Mrs Deshpande review: Madhuri Dixit is brilliant, though her grit is often tested by the show's slow, atmospheric pace

Mrs. Deshpande story

Mrs. Deshpande is a gripping six-part psychological thriller that marks Madhuri Dixit’s debut in a gritty, de-glam role as an infamous serial killer. Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, this Indian adaptation of the French series La Mante follows a string of savage killings that mirror Mrs. Deshpande's "trademark style" from decades prior.

Held in a Telangana jail, she reluctantly agrees to collaborate with the police to capture the copycat killer—but only on one condition: she must be reunited with her estranged son, Tejas (Siddharth Chandekar), who is now a detective on the case. As they race to halt the new predator, the story unearths sinister truths from her past and explores the fractured, painful bond between mother and son.

Mrs. Deshpande review

The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case, created by Nagesh Kukunoor, was undoubtedly one of the most compelling OTT offerings this year. To have him helm another series so soon is a treat for sure. This time, the primary draw isn't just the narrative but the bold casting of Madhuri Dixit-Nene in the titular role of the notorious killer, Mrs Deshpande.

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Spanning six episodes, the series aims for a smooth, taut pace, though it occasionally leans into "over-the-top" territory—if not in performance, then certainly in its grisly plot. Set in 2025, the story kicks off with a series of ritualistic murders where men are killed with green nylon ropes, their eyes gouged out as they face a mirror. This gruesome pattern shocks DCP Arun Khatri (Priyanshu Chatterjee), who recognises the MO from a case 25 years ago. The trail leads directly to Mrs Deshpande, now living a quiet, accustomed life behind bars. Her release to assist the police sets the stage for a tense, atmospheric investigation.

The series thrives on deception, ensuring the viewer questions every character's motive. While the apprehension of a suspect provides a brief moment of catharsis, it quickly reveals a much deeper rabbit hole. However, the narrative stretch is palpable; even with a six-hour runtime, the series occasionally feels like an eternity as it crawls toward its conclusion. Kukunoor uses frequent jumps between the past and present to flesh out Mrs. Deshpande’s origin story—from a devoted single mother running a Pune cloud kitchen to a vigilante taking "justice" into her own hands against men she deems a menace to society.

As the paths of the veteran killer and the masked predator converge, the suspense becomes predictable by the midpoint. Rather than a swift payoff, the show opts for lengthy chases and monologues to extend the runtime, which unfortunately causes the initial "entertainment factor" to diminish.

The show takes its themes incredibly seriously, acting as a dark commentary on the justification of violence. It mirrors our modern reality—a world where online threats are common and anonymity emboldens the worst impulses. The script taps into a visceral societal anger, echoing sentiments sometimes seen on social media that "women should legally be allowed one murder" in the face of rising crimes. While the show occasionally crosses the line into glorifying vigilantism, Madhuri’s nuanced performance manages to highlight her character's humane side. You may find yourself empathising with her trauma, even though the show constantly reminds you that, at its core, she is a calculated killer.

The problematic side of the show becomes more apparent during the final reveal. While a copycat can mimic actions, they often fail to replicate the principles of their "mentor". Without spoiling the ending, the backstory provided for the killer causes the narrative to take a steep drop, undermining the tension built in earlier episodes. What could have been a straightforward, impactful story takes a needlessly complicated course—a trajectory similar to the original French series, La Mante.

Ultimately, Mrs. Deshpande thrives on Madhuri Dixit's screen presence, specifically the mystery behind her constant, enigmatic smile. She embodies the role with a grace and grit that few could match. Siddharth Chandekar, as her son Tejas, holds his own with equal screen space, successfully balancing the persona of a tough cop with the emotional turmoil of his situation. Priyanshu Chatterjee also delivers a solid performance, playing an empathetic bridge between the police and the convict.

However, despite these strong performances, the show’s impact is hampered by its production value and repetitive pacing. Often, the plot stagnates until the final episode offers the clarity that the previous five lacked.

Mrs Deshpande can be a good choice for a weekend watch, but it may test your patience as you wait for the plot to develop, and the suspenseful reveal might leave you feeling unsettled, overshadowing the overall purpose of the show.

Mrs Deshpande verdict:

Mrs. Deshpande is anchored by Madhuri Dixit’s powerful, de-glam performance, proving she can command the screen even in the grittiest roles. While Nagesh Kukunoor successfully creates a tense atmosphere, the series is often held back by repetitive pacing and a narrative that feels stretched across its six episodes.

Mrs. Deshpande is now streaming on JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium).