual design contributes to the series’ ambitious and unique aesthetic. The use of a burning corpse in promotional material and the unsettling imagery within the series effectively build a haunting and ominous tone, deepening the suspense around the cult and its long-buried prophecy. The production design, coupled with strategic visual effects, ensures that the world of “Mandala Murders” feels both ancient and disturbingly modern.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing of “Mandala Murders (2025),” overseen by Mitesh Soni and Meghna Manchanda Sen, attempts to navigate a challenging, multi-layered narrative that spans different timelines. The series employs frequent jumps between the present-day investigation and 1950s flashbacks, aiming to weave a complex tapestry of past and present connections. While the editing contributes to the initial intrigue and keeps the audience on edge, some critics noted that the constant timeline switching occasionally leads to convolution and a fragmented narrative, making it hard to follow or fully grasp character motivations. The pacing, though generally decent in the gripping initial episodes, reportedly becomes inconsistent as the series progresses, with some threads feeling stretched or underdeveloped.

The screenplay, co-written by Gopi Puthran, Gabe Gabriel, Matt Graham, Abinash Dwivedi, Chirag Garg, and Anurag Goswami, is highly ambitious. It introduces a unique premise involving a secret cult, ritualistic murders, and elements of mythology and pseudo-science. The script is rich in concepts, attempting to delve into themes like trauma, caste, patriarchy, and systemic decay. However, this ambition can be a double-edged sword; many reviewers felt that the screenplay was too stuffed with ideas, leading to a narrative that was occasionally “convoluted” and “incoherent.” While the core concept of mandalas and sacrifices is intriguing, the execution sometimes loses clarity, and certain plot points or character arcs are left hanging. Despite these flaws, the screenplay’s boldness in exploring uncharted territory for Indian thrillers is commendable, delivering a unique and thought-provoking, albeit sometimes muddled, viewing experience.

Positives / What Works

“Mandala Murders (2025)” is lauded for its ambitious and unique premise that blends crime procedural with occult mystery and supernatural horror, offering a fresh take on the thriller genre. The series excels in creating a truly dark, gritty, and unsettling atmosphere, complemented by strong cinematography that immerses viewers in its macabre world. Vaibhav Raj Gupta delivers a compelling and impactful performance as Vikram Singh, often cited as the series’ emotional anchor. The narrative’s non-linear structure, jumping between present and past, adds layers of intrigue, revealing a complex history. The series also attempts to address relevant social themes, making it more than just a whodunit. Its initial episodes are particularly gripping, drawing audiences into the dark conspiracy from the outset.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

Despite its ambition, “Mandala Murders (2025)” faces criticism for its overly convoluted and dense plot, which can become difficult to follow due to too many narrative threads and an attempt to cram in too many ideas. The screenplay, while innovative, occasionally sacrifices clarity for complexity, leading to moments of confusion and a sense of “mumbo jumbo” for some viewers. The pacing can be uneven, particularly in the mid-section, where the story feels less focused and some character arcs are left underdeveloped or unresolved. The blend of fantasy and pseudo-science, particularly regarding the mythical entity and related technology, sometimes stretches credibility, leading to moments that feel unconvincing or even “laughable” for certain critics. Additionally, while the series is visually striking, the pervasive gore, though intended to shock, can eventually desensitize viewers.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Mandala Murders (2025)” is an ambitious and visually striking Indian crime thriller that courageously delves into uncharted territory by blending ritualistic murders with elements of supernatural horror and psychological drama. While its multi-layered narrative and complex themes can sometimes lead to convolution and an uneven pace, the series remains largely engaging due to its unique premise and atmospheric tension. Vaibhav Raj Gupta delivers a standout performance, anchoring the series with his portrayal of a haunted cop. Despite its flaws in narrative clarity and the occasional struggle to balance its various genre elements, “Mandala Murders” offers a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience. It’s a series for those who appreciate dark, intricate thrillers that dare to explore new storytelling avenues, even if the execution isn’t always perfectly polished. It is a bold attempt that, despite its imperfections, leaves a lasting impression.

Series Rating

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