Mandala Murders: A Gripping Journey with an Unsteady Finale

An Ambitious Mystery That Loses Its Way with Each Episode

Mandala Murders arrives on the streaming scene with a refreshingly intricate and atmospheric premise, immediately setting itself apart from the standard crime procedural. The series weaves a compelling web of history, mythology, and murder that is engrossing in its initial episodes. It successfully builds a world rich with secrets and a palpable sense of dread. However, this promising start gives way to a narrative that becomes entangled in its own complexity, ultimately delivering a conclusion that feels less like a satisfying resolution and more like a missed opportunity. It’s a classic case of a journey being more rewarding than its destination.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news, alerts & updates – Don’t miss out!

Tale of Two Timelines

The story's foundation is fascinating, connecting a present-day string of gruesome murders to a dark event in 1952. In the past, a group of women known as the Ayastis were persecuted as witches in the fictional town of Charandaspur. In the present, a series of bodies begin to appear, each marked with a mysterious mandala symbol. This brings together a suspended local cop, Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta), and a composed CIB officer, Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor), to unravel a conspiracy that spans decades.

The early episodes excel at building this dual narrative, creating a rich tapestry of characters and motives. The setting feels authentic, with a blend of regional dialects that adds a layer of realism. The show effectively explores the dynamics of a small town, where old friendships and hidden resentments simmer just beneath the surface. The mystery is genuinely intriguing, and the slow reveal of clues keeps the viewer engaged.

Identity Crisis

Unfortunately, the series struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It opens with a mystical, almost supernatural feel, then shifts into a grounded crime thriller before veering into political drama. While this genre-blending can be effective, here it feels indecisive. The narrative teases supernatural elements throughout, building an expectation of an otherworldly explanation, only to abandon this thread in the final act. This leaves the viewer feeling disoriented, as if the show itself wasn't sure what story it wanted to tell. This lack of a clear identity is the show's central flaw, preventing its many interesting parts from coalescing into a cohesive whole.

Redeeming Performances

What holds the series together, even as the plot begins to unravel, is the strength of its cast. Vaani Kapoor delivers a measured and authoritative performance as CIB officer Rea Thomas, avoiding melodrama in favour of a quiet intensity that suits the character. Vaibhav Raj Gupta brings a compelling depth to the role of Vikram, a man grappling with both personal tragedy and professional disgrace.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, but the standout performance comes from Surveen Chawla as Ananya Bharadwaj, a shrewd and ambitious figure who is unafraid to manipulate those around her to maintain power. It is a complex and commanding role, and Chawla inhabits it completely. These strong performances provide an essential human anchor, keeping the audience invested even when the narrative logic begins to falter.

Ultimately, Mandala Murders is an ambitious and often captivating series that doesn't quite stick the landing. Its far-fetched final episodes and the introduction of a theatrical, sword-wielding vigilante feel jarringly out of place. While it deserves credit for its unique premise and strong character work, it serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of a clear narrative vision and a satisfying payoff.