Daldal: A Gripping Psychological Thriller on Prime Video
Coming from a broken family and experiencing a traumatic childhood can profoundly affect a person’s adulthood. This is the core theme explored in Prime Video’s Daldal, where prominent characters grapple with unresolved trauma that permeates their adult relationships. The series, starring Bhumi Pednekar, isn’t just a show; it’s a stark reflection of a society where vulnerable individuals are often exploited, leading to a deep-seated distrust of others, even those offering help.
Inspired by Vish Dhamija’s novel Bhendi Bazaar, Daldal plunges viewers into a murky world of trouble and deception. While Dhamija’s book is a fast-paced crime thriller centered around Mumbai’s first serial killer targeting men visiting high-class escorts, Daldal adopts a slower, more deliberate pace – a ‘slow burn’ that allows the story to unfold with nuance and sensitivity.
Bhumi Pednekar’s Powerful Performance
One of the strongest aspects of Daldal is its refusal to rush the narrative. It allows the story to breathe and develop organically. Bhumi Pednekar delivers a captivating performance as DCP Rita Ferreira, showcasing her craft in full swing. She embodies the role with a restrained silence, letting her eyes convey a wealth of emotion. Her command is subtle yet powerful, masking deep-seated scars that haven’t fully healed.
The series revolves around a serial killer terrorizing Mumbai, and DCP Ferreira leads the investigation, attempting to decipher the killer’s pattern. However, Rita’s battle extends beyond catching a criminal; she’s also confronting her own inner demons and truths that threaten to unravel her carefully constructed life. There’s a compelling mystery surrounding her character that keeps viewers thoroughly engaged.
Exploring the Killer’s Psyche
This marks Bhumi Pednekar’s first foray into playing a police officer, and she excels in the role. Rita, haunted by her own traumatic past, possesses a dark side and adheres to stoic philosophy, resulting in minimal dialogue. The series meticulously portrays the orchestrated murders, exposing the twisted psyche of a cold-blooded killer. Interestingly, Rita finds herself empathizing with the two killers – drug addicts played by Aditya Rawal and Samara Tijori – because she recognizes the shared pain of a traumatic past.
Daldal is a tight, focused series that avoids unnecessary embellishments. It’s a welcome return to immersive and intelligent roles for Pednekar, following her previous work. She fully embodies her characters, prioritizing authenticity over appearance. Directed by Amrit Raj Gupta and produced by Vikram Malhotra and Suresh Triveni, the psychological crime thriller is a collaborative effort, with writing contributions from Sreekanth Agneeaswaran, Rohan D’Souza, and Priya Saggi, and dialogue penned by Suresh Triveni and Hussain Haidry.
Strong Supporting Performances
Aditya Rawal and Samara Tijori deliver commendable performances, with Tijori particularly shining as an anti-hero, eliciting sympathy from the audience. While the series is largely successful, the ending feels slightly underwhelming. However, Daldal is a must-watch, best experienced through binge-watching. It’s not merely a crime thriller; it’s a psychological exploration of its characters, demanding careful attention to their motivations and inner lives.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Watch the trailer of Prime Video’s ‘Daldal’ here
Further Reading: For more on upcoming cinematic releases, check out Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘KING’ Set for Christmas 2026 Release.
