A celebrated actor’s luminous presence can sometimes be too bright for the dark, complex role they aim to inhabit.
“Mrs. Deshpande,” the new Hindi psychological thriller now streaming on JioHotstar, presents a fascinating dilemma. On one hand, it features Madhuri Dixit, one of Indian cinema’s most magnetic stars, in a role that is a complete departure from her iconic image. On the other, her very star quality—the grace, the composure, the unforgettable smile—ends up working against the gritty, nuanced serial killer she is trying to portray. The result is a series that is watchable and often intriguing but feels like a battle between a legendary performer and the morally murky character she is meant to embody.
The Premise: A Copycat Killer and an Unlikely Consultant
The six-episode series, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, is an Indian adaptation of the acclaimed French thriller La Mante (The Mantis). The story hooks you immediately: a new serial killer is terrorizing Mumbai, meticulously replicating murders committed 25 years earlier. With the city in fear, the police make a desperate move. They seek help from the original killer, the now-imprisoned Seema Deshpande (Madhuri Dixit), to catch the copycat.
The plot thickens with a personal twist. Deshpande agrees to cooperate but on one strict condition: she will work only with Inspector Tejas Phadke (Siddharth Chandekar), who is, unbeknownst to him, her estranged son. This sets the stage for what should be a tense psychological drama, exploring a fractured mother-son relationship within the pressure cooker of a serial killer investigation.
The Central Conflict: Star vs. Character
From her first scene, Madhuri Dixit commands the screen. There is a regal intensity to her presence; she moves with a composure that feels innate. As Seema Deshpande, she is calm, intelligent, and always several steps ahead of the police. Dixit skillfully uses her expressive eyes and measured dialogue delivery to suggest a hidden, calculating mind. In moments where she manipulates a suspect or deduces a clue, she is utterly convincing.
However, this is where the conflict arises. The series asks us to believe that this poised, almost elegant woman was once a brutal vigilante who murdered eight people. While the script tells us she is a monster, Dixit’s performance often radiates a different energy—one of mysterious wisdom rather than menacing cruelty. The “devilish eyes” referenced in one review are fleeting; more often, we see the familiar, captivating glow of a beloved star. This makes it difficult to buy into the darker, more visceral reality of the character. As one critic pointedly noted, “On paper, Seema appears to be a cross between Hannibal Lecter and Dexter Morgan. In reality, she is Madhuri Dixit”.
A Narrative That Loses Its Grip
The struggle with the central character is symptomatic of the series’ broader narrative issues. For a thriller, Mrs. Deshpande is surprisingly languid in its pacing. Episodes feel stretched, with scenes that reiterate points already established, causing the narrative momentum to fizzle at times. The investigation, which should be a tight cat-and-mouse chase, instead jumps from one suspect to another in a way that can feel scattered.
Furthermore, the police procedure often strains credibility. The officer who originally caught Deshpande, Arun Khatri (Priyanshu Chatterjee), is implausibly soft on her, treating her more like a misunderstood genius than a convicted murderer. The script also sidesteps deeper exploration of Deshpande’s psychology or motives, preferring to use her as a convenient plot device to nudge the story forward.
What Works: Craft, Support, and a Strong Adaptation
Despite its flaws, the series is not without merit. Director Nagesh Kukunoor mounts the show with a clear, confident vision. The cinematography is top-notch, using moody lighting to create a suitable atmosphere of suspense. The adaptation from the French original is also commendable; the story is effectively transplanted into an Indian context, weaving in local social themes without feeling forced.
The supporting cast delivers strong performances that often anchor the drama. Siddharth Chandekar is particularly compelling as Inspector Tejas, effectively portraying a man whose professional certainty and personal world begin to crumble. Priyanshu Chatterjee brings a grounded sincerity to his role, and the domestic scenes featuring Tejas’s wife Tanvi (Diksha Juneja) and grandfather (Pradeep Welankar) add necessary warmth and emotional stakes.
Critical Reception at a Glance
The show has received mixed reviews from critics, highlighting its divisive nature. The table below summarizes the key praises and criticisms.
| Aspect | Positive Notes | Critical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Madhuri Dixit’s Performance | Commanding screen presence; convincing in intelligent, manipulative moments. | Star persona overshadows the character’s darker, menacing layers. |
| Plot & Pacing | Intriguing premise with a strong final-episode payoff; well-adapted to Indian context. | Uneven, languid pacing; episodes feel stretched. |
| Direction & Craft | Confident direction and high production quality; effective, mood-driven cinematography. | Relies on familiar crime thriller tropes; some implausible plot developments. |
| Supporting Cast | Strong performances, especially from Siddharth Chandekar, add depth and emotional stakes. | Some characters lack development; serve mainly as plot devices. |
Is “Mrs. Deshpande” Worth Your Time?
“Mrs. Deshpande” is a classic example of a show that is more interesting in its parts than as a whole. It is a handsomely produced thriller with a fascinating central idea and moments of genuine tension. For fans of Madhuri Dixit, it is a must-watch simply to see her tackle such unconventional material with grace and power.
However, if you are seeking a tight, consistently gripping psychological thriller like Delhi Crime or The Family Man, you may find yourself frustrated. The series ultimately feels like a missed opportunity—a great star in a great role, where the two never quite fully merge to create something truly chilling and new.
Your Takeaway: Stream “Mrs. Deshpande” for Madhuri Dixit’s captivating performance and the compelling mother-son dynamic at its core. But go in prepared for a slow-burn drama rather than a razor-sharp thriller, and you might just find enough to hold your attention until the final reveal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mrs. Deshpande based on another show?
Yes. It is an Indian adaptation of the 2017 French psychological thriller miniseries La Mante (The Mantis).
Where can I watch Mrs. Deshpande?
All six episodes of the series are now available to stream exclusively on JioHotstar.
Who are the main actors in the cast?
The series stars Madhuri Dixit in the title role. The main cast also includes Siddharth Chandekar as Inspector Tejas Phadke and Priyanshu Chatterjee as senior officer Arun Khatri.
Is this a typical Madhuri Dixit role?
Not at all. This role marks a significant departure from her well-known image. She plays a convicted serial killer, which is a much darker and more morally complex character than her past roles.
How many episodes are there?
The series consists of six episodes.
