Overview

• Mandala Murders follows CBI officer Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor) and suspended Delhi cop Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) as they probe ritualistic killings in Charandaspur tied to the Ayastis cult’s plan to resurrect the deity Yast
• Critics and viewers have praised the show’s dark atmosphere, striking visuals and performances, with Surveen Chawla and Shriya Pilgaonkar singled out as scene-stealers
• Many reviews note that multiple timelines, dense symbolism and lengthy episodes contribute to pacing struggles and occasional narrative confusion
• Adapted by Gopi Puthran (co-director Manan Rawat) from Mahendra Jakhar’s novel The Butcher of Benaras, the series marks Vaani Kapoor’s first long-form streaming role and Netflix’s second YRF collaboration
• Post-premiere coverage of the finale has spurred speculation about a second season, although Netflix has not confirmed any renewal