Daldal Review: Samara Tijori single-handedly outshines Bhumi Pednekar in this 'whydunit' psychological crime thriller

Daldal Story: Daldal is a psychological crime-thriller series featuring Bhumi Pednekar as Rita Ferreira, Mumbai's youngest DCP, investigating a serial killer while battling personal trauma, patriarchal work culture, and imposter syndrome. 

Daldal Review

Bollywood has been exploring psychological crime thrillers recently, and in general, they have been getting good responses from the audience as they offer a vicarious thrill, allowing audiences to experience intense suspense, fear, and adrenaline-pumping, complex mysteries. These stories engage the mind through intellectual puzzles, exploring the dark, often hidden aspects of human psychology and behaviour. 

Recently, we saw Nagesh Kukunoor's psychological crime thriller, Mrs Deshpande, starring Madhuri Dixit, which focuses on uncovering a copycat killer, protecting her estranged son, and managing the trauma of her past. Similarly, Prime Video's new psychological crime thriller, Daldal, highlights personal trauma, patriarchal work culture, imposter syndrome, a methodical killer and an intense, gritty Mumbai setting. 

Although the first episode of Daldal seems a bit lost in building its plot, the series soon proves itself as an engaging crime thriller. Daldal, based on Vish Dhamija’s novel Bhendi Bazaar, follows a newly appointed, haunted Mumbai Crime Branch officer, DCP Rita Ferreira 9Bhumi Pednekar), investigating a serial killer while battling internal guilt, trauma, and systemic corruption. While investigating the gripping crime cases, Rita experiences imposter syndrome as she finds similarities between the serial killer's life and her traumatic childhood. The parallels between a frustrated serial killer and a frustrated DCP are shown so beautifully that they make us ponder the real happiness of life.

The series delves into a gritty, dark version of Mumbai where a stoic DCP Rita Ferreira tracks a ruthless killer. Unlike traditional thrillers, Daldal focuses heavily on the mental, emotional, and psychological trauma of its characters, exploring the "violence within the mind." The series is designed to be an intense, character-focused drama rather than simply a procedural drama, emphasising the psychological impact of the investigation on the main character.

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Daldal is not a general whodunnit crime thriller series. It positions itself firmly as a 'whydunit' series, shifting the focus to understanding the motives behind crimes rather than identifying the perpetrator. This series delves deeply into themes of insecurity, unresolved trauma, emotional neglect, and systemic stress, showing how repressed pain and emotional breakdown can slowly turn into violence and self-destruction. 

By examining the inner worlds of both the follower and the followed, Daldal highlights how unspoken hurt – personal or institutional – can blur the line between righteousness and moral decline. Set in the dark, oppressive depths of Mumbai, Daldal highlights the city as a metaphorical swamp - where crime, corruption and institutional apathy coexist.

Speaking about the performances, Bhumi Pednekar resonates emotionally. She delivers a fine and restrained performance as DCP Rita Ferreira, bringing emotional sincerity to a character burdened by childhood trauma and professional pressures. Her portrayal effectively highlights the vulnerability of an officer who is struggling with impostor syndrome within a rigid, patriarchal system.

However, it is Samara Tijori who plays a journalist, truly elevating the series with an exceptional performance. She portrays her character's deeply painful past with striking sensitivity and emotional precision, helping the audience fully appreciate the emotional wounds that influence her actions. Samara's performance is thought-provoking and lasts long after the episode ends, diving deep into the series's most haunting moments. Watch Daldal for Samara Tijori and Samara Tijori only. She is exceptional in her performance.

Adding further depth to this drama, Aditya Rawal also impresses, delivering a subtle performance that complements the series' dark, introspective tone and strengthens its emotional impact.

Daldal Verdict

Daldal, directed by Amrit Raj Gupta, is not without flaws, but it is undoubtedly ambitious. Focusing on the psychology behind the crimes rather than the crimes themselves, the series offers a darker, more introspective viewing experience. While Bhumi Pednekar brings emotional restraint to her character, it is Samara Tijori who truly controls the narrative with a performance that is simultaneously raw and unforgettable.

Daldal is now streaming on Prime Video, and subscribers of OTTplay Premium can also watch the series with a top-up option.