Netflix India is gearing up to drop another atmospheric original, Mandala Murders, this time in collaboration with YRF Entertainment. With its moody visuals, intense tone, and an intriguing cast led by Vaani Kapoor and Raghav Juyal, it certainly looks like a promising addition to the growing genre of Indian psychological thrillers. But viewers are asking a different question now. Not whether it will be great, but whether it will at least avoid being forgettable.
The issue is not new. Netflix India has had a curious track record with original thrillers that generate a lot of noise at the trailer stage but fizzle out when it comes to storytelling. Whether it was Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, Jewel Thief, or The Railway Men, each title came with ambition but eventually lacked emotional grip and narrative payoff. There’s often a striking polish on the surface, but little substance underneath.
This formula has led to a frustrating cycle for the audience. You get a visually stunning trailer, a strong ensemble cast, and a big production banner, but the final show struggles with pacing, character arcs, and emotional weight. The result is usually something that’s stylish to look at but easy to forget.
Mandala Murders seems to carry the same blueprint. It has an unsettling tone, hints at a layered mystery, and introduces Vaani Kapoor in a far more grounded and serious role than her usual glamorous outings. Raghav Juyal, known for his light hearted TV persona, is taking a darker route with his character, which does add intrigue. The promise is there. The visual setup is compelling. The cast is interesting. But that has never been the problem.
What’s missing, consistently, is writing that truly respects the viewer’s attention. Storytelling that goes beyond surface level twists. Dialogue that cuts deeper. And character journeys that evolve with meaning, not just with shock value. Indian OTT audiences have matured. They no longer respond to mystery for mystery’s sake. They need more.
So when Mandala Murders comes out, it won’t just be fighting for attention in a crowded thriller space. It will be carrying the burden of Netflix India’s recent disappointments. And while hope remains that this time might be different, most viewers have already lowered their expectations. They’ve stopped hoping for brilliance. They’re just hoping for something that sticks.
Let’s see if Mandala Murders finally breaks the cycle or adds one more title to the ever growing list of missed opportunities.
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