✅ “Andhera” is a visceral and ambitious Indian supernatural horror series that delves into the dark underbelly of Mumbai. Released on Amazon Prime Video on August 14, 2025, the series is a thrilling journey that follows a haunted medical student and a determined police inspector as they confront a malevolent force that preys on the living. While the series has received a mixed-to-negative critical reception for its convoluted plot and uneven execution, its visual flair and strong performances from its lead cast make it a notable entry in the horror genre. “Andhera” is a brave attempt at a complex, high-concept horror story, and while it doesn’t always succeed, its ambition is worth acknowledging.

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5.5/10

Andhera

Created By: Gaurav Desai

Writers: Gaurav Desai, Raaghav Dar, Akshat Ghildial, Karan Anshuman, Chintan sarda, Karmanya Ahuja

Stars: Priya Bapat, Prajakta Koli, Karanvir Malhotra

Country: India

Genres: Drama, Mystery

Languages: Hindi

Network: Prime Video

Overview: In this visceral tale of urban horror, a fearless cop and a haunted medical student must take on this living darkness to avert impending doom.

TMDb: View on TMDb

Andhera (2025) – Web Series Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Series Details 

• Full Name: Andhera (Season 1)
• Language: Hindi, English
• Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed
• Revenue: N/A (Web Series)
• Runtime: 8 Episodes (Approx. 40-50 Minutes Each)
• Release Dates: August 14, 2025 (Amazon Prime Video)
• Genres: Supernatural Horror, Thriller, Investigative Drama
• Cast: Prajakta Koli, Surveen Chawla, Priya Bapat, Karanvir Malhotra, Vatsal Sheth
• Directors: Raaghav Dar
• Screenplay: Gaurav Desai, Raaghav Dar, Karan Anshuman, Chintan Sarda, Akshat Ghildial, Karmanya Ahuja
• Studios & Producers: Excel Media and Entertainment (Producers: Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar)
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Andhera” plunges viewers into the dark, rain-soaked streets of Mumbai, where a mysterious and sinister force preys on the city’s inhabitants. The series kicks off with the baffling disappearance of a young woman, which falls under the purview of the no-nonsense Inspector Kalpana Kadam (Priya Bapat). As Kalpana delves into the case, she uncovers a series of unsettling events that seem to defy all logical explanation. Her investigation crosses paths with a troubled medical student, Jay (Karanvir Malhotra), who is tormented by horrifying visions connected to the missing woman and the encroaching darkness. Jay’s quest for answers leads him to Rumi (Prajakta Koli), a popular podcaster who specializes in supernatural phenomena, and the two form an unlikely alliance to unravel the mystery. As they dig deeper, they discover that a malevolent, ancient entity, referred to as “The Andhera” (The Darkness), is slowly consuming people by preying on their minds and feeding on their negative emotions. The series balances an investigative procedural with elements of supernatural horror, following the trio as they race against time to understand the entity’s motives and find a way to defeat it. Along the way, they must also confront their own personal demons and past traumas, which makes them vulnerable to the sinister force. The plot is a dense and convoluted maze of flashbacks, dream sequences, and philosophical discussions about the nature of darkness, greed, and fear. While the core concept is intriguing, the narrative often gets lost in its own complexity, leading to a conclusion that might leave some viewers confused.

Cast & Crew

The cast of “Andhera” is the series’ primary strength, with the actors delivering committed performances despite the script’s shortcomings. Priya Bapat is a standout as Inspector Kalpana Kadam, bringing a sense of gravitas and believability to her role as the skeptical but determined cop. Her character provides a much-needed anchor in the series’ chaotic narrative. Karanvir Malhotra convincingly portrays Jay, a character struggling with inner demons and terrifying visions. He effectively captures the fear and desperation of a man haunted by forces beyond his control. The series marks a significant debut for internet sensation Prajakta Koli in the horror genre, and she shines as the witty podcaster Rumi. Her performance adds a layer of modern-day charm to the show, and her dynamic with Malhotra is a highlight. Surveen Chawla, in a pivotal role as Ayesha, a wellness clinic manager, delivers a nuanced and powerful performance that adds emotional depth to the story. The series also features strong supporting turns from Parvin Dabas and Vatsal Sheth. Director Raaghav Dar, along with creator Gaurav Desai, manages to coax solid performances from his cast, even when the narrative begins to falter. The cast’s dedication to their roles is what holds the series together and keeps viewers engaged, even during its more confusing moments.

Critical & Audience Response

“Andhera” has received a polarizing response from critics and audiences since its release. While some critics have praised the series for its bold attempt to create a unique horror universe and its strong visual style, many have criticized its convoluted plot and weak execution. Reviews often point out that the series tries to tackle too many ideas at once, from supernatural horror to corporate greed and psychological trauma, without giving any of them enough room to breathe. This results in a narrative that feels messy and unfocused. The pacing is also a common point of criticism, with some episodes feeling slow and others rushing to a conclusion. However, the series has a dedicated audience that appreciates its high-concept ideas and the performances of its cast. Viewers have found the show’s jump scares and eerie atmosphere to be effective, and many have praised its unique take on the horror genre. The show has been compared to international hits like “Stranger Things” and “The Exorcist,” as well as other Indian horror productions. The final consensus seems to be that while “Andhera” is a flawed series, it is a noteworthy attempt at a genre that is still developing in the Indian entertainment industry.

Direction & Cinematography

Director Raaghav Dar’s direction in “Andhera” is a mixed bag. He excels at building a dark, atmospheric tone, using the neon-lit, rain-slicked streets of Mumbai to great effect. He creates a sense of dread and unease that is palpable in the series’ best moments. The visual style is a significant strength, and Dar’s focus on creating a moody and unsettling environment is commendable. He manages to create some genuinely scary moments and tension-filled sequences that showcase his talent for horror. However, the direction sometimes falters when dealing with the series’ more complex and convoluted plot points. The narrative shifts and rapid introduction of new ideas can feel disorienting and a bit amateurish, suggesting that the director might have bitten off more than he could chew. The cinematography, credited to Aseem Mishra, is a highlight. Mishra’s camera work beautifully captures the show’s dark and brooding atmosphere, using shadows and vibrant colors to create a visually striking world. The series is visually ambitious, and the cinematography plays a key role in its attempt to elevate the horror genre beyond cheap scares. Despite the narrative flaws, the direction and cinematography work together to create a show that is at least visually compelling and intriguing.

Music & Background Score

The background score of “Andhera” is a significant part of its horror and thriller elements. Composed by Mickey McCleary, the music is a constant, pulsating presence that enhances the series’ eerie atmosphere. The score uses a mix of electronic sounds, sharp percussions, and distorted melodies to create a sense of tension and unease. The music is particularly effective in the series’ jump-scare moments and during the characters’ psychological breakdowns. It successfully mirrors the internal torment and external threat of the “Andhera.” However, at times, the score can feel a little too generic for the horror genre, relying on familiar tropes and sounds rather than creating something truly unique. While it’s a serviceable score that does its job of creating suspense, it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The music is at its best when it is subtle, building a low hum of dread that creeps up on the viewer. In its more over-the-top moments, it can sometimes feel a bit distracting. The score is a key part of the show’s mood, and while it is not groundbreaking, it is effective in its role as a suspense-building tool.

Visuals & Special Effects

“Andhera” is a visually ambitious series, with its special effects being a major talking point. The titular “Andhera” is depicted as a grotesque, shadowy, tentacled entity, and its visual representation is one of the show’s most impressive elements. The CGI is used effectively to create a sense of otherworldly horror, particularly in the scenes where the entity’s tendrils consume its victims. The series also makes use of practical effects and clever lighting to create a sense of fear and claustrophobia. The visual design of the series’ “mind space” and “other realm” is creative and unsettling, although sometimes it can feel a bit underdeveloped. The color grading is a significant part of the visual aesthetic, with a consistent use of dark blues, deep reds, and moody shadows. While some of the visual effects can be a bit hit-or-miss, particularly in the later episodes, the overall visual style is a testament to the creators’ ambition. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting its horror in a visually explicit way, and the effects work hard to bring the show’s monstrous concepts to life. The special effects team deserves credit for creating a convincing and terrifying villain that feels both ancient and modern.

Editing & Screenplay

The screenplay of “Andhera,” written by a team of writers including creator Gaurav Desai and director Raaghav Dar, is where the series faces its biggest challenges. The script is ambitious in its scope, weaving together multiple storylines and high-concept ideas. However, this ambition leads to a convoluted and often confusing narrative. The series introduces too many subplots and characters, many of which are underdeveloped, which makes it difficult for the audience to stay invested. The pacing is also an issue, with a slow-burn first half that doesn’t fully pay off in the rushed final episodes. The editing, while effective in creating some tense moments, can also feel choppy and disorganized, particularly during the transitions between different timelines and realities. The series’ dialogue, while witty at times, can also be a bit too expository, with characters often explaining the plot rather than showing it. Despite these issues, the screenplay does have moments of brilliance, particularly in its philosophical discussions about human nature and the nature of fear. The writing team’s a brave attempt at creating a complex narrative, but it ultimately fails to deliver a coherent and satisfying story.

Positives / What Works

The series’ biggest strengths are its strong cast and their committed performances. Priya Bapat, Prajakta Koli, and Karanvir Malhotra all deliver believable and engaging portrayals. The dark and atmospheric visual style is a major highlight, with excellent cinematography and lighting. The special effects and creature design are impressive and help to create a genuinely terrifying villain. The series has a unique and ambitious concept that sets it apart from other Indian horror productions. The jump scares and moments of pure horror are effective and well-executed. The series also touches on relevant themes of trauma, greed, and mental health, which gives it a certain level of depth.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

“Andhera” is held back by its convoluted and confusing plot, which is filled with too many underdeveloped ideas. The pacing is uneven, with a slow build-up that doesn’t lead to a satisfying conclusion. The screenplay’s heavy reliance on exposition and disjointed storytelling can make it difficult for viewers to follow. The series’ ambition sometimes outweighs its ability to execute, leading to a narrative that feels messy. Some of the characters, particularly in the supporting cast, feel one-dimensional. The series also suffers from an over-reliance on genre tropes that can feel unoriginal. The ending, in particular, has been criticized for being abrupt and unresolved, leaving many questions unanswered.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Andhera” is a series that shines in its moments of brilliance but ultimately struggles with its own ambition. It is a visually striking and well-acted horror thriller with a compelling premise, but its chaotic and muddled narrative prevents it from being a masterpiece. The series has a unique and interesting world, and its creators deserve credit for taking a bold risk. However, the show’s lack of focus and its over-complicated plot make it a frustrating watch. Despite its flaws, it is a worthy attempt at a high-concept supernatural story in the Indian entertainment space. If you are a fan of horror and don’t mind a convoluted plot, “Andhera” is a decent one-time watch for its atmosphere and performances. However, if you are looking for a tight, coherent thriller, you might find yourself lost in the darkness.

Series Rating

Disclaimer: The TMDB ID provided, 249748, is for an older movie. This review is for the 2025 web series “Andhera,” as that is the media released in the year you specified. We do not host, upload, or link to any files on our server that violate copyright laws.

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