Indian rural folklore is steeped in tales of witchcraft, superstitions, and occult practices, all contributing to a pervasive unease regarding the unknown. These fears can unleash extreme human behaviours and shocking crimes.
The latest web series from SonyLiv, titled Manvat Murders, explores a chilling narrative inspired by actual occult-related killings that unnerved the residents of Manvat village in Maharashtra during the 1970s. Over a period of two years, the village was haunted by the brutal murders of 11 girls and women, with evidence suggesting ritualistic elements, including blood drawn from their private areas.
This eight-part Marathi-language thriller opens with a gruesome scene where two masked assailants attack a woman working in a field, delivering a fatal blow with an axe. This marks the beginning of a wave of terror that grips the community, leaving many women fearful of venturing outside alone.
We meet Ramakant Kulkarni, a highly esteemed police officer played by Ashutosh Gowariker. Known for his impeccable record, Kulkarni is dispatched from Mumbai to Manvat to investigate the string of horrific killings as the situation escalates.
Kulkarni stands in stark contrast to his corrupt colleagues. With a keen interest in criminal psychology, he employs unique tactics to gather information and is attentive to even the smallest details of the case. While his team exudes impatience and confusion, Kulkarni approaches the investigation with precision and careful planning.
As the investigation unfolds, one key suspect emerges: a local couple, Uttamrao Barahate (Makrand Anaspure) and his partner Rukmini (Sonali Kulkarni). They run an illicit liquor business that has ensnared the community in debt. Even after facing legal banishment, their operation continues through Rukmini’s sister, Samindri, while the couple attempts to reclaim their home.
The series employs flashbacks throughout its episodes to delve into previous murders, complicating the investigation further. It tackles themes of poverty, illiteracy, and addiction, while primarily focusing on the darker side of occultism.
Manvat Murders handles its delicate subject matter with the necessary sensitivity. Its unflinching portrayal of the violence and acts of exploitation is both unsettling and impactful, yet it never resorts to sensationalism. The series highlights the vulnerable state of the human psyche and how easily it can be influenced to commit heinous acts. It starkly illustrates how the fragility of life can be overshadowed by a blind adherence to superstition.
Sonali Kulkarni delivers a powerful performance, embodying a woman desperate for motherhood, willing to go to great lengths for a child. Her character’s intensity is palpable, and one particularly poignant scene features her in despair beneath a sacred fig tree, mourning her barrenness. With an impressive body of work, Kulkarni’s portrayal of Rukmini is one of her most compelling roles yet.
Sai Tamhankar, playing Rukmini’s sister, also shines in her role, exuding an imposing presence that captivates the audience. This marks my first encounter with her performances, and I look forward to seeing more of her in the future.
The series excels in its visual storytelling, balancing scenes of everyday village life with the underlying horror of the murders. The cinematography, handled by Satyajeet Shobha Shriram, captures stunning visuals that resonate with an eerie beauty, especially in scenes featuring Uttamrao’s villa, reminiscent of a striking painting. Director Ashish Avinash Bende opts for an authentic portrayal of rural Maharashtra, forgoing overly romanticized visuals to preserve cultural integrity.
In the investigation rooms, the characters’ clothing complements the backdrop, harmonizing color tones with the emotional weight of the scenes. These subtle technical details contribute a poetic element to the storytelling.
However, despite its strong setting and character performances, the narrative of Manvat Murders sometimes falters in pacing. The series aims to contrast the chilling allure of the occult with rational thought, yet this duality occasionally hampers the flow of the story. The episodic format struggles to create a sustained sense of suspense, and viewers might find themselves detached from the unfolding mystery. While the storyline is based on true events and avoids clichéd twists, it risks predictability for those unfamiliar with the real-life case. Unfortunately, it misses the chance to present a definitive recounting of a horror story that remains obscure to many.
Nonetheless, Manvat Murders emerges as a competent thriller, serving as a gateway for true crime enthusiasts to explore the disturbing events of the past. It thoughtfully adapts its source material without sensationalizing or diluting the factual horrors of the narrative.
While it may not keep viewers on the edge of their seats, the series compensates with its haunting exploration of sacrificial killings that left a lasting impact on a small village in Maharashtra. The exceptional performances elevate the experience, prompting reflections on faith and the dire repercussions of unfettered superstition, even if these reflections do not lead to profound introspection.
Rating: 6.5/10
