Netflix has truly delivered a fascinating and intensely binge-worthy series with “Mandala Murders.” As someone who loves a good blend of mystery, mythology, and psychological thrills, this show absolutely hit the mark. It’s an eight-episode ride that pulls you into a world where ancient rituals clash with modern-day horrors, and every twist leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew.
What’s It All About? The Intricate Plot Unraveled
Set in the eerie, atmospheric fictional town of Charandaspur, “Mandala Murders” kicks off with a series of gruesome, ritualistic killings that quickly draw the attention of the authorities. We follow two compelling detectives: Rea Thomas (played by Vaani Kapoor), a sharp and driven officer from the Crime Investigation Bureau, and Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta), a suspended local cop haunted by his own past. Their investigation spirals into something far more sinister than a simple whodunit, uncovering a centuries-old secret cult known as the ‘Aayastis.’
This cult, it turns out, has a chilling agenda: to resurrect a god-like entity named Yast. Yast is envisioned not as a spiritual deity, but as a man-made god, constructed by meticulously piecing together specific human body parts from various victims. These ritualistic killings follow the geometry of a mandala, an intricate spiritual symbol, transforming it into a dark blueprint for their horrific sacrifices. The series bravely leaps across timelines, delving into the cult’s origins in 1950s India, spearheaded by figures like Rukmini (Shriya Pilgaonkar), and revealing deep-seated connections between the past and the present.
Each victim is chosen for a particular body part—a torso, a hand, a head—that fits into the cult’s grand design, making every murder a calculated step towards their ultimate goal. The show reveals how these rituals combine ancient beliefs with pseudo-scientific ambitions, where a “wish-granting” machine plays a crucial, albeit terrifying, role.
Character Arcs: Beyond the Investigation
Beyond the central mystery, the series shines in its exploration of its lead characters’ personal journeys:
Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor): As a dedicated CIB officer, Rea is relentless in her pursuit of justice. However, her character is deeply layered, grappling with unresolved trauma from her own past. As she delves deeper into the Aayastis’ history, she discovers an unexpected personal connection to the cult through her grandmother, Nandini, who was once part of the original Aayastis but turned against their horrifying mission. Rea’s arc becomes one of both professional duty and a profound personal quest for redemption and understanding, fighting to prevent her family’s dark legacy from resurfacing.
Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta): Vikram is a suspended Delhi Police officer who returns to his hometown of Charandaspur carrying a heavy burden of grief and a missing mother from his childhood. His stoic demeanor belies a deep emotional turmoil. The investigation into the mandala murders becomes inextricably linked to his personal search for answers about his family, as he discovers his own mysterious ties to the cult.
In a shocking twist, Vikram also becomes a crucial target for the Aayastis, whose sinister plans culminate in the need for his specific blood and body parts to complete Yast. Vaibhav Raj Gupta’s performance brings an impressive stillness and emotional depth, anchoring the series whenever its complex narrative threads threaten to unravel.
Ananya Bhardwaj (Surveen Chawla): A prominent and ambitious political figure in Charandaspur, Ananya is revealed to be a key antagonist driving the modern revival of the cult. Driven by loyalty to her grandmother Rukmini Devi’s legacy and her own hunger for power, she ruthlessly orchestrates events, showcasing a chilling disregard for human life and a willingness to manipulate everyone around her.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: A Deeper Look
For me, “Mandala Murders” truly shines in its ambition and its commitment to building a unique, immersive world.
Atmosphere and Visuals: The show excels at creating a dark, gothic atmosphere. The dusty lanes, foreboding forests of Varuna, and meticulously detailed interiors of the cult’s hidden sanctum transport you directly into Charandaspur’s unsettling reality. The cinematography is consistently strong, using muted tones and haunting stillness to enhance the suspense, making even the most gruesome scenes visually impactful without feeling gratuitous.
Genre-Bending Narrative: This isn’t just a straightforward crime procedural. It masterfully weaves together elements of occult noir, psychological thriller, and philosophical exploration. It tackles complex, hard-hitting themes like historical trauma, the deep-rooted issues of caste and patriarchy, systemic decay, and the blurred lines between spiritual longing and scientific ambition. While this ambition can sometimes make the plot feel dense and require careful attention, it also makes for a rich and thought-provoking viewing experience that defies easy categorization. The blend of ancient Indian mythology with modern pseudo-science creates a uniquely unsettling premise.
Intriguing Mystery & Symbolism: Even when the plot gets convoluted, the core mystery remains captivating. The symbolic nature of the mandalas, which are traditionally symbols of harmony but here become blueprints for ritual slaughter, is a dark twist. The bizarre “wish-granting” machine, which demands horrifying sacrifices (like a severed thumb), and the constant revelation of interconnected backstories keep you hooked, constantly trying to piece together the larger puzzle. It’s a show that rewards careful attention and encourages discussion long after you’ve finished watching.
A Few Things to Note: Where the Ambition Stretches Thin
While I absolutely loved the series, it’s worth noting that its ambition can sometimes lead to a slightly convoluted narrative. The frequent timeline jumps between 1950s flashbacks and the present day, along with the introduction of numerous sub-plots and supporting characters, can occasionally make it hard to keep track of every thread. Some critics have pointed out that the show tries to pack in too many concepts—from dark mysticism to particle physics—and while it mostly succeeds in creating intrigue, a tighter script might have made some of these genre-blending elements feel more cohesive.
The pacing, though often gripping in early episodes, can feel a bit stretched in the middle, and some emotional beats, particularly for Rea, can feel undercooked despite Vaani Kapoor’s strong presence. Also, be prepared for some graphic imagery; the show doesn’t shy away from depicting headless bodies, severed limbs, and other gruesome details with clinical precision.
Final Thoughts
“Mandala Murders” is a bold and immersive thriller that dares to delve into dark, unexplored territory. It’s a series that might test your patience with its narrative complexity at times, but its strong performances, particularly from Vaibhav Raj Gupta, combined with its unique atmosphere and fascinating blend of genres, make it a truly memorable watch.
If you’re a fan of shows that challenge you to think, appreciate a strong sense of atmosphere, and aren’t afraid of a story that blends the mythical with the mundane, then this Netflix series is definitely for you. It’s a show that will stay with you long after the credits roll, sparking conversations and leaving you eager for more.
