Los crímenes del mandala

I am giving this series a rating of 6 only because of the character selection. None of the actors show seriousness while investigating the crimes. The main characters, especially Vaani Kapoor, delivered very poor performances. The character responsible for decoding the codes also comes across as unintentionally funny. The only actor whose performance was up to the mark is Surveen Chawla.

I should really appreciate the fact that creators thought of doing something different but it could not be depicted on the screen. The screenplay was plagued with same old sequences of borrowed lores from different places. A mystery that never really gives a satisfaction of unfolding, a suspense that hardly is a surprise, a poetic ending that a bit too easy and character arches that hardly have any depth at all. The show tries to become too much at the same time opening so many narratives that are not even necessary. Apart from a few sequences that Vani could do justice to the whole series looks like a collage of cameos with amazingly average and out-of-place casting. I really wished the show could have been what I was hoping it to be, but it's just sad to see that despite having good stories we are so bad at the execution.

I am hopeful we will get to watch a better one next time.

Vaani Kapoor is such a bad actor that I was rooting for the bad guys to win. Everyone else has done a good job.

Looks like there will be a part two. A Desi Stranger things Mandala Murders is an ambitious thriller. It blends myth and crime with good visuals, but its convoluted plot and uneven pacing can be a bit boring. Worth a watch for occult mystery fans.

A gruesome cult thriller that starts strong with terrifying early episodes but quickly falls into a predictable, formulaic rhythm. Great visuals and setting carry it, though the story loses steam as it goes on.

Story Summary: The series follows a string of cult murders with religious undertones. The first episodes set a chilling tone, but as the narrative unfolds, the structure becomes repetitive, each new chapter focusing on one body part or ritual, making the plot feel increasingly stretched and predictable.

Analysis: While the premise and production are strong, the formulaic structure weakens the impact. If the creators had woven story-building with varied pacing, sometimes doubling down on horror and sometimes letting characters breathe, the show would have landed harder. The religious elements and cult setting are surprisingly well executed, and overall it remains watchable, but not a must.

Dialogue (8/10): Tense and well-paced, the dialogue supports the atmosphere effectively, though it does not always push characters deeper once the formula takes over.

Acting (7/10 overall): Performances are solid, with Vikram's actor standing out as especially convincing. The main female lead, while serviceable, feels a bit like a weaker imitation of a star actress and does not carry as much weight. Supporting roles vary but mostly deliver what the script requires.

Visuals (10/10): The strongest aspect. The dark tone, settings, and cult visuals are executed brilliantly, creating a haunting atmosphere that makes the series gripping even when the story lags.

Costume & Makeup (8/10): Authentic and immersive, enhancing the cult environment and giving the murders a gruesome but believable edge.

Special Effects (7.5/10): Effective but inconsistent. At times realistic and chilling, at other times unconvincing or unclear in execution.

Music (7.5/10): Ambient and supportive, complementing the tension well, but nothing that stands out as memorable.

Anything Else (Original Story, Liberties, etc.): The story concept is original and well produced, but the decision to lean on a strict formula, one ritual or body part per episode, hurts its long-term impact. A more varied narrative approach could have made the finale as gripping as the beginning.

Overall Assessment (7/10): Not a series I would strongly recommend, but if you stumble upon it, you might find it worth finishing. It starts with excellent promise but gradually loses its edge, saved mainly by its visuals and setting.

End Word: A chilling idea held back by repetition, gripping in the beginning but not a lasting standout.

First of all, Vaani Kapoor can't act. She can't act at all. She has zero expression ability. She is the front face of this series and she can't made the audience fell in emotional with her character. Sorry but trust me, Konkona Sen could be best fit for this character. Or If I say about budget then Tabu or Tapsee pannu could be a great choice too. Even Radhika Apte is better than this Vaani Kapoor.

Other than Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhab and Surveen nailed the show. The duo of Jameel Khan and Vaibhab bring the vibe and the chemistry from Gullak! So good to see their chemistry! Excellent.. The cameo of Raghubir Yadav acting is amazing with suspense, dark and thrilling! No over dramatic, no nuisance!

At the end, the plot is amazing. The beginning is excellent but somehow they dragged in the middle and end the series quickly. Overall, predictable story! As a netflix viewer, I expected more from this series. It could have been more better if their will some turns and twist. Overall, one time watch series!