Manvat Murders: A Chilling Thriller Based on True Events
In the heart of rural Maharashtra, a series of occult killings shook the tiny village of Manvat in the 1970s. The brutal murders of 11 girls and women, with blood drawn from their private parts, sent a wave of terror through the community. SonyLiv’s latest web series, Manvat Murders, brings this horrifying true story to life in a gripping eight-part thriller.
The series follows decorated police officer Ramakant Kulkarni, played by Ashutosh Gowariker, as he investigates the gruesome murders. Kulkarni is a keen student of criminal psychology, with a keen eye for detail and a calculated approach to solving the case. As the investigation unfolds, he becomes fixated on a local couple, Uttamrao Barahate and Rukmini, who run a secret illegal hooch business and have the entire community riddled under their debt.
The show is praised for its unfiltered portrayal of the murders and its exploration of the fragility and vulnerability of the human mind. Sonali Kulkarni, in particular, delivers a standout performance as Rukmini, an infertile woman willing to go to any extent to bear a child. Her dark and powerful persona is both captivating and unsettling.
The series is also commended for its authentic representation of rural Maharashtra, with beautiful cinematography and attention to detail in its setting. The show’s technical aspects, including its use of color and lighting, add to its eerie atmosphere.
However, the show’s story suffers from an ebbing momentum, with the episodic mystery failing to hook the viewer. Despite its power-packed performances, the show’s predictability and lack of surprise make it feel like a familiar, if not unoriginal, concept.
Despite its shortcomings, Manvat Murders remains a capable thriller that stays true to its source material. With its chilling portrayal of sacrificial killings and outstanding performances, it is an ideal jumping-off point for true crime enthusiasts to delve into the horrific events that took place decades ago.
Rating: 6.5/10
