Manvat Murders

Manvat Murders" is a Marathi-language crime thriller series that brings to life one of India's most shocking true crime cases from 1972. The show revolves around the brutal murders of seven women in the town of Manvat, an event that shook the entire nation. As local law enforcement struggled to make progress, Special Crime Branch officer Ramakant Kulkarni took charge of the investigation, peeling back layers of superstition, ignorance, and fear that gripped the community.

The story is set against the backdrop of a deeply conservative and uneducated rural India, where superstition and blind faith ran rampant. Through the eyes of Officer Kulkarni, viewers witness how these factors not only misled the investigation but also trapped innocent people in a cycle of suspicion and fear. The series explores how social dynamics and cultural ignorance made the case even more complex, as Kulkarni uncovers deeply buried secrets and motives.

What makes the series worth watching is its portrayal of the investigation process in a time when modern forensic techniques were largely unavailable. Kulkarni's methodical approach highlights both the limitations and determination of law enforcement during the era. While the case might appear straightforward to modern viewers, given the abundance of crime-solving tools we are now familiar with, the show successfully portrays the challenges Kulkarni faced in unraveling the mystery within a deeply flawed and misinformed community.

However, the series does fall short in terms of engagement and pacing. While the real-life story has plenty of potential for suspense and drama, the execution lacks the necessary tension to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As the series progresses, it becomes relatively easy for the audience to guess the identity of the culprit, which weakens the impact of the final reveal. The director could have capitalized more on creating a sense of mystery and uncertainty, possibly adding more psychological depth to the characters and their motives.

Despite these shortcomings, "Manvat Murders" excels in its atmospheric depiction of rural India, immersing the audience in the socio-cultural challenges of the time. The series does well to shed light on the widespread issues of superstition and ignorance, which were, and still are, prevalent in many parts of India. This serves as a reminder of how far the country has come in terms of education and scientific reasoning, but also how much work remains to be done.

The cinematography and music composition further enhance the eerie mood of the show, with tense soundtracks accentuating the moments of discovery and conflict. Special mention must be made of Nitin Desai's production design, which transports viewers back to 1970s Maharashtra, adding authenticity to the series.

Overall, "Manvat Murders" may not be a gripping thriller for all, but it is certainly a thought-provoking and educational drama that highlights important social issues. For those interested in true crime stories with a touch of cultural commentary, this series offers an insightful perspective. However, for viewers seeking intense suspense or unexpected twists, the show might fall a little short of expectations.

Final Verdict: While the story has significant historical and cultural value, the predictable plot and lack of tension may hinder its appeal to some audiences. My personal rating stands at 6 out of 10, mainly due to the missed opportunity for more engaging storytelling and character development.

Nonetheless, "Manvat Murders" is a solid watch for those interested in true crime, Indian history, and the psychological impact of superstition on justice.

Ashutosh Gowariker was a let down ! He doesnt match the part.. but overall the rural setting,70's settings are well done. Direction and screenplay are nicely knit. Only if a able actor was casted instead of gowariker who cud acted naturally and like a marathi actor n not only a constantly hand waving english and uncomfortable marathi speaking performers, series wud hv given a greater effect! Sai sonalee and makarand actually look menacing n awesome.. even supporting cast has acted actually well. Series pace shud have been a bit more faster with better pacing n not lagging behind the thinking of the audience! We actually can think ahead of the series. Still works for me minus gowariker ! He isnt a good actor.

"No two murders are ever alike. And that is why every murder investigation needs to be handled differently." The opening sequence was enough to create a spark of excitement and the makers successfully carried forward the same level of excitement throughout the episodes. This is one the best murder investigation series that you will watch. It doesn't have unnecessary commercial elements and forced tail ends sequences. It sticks very true to the seriousness of the issue. Overall a decent murder mystery with a classy making and amazing performance from the lead actors especially Ashutosh Gowariker. Don't miss out this!

Superb acting direction screenplay.if you are marathi viewer must watch it in original marathi lanaguage. All the actors are superb each and every episode is intresting based on true story. Sad to see that in last criminal were fly off from court as lack of evidence againt main accused which is not shown in the series it missing, those who are keep faith in rituals black magic they have to see this its eye opening series. Just watched now at a time whole series, for marathi viewers must watched in marathi its gives you feel in original, Hope all you will like it and my review will be helpfull for all of you.

"Manvat Murders" is a Marathi crime series that dives into the horrifying true story of seven murders that rocked a rural town in 1972 India. The story unfolds through Officer Ramakant Kulkarni, who takes on the case, battling against a community gripped by superstition and blind faith. The show effectively portrays the cultural and social obstacles in an era where investigative tools were limited, adding an authentic layer to Kulkarni's methodical approach.

The series excels in its atmospheric depiction of rural India and highlights social issues around superstition and ignorance that were rampant at the time. However, while the historical and cultural aspects are compelling, the pacing suffers. The plot becomes predictable, and the lack of suspense reduces the impact of the final reveal, leaving the viewer wanting a bit more thrill and tension.

Overall, "Manvat Murders" offers a thought-provoking view into a bygone era, but thriller fans may find it lacking in suspense. For those intrigued by true crime with a strong cultural commentary, this series is worth a watch.