In 2025, Vaani Kapoor's series 'Mandala Murders' gripped OTT audiences with its mysterious killings. The murders followed a distinct and artistic pattern. Now, Bhumi Pednekar's upcoming show 'Daldal' appears to capture a similar eerie vibe based on its recently released teaser.
Teaser Reveals Gruesome Details
The teaser for 'Daldal' presents a sequence of brutal murders. Bhumi Pednekar's character, DCP Rita Ferreira, discovers mobile phones forcefully inserted into the victims' throats. She notices a pattern emerging from these horrific crimes. However, the teaser subtly hints that her own connection to the killings might be more than just professional.
Striking Parallels to 'Mandala Murders'
'Daldal' draws several compelling comparisons to Vaani Kapoor's 'Mandala Murders'. Both series feature strong female leads who are police officers driven by justice. Vaani Kapoor played CIB officer Rea Thomas in the Netflix show. Bhumi Pednekar steps into the role of DCP Rita Ferreira, a cop haunted by a troubling past that begins to resurface.
The similarity extends to the method of the murders. In 'Mandala Murders', the killer left a distinctive design on the victims' foreheads. 'Daldal' introduces its own unreal pattern with the placement of mobile phones. This thematic echo suggests a growing trend in Indian crime thrillers focusing on ritualistic and patterned violence.
Series Production and Release Details
'Daldal' is an Amazon Prime Video original series adapted from Vish Dhamija's popular novel 'Bhendi Bazaar'. Bhumi Pednekar headlines the psychological crime thriller. Amit Raj Gupta directs the series, with Suresh Triveni among the producers. The show is set to premiere on the streaming platform starting January 30, 2026.
The adaptation promises to bring the novel's intense narrative to life. Fans of the book and crime drama enthusiasts eagerly await its release. The series adds to Amazon Prime Video's expanding catalog of Indian original content.
Context and Anticipation
The success of 'Mandala Murders' in 2025 paved the way for more sophisticated crime thrillers on Indian OTT platforms. 'Daldal' enters this space with a promising premise and a talented lead. Bhumi Pednekar's portrayal of a complex detective figure is highly anticipated.
Viewers can expect a gripping story that blends police procedural elements with deep psychological intrigue. The series aims to explore themes of justice, trauma, and the haunting nature of unresolved pasts. As the release date approaches, the teaser has successfully generated significant buzz and curiosity.