Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Mandala Murders, which just dropped on Netflix and has viewers completely captivated by this unique blend of mythology and crime thriller that’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Mandala Murders premiered on Netflix on July 25, 2025, delivering 8 episodes of this mythological crime thriller produced by YRF Entertainment. Created by directors Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat, this Indian series stars Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, and Surveen Chawla in key roles. Set in the mysterious town of Charandaspur, the series explores themes of faith, betrayal, caste, and patriarchy while combining modern police procedural with ancient occult practices. What makes this series stand out is how it seamlessly weaves together contemporary detective work with centuries-old secrets and ritualistic murders.
The story follows detectives Rea Thomas and Vikram Singh as they investigate a series of ritualistic murders that shake the small town of Charandaspur. Mandala Murders creates an atmosphere where fate, myth, and murder intertwine, blurring the lines between victims, survivors, and truth-seekers. It’s a haunting game of destiny that challenges viewers to question what they believe about justice, tradition, and the power of ancient prophecies.
Vaani Kapoor’s Intense Performance as Detective Rea Thomas
Vaani Kapoor delivers a powerhouse performance as Detective Rea Thomas, one half of the investigative duo tasked with unraveling the chilling conspiracy behind the ritualistic killings. Rea’s character represents the modern, rational approach to crime-solving, but she must confront mysteries that challenge everything she believes about logic and evidence. Kapoor brings depth and intensity to a role that requires her to navigate both the gritty reality of police work and the supernatural elements that define Charandaspur.
Her portrayal shows Rea as someone who refuses to accept easy answers, even when the investigation leads her into territory that defies conventional explanation. The character’s journey forces her to confront not only the murders themselves but also the deep ties these crimes have to her own past, making every discovery personally devastating.
Vikram Singh and the Partnership Dynamic
Vaibhav Raj Gupta stars as Vikram Singh, the ex-cop turned private investigator who becomes Rea’s unlikely partner in this complex case. The chemistry between Kapoor and Gupta drives much of the series’ tension, as two investigators with different backgrounds and approaches must work together to solve crimes that seem to defy rational explanation.
Vikram’s character brings the street-smart experience of someone who’s seen the darkest corners of human nature, while also carrying the burden of whatever led him to leave the police force. His partnership with Rea creates a dynamic where past trauma meets present determination, making their investigation as much about personal redemption as it is about solving murders.
When Ancient Prophecies Meet Modern Crime
The series’ most compelling element is how it connects the ritualistic murders to a centuries-old secret society, creating a mystery that spans generations. This central concept elevates Mandala Murders beyond typical crime thriller territory, exploring how ancient beliefs and modern violence can intersect in terrifying ways.
The secret society element isn’t just window dressing – it’s integral to understanding both the murders and the characters investigating them. The series builds toward revelations that force viewers to question whether these crimes are the work of modern killers using ancient symbols, or something far more supernatural and disturbing.
Legends and Rising Stars
The ensemble cast includes Surveen Chawla, Raghubir Yadav, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Siddhanth Kapoor, Rahul Bagga, and Monica Choudhary, creating a rich tapestry of characters that bring depth to the world of Charandaspur. Each supporting character adds layers to the mystery, whether they’re potential suspects, witnesses, or people harboring their own dark secrets related to the town’s troubled history.
Raghubir Yadav, in particular, brings gravitas to the series with his veteran presence, while the younger cast members represent different facets of how ancient traditions and modern life collide in ways that can turn deadly.
Success on Netflix
Mandala Murders has generated significant buzz as Netflix’s first-of-its-kind mythological crime thriller from India. The 8-episode format allows for deep exploration of both the mythology and the criminal investigation without rushing either element. Critics have described the series as ambitious in its blend of horror, history, and mystery, with some praising its eerie intrigue and layered storytelling despite acknowledging its slow-burning pace and complex narrative structure.
Perfect for Mythology and Crime Fans
If you love crime thrillers that incorporate supernatural elements and explore ancient mysteries, Mandala Murders is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show delivers a unique viewing experience that combines the satisfaction of detective work with the chills of supernatural horror, all set against the rich cultural backdrop of Indian mythology.
Why This Thriller Breaks New Ground
Mandala Murders succeeds because it dares to blend genres in ways that feel authentic rather than gimmicky, creating a crime thriller that respects both modern investigative techniques and ancient cultural traditions. The series offers a haunting exploration of how the past refuses to stay buried, making it essential viewing for anyone who appreciates innovative storytelling that pushes the boundaries of what crime drama can be.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 8
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2025
Current IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Genre: Mythological Crime Thriller, Mystery, Drama
Status: Season 1 complete (Available for streaming)
Protagonists: Vaani Kapoor (Detective Rea Thomas), Vaibhav Raj Gupta (Vikram Singh)
Antagonist: The secret society and ancient forces (supernatural/systemic antagonists)