Mandala Murders
Updated: 12/11/2025, 8:28:19 AM Wikipedia source
Mandala Murders is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language crime thriller series that premiered on Netflix on 25 July 2025. Created and co-directed by Gopi Puthran, alongside Manan Rawat, the series is produced by YRF Entertainment and is based on the novel The Butcher of Benares. Set in the fictional town of Charandaspur, Uttar Pradesh, it blends mystery, supernatural horror, and psychological thriller elements. The series follows detectives Rea Thomas and Vikram Singh as they investigate ritualistic murders linked to a secret cult, the Aayastis, and a mythical entity called Yast. The series stars Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, Raghubir Yadav, and Shriya Pilgaonkar in key roles. Spanning eight episodes, it explores themes of faith vs science and love vs sacrifice, combining modern police procedural with occult practices. Reviews have been mixed, with praise for its atmospheric world-building, cinematography, and performances, but criticism for uneven pacing and narrative complexity.
Infobox
Genre
Crime thrillerMysterySupernatural horror
Created by
Gopi Puthran
Written by
Gabe GabrielMatt GrahamAvinash DwivediChirag GargGopi Puthran
Directed by
Gopi PuthranManan Rawat
Starring
Vaani KapoorVaibhav Raj GuptaSurveen ChawlaRaghubir YadavShriya Pilgaonkar
Composers
Sanchit BalharaAnkit Balhara
Country of origin
India
Original language
Hindi
No. of seasons
1
No. of episodes
8
Executive producers
mw- Aditya Chopra Uday Chopra Yogendra Mogre Akshaye Widhani
Production locations
Uttar Pradesh, India
Cinematography
Shaz Mohammed
Editors
Mitesh SoniMeghna Manchanda Sen
Running time
39–49 minutes
Production company
YRF Entertainment
Network
Netflix
Release
25 July 2025 (2025-07-25) –present
Tables
· Episodes
1
1
No.
1
Title
"Chapter 1"
Directed by
Gopi Puthran
Written by
Gopi Puthran, Avinash Dwivedi
Original release date
25 July 2025 (2025-07-25)
In 1950s Charandaspur, a ritual fails. In 2025, Vikram Singh discovers a torso-less corpse, launching a murder investigation tied to his past.
In 1950s Charandaspur, a ritual fails. In 2025, Vikram Singh discovers a torso-less corpse, launching a murder investigation tied to his past.
No.
In 1950s Charandaspur, a ritual fails. In 2025, Vikram Singh discovers a torso-less corpse, launching a murder investigation tied to his past.
2
2
No.
2
Title
"Chapter 2"
Directed by
Manan Rawat
Written by
Chirag Garg, Gabe Gabriel
Original release date
25 July 2025 (2025-07-25)
Rea Thomas arrives in Charandaspur, meeting Ananya Bhardwaj. Vikram confronts a figure from his past, deepening the mystery.
Rea Thomas arrives in Charandaspur, meeting Ananya Bhardwaj. Vikram confronts a figure from his past, deepening the mystery.
No.
Rea Thomas arrives in Charandaspur, meeting Ananya Bhardwaj. Vikram confronts a figure from his past, deepening the mystery.
3
3
No.
3
Title
"Chapter 3"
Directed by
Gopi Puthran
Written by
Matt Graham, Gopi Puthran
Original release date
25 July 2025 (2025-07-25)
Shastri, a shadow worshipper, warns Rea of a dark prophecy. Vikram learns about the mandala symbol’s significance.
Shastri, a shadow worshipper, warns Rea of a dark prophecy. Vikram learns about the mandala symbol’s significance.
No.
Shastri, a shadow worshipper, warns Rea of a dark prophecy. Vikram learns about the mandala symbol’s significance.
4
4
No.
4
Title
"Chapter 4"
Directed by
Manan Rawat
Written by
Avinash Dwivedi, Chirag Garg
Original release date
25 July 2025 (2025-07-25)
Haunted by his past, Vikram teams with Rea to decode eight mandalas linked to the murders, aiming to prevent an attack.
Haunted by his past, Vikram teams with Rea to decode eight mandalas linked to the murders, aiming to prevent an attack.
No.
Haunted by his past, Vikram teams with Rea to decode eight mandalas linked to the murders, aiming to prevent an attack.
5
5
No.
5
Title
"Chapter 5"
Directed by
Gopi Puthran
Written by
Gabe Gabriel, Matt Graham
Original release date
25 July 2025 (2025-07-25)
Rea searches for the princess’s identity, sharing her fears with Vikram. Jimmy Khan cracks a code, while Ananya asserts control.
Rea searches for the princess’s identity, sharing her fears with Vikram. Jimmy Khan cracks a code, while Ananya asserts control.
No.
Rea searches for the princess’s identity, sharing her fears with Vikram. Jimmy Khan cracks a code, while Ananya asserts control.
6
6
No.
6
Title
"Chapter 6"
Directed by
Manan Rawat
Written by
Chirag Garg, Gopi Puthran
Original release date
25 July 2025 (2025-07-25)
Ancient texts at Monalisa Curio reveal the cult’s history, pushing Rea and Vikram closer to the truth.
Ancient texts at Monalisa Curio reveal the cult’s history, pushing Rea and Vikram closer to the truth.
No.
Ancient texts at Monalisa Curio reveal the cult’s history, pushing Rea and Vikram closer to the truth.
7
7
No.
7
Title
"Chapter 7"
Directed by
Gopi Puthran
Written by
Avinash Dwivedi, Matt Graham
Original release date
25 July 2025 (2025-07-25)
Vyankat’s revelations shock Vikram. Rea races to save a child from becoming the next victim.
Vyankat’s revelations shock Vikram. Rea races to save a child from becoming the next victim.
No.
Vyankat’s revelations shock Vikram. Rea races to save a child from becoming the next victim.
8
8
No.
8
Title
"Chapter 8"
Directed by
Gopi Puthran
Written by
Gopi Puthran, Gabe Gabriel
Original release date
25 July 2025 (2025-07-25)
Vikram is kidnapped for the Yast ritual. Rea confronts Ananya in the underground chambers, disrupting the resurrection.
Vikram is kidnapped for the Yast ritual. Rea confronts Ananya in the underground chambers, disrupting the resurrection.
No.
Vikram is kidnapped for the Yast ritual. Rea confronts Ananya in the underground chambers, disrupting the resurrection.
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
| 1 | "Chapter 1" | Gopi Puthran | Gopi Puthran, Avinash Dwivedi | 25 July 2025 (2025-07-25) |
| In 1950s Charandaspur, a ritual fails. In 2025, Vikram Singh discovers a torso-less corpse, launching a murder investigation tied to his past. | ||||
| 2 | "Chapter 2" | Manan Rawat | Chirag Garg, Gabe Gabriel | 25 July 2025 (2025-07-25) |
| Rea Thomas arrives in Charandaspur, meeting Ananya Bhardwaj. Vikram confronts a figure from his past, deepening the mystery. | ||||
| 3 | "Chapter 3" | Gopi Puthran | Matt Graham, Gopi Puthran | 25 July 2025 (2025-07-25) |
| Shastri, a shadow worshipper, warns Rea of a dark prophecy. Vikram learns about the mandala symbol’s significance. | ||||
| 4 | "Chapter 4" | Manan Rawat | Avinash Dwivedi, Chirag Garg | 25 July 2025 (2025-07-25) |
| Haunted by his past, Vikram teams with Rea to decode eight mandalas linked to the murders, aiming to prevent an attack. | ||||
| 5 | "Chapter 5" | Gopi Puthran | Gabe Gabriel, Matt Graham | 25 July 2025 (2025-07-25) |
| Rea searches for the princess’s identity, sharing her fears with Vikram. Jimmy Khan cracks a code, while Ananya asserts control. | ||||
| 6 | "Chapter 6" | Manan Rawat | Chirag Garg, Gopi Puthran | 25 July 2025 (2025-07-25) |
| Ancient texts at Monalisa Curio reveal the cult’s history, pushing Rea and Vikram closer to the truth. | ||||
| 7 | "Chapter 7" | Gopi Puthran | Avinash Dwivedi, Matt Graham | 25 July 2025 (2025-07-25) |
| Vyankat’s revelations shock Vikram. Rea races to save a child from becoming the next victim. | ||||
| 8 | "Chapter 8" | Gopi Puthran | Gopi Puthran, Gabe Gabriel | 25 July 2025 (2025-07-25) |
| Vikram is kidnapped for the Yast ritual. Rea confronts Ananya in the underground chambers, disrupting the resurrection. | ||||
References
- Netflixhttps://www.netflix.com/title/mandala-murders
- YRF Entertainmenthttps://www.yashrajfilms.com/series/mandala-murders
- India Todayhttps://www.indiatoday.in/ott/reviews/story/mandala-murders-review-netflix-vaani-kapoor-yash-raj-thriller-series-2572530-2025-07-25
- Hindustan Timeshttps://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/mandala-murders-review-netflix-india-vaani-kapoor-thriller-101722162098069.html
- Timehttps://time.com/7011358/mandala-murders-netflix-indian-thriller-ending-explained/
- The Times of Indiahttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/mandala-murders/season-1/seasonreview/111998973.cms
- NDTVhttps://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/mandala-murders-review-a-slow-burn-thriller-that-burns-itself-out-2-5-stars-8954057
- Bollywood Hungamahttps://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/web-series-review-mandala-murders-gripping-ambitious-thriller-explores-unchartered-territory/
- Firstposthttps://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/netflixs-mandala-murders-review-mumbo-jumbo-that-makes-sense-13912414.html
- Rediff.comhttps://www.rediff.com/movies/review/mandala-murders-review/20250725.htm
- Scroll.inhttps://scroll.in/reel/1084697/mandala-murders-review-gruesome-shocks-and-a-decent-police-procedural
- The Hollywood Reporter Indiahttps://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/reviews/streaming/mandala-murders-series-review-in-vaani-kapoors-mytho-thriller-ambition-is-defeated-by-accessibility
- OTT Playhttps://www.ottplay.com/review/mandala-murders-review-vaani-kapoor-enters-circle-of-fear-but-centre-doesnt-hold/97e98cb0bc193
- The Quinthttps://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/mandala-murders-review-yashraj-netflix-mystery-review#read-more