‘Manvat Murders’ Review: Ashutosh Gowariker and Sonali Kulkarni’s Crime-Thriller Series Garners Positive Response From Critics

Manvat Murders is a gripping Marathi series inspired by a chilling chapter from Footprints on the Sands of Crime, penned by former Maharashtra Director General of Police Ramakant Kulkarni. Set against the backdrop of a small village, the narrative unfolds in 1972 when the community is terrorised by a series of seven gruesome murders. Each death remains a haunting mystery, leaving villagers in a state of panic. Enter the astute officer Ramakant Kulkarni, dubbed the 'Sherlock Holmes of India,' as he is called upon to unravel this web of terror. Directed by Ashish Avinash Bende, the series boasts a stellar cast featuring Ashutosh Gowariker, Sai Tamhankar, Makarand Anaspure, Sonali Kulkarni, Kishor Kadam, and Mayur Khandge. As Kulkarni races against time, viewers are drawn into a suspenseful journey filled with twists and turns. Will he manage to catch the elusive killer before more innocent lives are claimed? Manvat Murders offers a gripping journey through crime, fear, and relentless determination, premiering on Sony LIV on October 4. Ashutosh Gowariker Set to Receive Medal of St Tropez at Nirvana 2024; Shah Rukh Khan's Swades to be Screened - Reports.

The thrilling series has just premiered on OTT, and the critics' reviews are in! Now, it’s up to the audience to read these reviews and decide whether to tune in. One thing’s for certain: this series is not for the faint-hearted. Prepare for a gripping experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Times Now: Manvat Murders is an accomplishment for the Marathi entertainment industry. Serving a neat, clean and straightforward taut show is a goal hard to achieve. Ashish Bende hits the bull’s eye. The script sticks to the genre of crime thriller and rarely goes off-track. It’s a slow-burn show that cooks up some interesting twists and drama. The 8-episode show refrains from the classic hero worship and humanises every character. From the smallest to the main, each character is defined with a grey highlight. Corruption, superstition, poverty, illiteracy and power are the pillars that give support to the story. Manvat Murders balances crime and superstition without venturing into the dark space of gore. The intense moments are shot brilliantly by the Director of Photography, Satyajeet Shobha Shreeram. The night sequences set in the village are thrilling and eerie. Saket Kanetkar’s music is subtle and haunting at times. The episodes are just the right duration.

Scroll.in: Manvat Murders has been written and filmed like a television show, rather than a streaming series. The show is a solid whodunit but a sketchy whydunit. The atmospherics essential for creating the trance-like state that existed in Manvat, the narrative layers required to give body to a follow-the-clues thriller, the characters who explain why innocent people died needlessly – these elements are barely present. The only wisdom gained in the present by looking back on a distant past is that officers of the calibre of Ramakant Kulkarni do not exist any more. But though Manvat Murders falls short in examining the intricacies of occult beliefs, it does amply reveal how small-town policing works. Malaikottai Vaaliban: Marathi Actress Sonalee Kulkarni Feels ‘Honoured’ To Be Part of Mohanlal – Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Film! (View Post).

‘Manvat Murders’ Trailer

Firstpost.com: The series follows Ramakant S Kulkarni to navigate a series of brutal murders in rural Maharashtra during the 1970s. As the investigation progresses, Kulkarni races against the clock, facing the challenge of solving these crimes and bringing justice to the victims before time runs out. With its intense narrative and attention to detail, Manvat Murders promises to be a gripping exploration of one of India’s most haunting crime sagas. Manwat, just how it should be, is the first character we meet in the show. The name is in the title and also in the soul of the narrative. If there’s no Manwat, there are no murders. This is more than just a whodunnit where deep and dangerous silences loom large over the eerie atmospherics. The camerawork also does a fine job of sucking us into the tragedy that’s about to unfold. Barring Ashutosh Gowariker, who at times overplays the character of the investigating officer and goes overboard with the nuances, Manwat Murders scores. It wasn’t an easy case to crack or solve. The motive and modus operandi were too complicated to comprehend in one go. For first timers oblivious to the book or the story, this series could be a roller coaster ride. And for those who have read about the barbarism or sadism on display, to witness all of it with visceral visuals and violence sprinkled all over, it’s still bone chilling and overwhelming. Give it a shot.

With the critics' reviews now available, the burning question remains: should you watch Manvat Murders or not? This gripping series promises a thrilling experience, but will it resonate with your tastes? Dive into the reviews and decide if you're ready to embark on this intense journey that awaits!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2024 10:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).