Daldal Review: Bhumi Pednekar Shines in Dark, Twisted Cop Drama
DCP Rita Ferreira chases a ruthless killer while fighting her own dark past
Crime thrillers have a massive fanbase in Odisha, and Amazon Prime Video has just dropped a new contender for your weekend watchlist. Daldal, starring Bhumi Pednekar, plunges viewers into the murky underbelly of Mumbai. Based on Vish Dhamija’s popular novel Bhendi Bazaar, this seven-episode series attempts to balance a gritty police procedural with intense psychological drama.
A Gruesome Mystery Unfolds
The story follows newly appointed DCP Rita Ferreira (Pednekar). Her promotion ruffles feathers, especially for a resentful colleague played by Chinmay Mandlekar. But office politics take a backseat when a brutal murder shakes the city. A seemingly harmless man is found dead with his wrists slit and mouth stuffed with raw meat.
Rita soon realises this isn't an isolated incident. A serial killer is targeting men in a ritualistic fashion. As the body count rises, Rita must navigate a high-pressure investigation while battling her own personal demons. The narrative also weaves in a journalist (Samara Tijori) and a troubled young man (Aditya Rawal) whose lives intersect with the case in dangerous ways.
Performances That Stand Out
Bhumi Pednekar delivers a restrained performance as the brooding cop. She steps away from her usual energetic roles to play a character weighed down by trauma. While her constant intensity can feel one-note at times, she anchors the show effectively.
The supporting cast deserves special mention. Aditya Rawal is excellent as a drug addict caught in a web of crime, bringing vulnerability to a dark role. Samara Tijori also leaves a strong mark as an ambitious journalist who knows too much.
Verdict: A Gripping but Flawed Watch
Daldal starts strong with a chilling opening and an atmospheric setting. However, as the series progresses, some plot twists feel a bit forced. The connection between the "encounter specialist," the red-light district, and the killer adds layers but can get messy.
Despite some convenient storytelling choices, the show remains binge-worthy for fans of the genre. It offers enough suspense to keep you hooked until the final episode. If you enjoyed intense dramas like Paatal Lok or Delhi Crime, this series is a solid addition to your OTT rotation.
Image Source: Filmbeat
