If You Loved Mandala Murders, Here Are 7 Crime Thrillers You Shouldn’t Miss

Still thinking about Mandala Murders days after finishing it? You’re not alone. There’s something about the way it crept under the skin, no jump scares, no over-the-top twists, just a steady unraveling of human pain, guilt, and decay. It’s rare for a crime thriller to feel this spiritual, this meditative. The show doesn’t just explore who did it; it asks why we look away when things rot in plain sight. With its haunting visuals, layered characters, and that eerie, almost mythical energy, Mandala Murders isn't just a show you binge. It's one you process.

So, if you're still in that headspace, craving stories that sit heavy on the chest, characters that feel haunted, and mysteries that reveal more about us than about the crime itself, this list is for you. These aren’t your typical high-octane thrillers. These are slow burns, rooted in social issues, full of silences, dread, and uncomfortable truths. Just like Mandala Murders, they ask you to lean in and listen.

1. Dahaad (Amazon Prime Video)

Set in the sun-scorched corners of Rajasthan, Dahaad follows Sub-Inspector Anjali Bhaati as she dives into a strange case of disappearing women. It’s not flashy, but that’s what makes it work. The mystery unfolds slowly, weaving in themes like caste and gender without ever feeling preachy. Sonakshi Sinha’s performance feels so grounded, it’s like you're right there with her. If Mandala Murders pulled you in with its stillness and social undertones, Dahaad is totally your vibe.

2. Suzhal: The Vortex S1 (Prime Video)

Looking for something atmospheric and totally unpredictable? Suzhal is it. Set during a village festival, this Tamil series uses local myths and traditions to build a haunting mystery. It’s slow, yes, but in the best way. The show lures you in with its visuals and quietly unravels secrets that feel deeply rooted in place and people. If you loved how Mandala Murders created a mood and stuck with it, you’ll be hooked on Suzhal.

3. Talvar (Disney+ Hotstar)

Based on the real-life Noida double murder case, Talvar isn’t just a crime drama; it’s an emotional punch. Meghna Gulzar keeps things subtle but sharp, showing how one case can be twisted from all sides. Irrfan Khan delivers a quietly powerful performance that lingers long after the credits. If you were drawn to Mandala’s layered storytelling and emotional restraint, this one will hit home. It doesn’t shout it simmers, leaving you with more questions than answers, just like Mandala Murders.

4. Delhi Crime S1 (Netflix)

This one’s already a classic, but if you haven’t watched Delhi Crime yet, now’s the time. An Emmy-winning series that is based on real incidents, it focuses on the investigation following the 2012 Delhi gang rape. Shefali Shah is phenomenal as DCP Vartika, tough, smart, and heartbreakingly human. The show never sensationalizes the crime; it’s more about the people carrying the weight of justice. Like Mandala Murders, this one stays with you because of its emotional honesty.

5. Aranyak (Netflix)

Set in a fog-covered hill town, Aranyak brings myth and murder together in a slow, broody whodunit. Raveena Tandon plays a cop who’s rough around the edges and wrestling her own demons, and that makes her all the more relatable. The forest, the folklore, the silences, they all add to the unease. If you liked the mystical and emotional layers in Mandala Murders, Aranyak is right up your alley. It’s not just about solving a case; it’s about what the place, the people, and the past refuse to let go.

6. Paatal Lok (Prime Video)

Paatal Lok is gritty, raw, and unafraid to get messy. What starts as a murder investigation quickly opens up into something much deeper about society, power, and all the ugly truths we like to ignore. Jaideep Ahlawat nails the role of Hathi Ram, a cop who's seen too much. Like Mandala Murders, this show peels back layers without offering easy answers. It’s intense, but in the best way. Every episode feels like it’s holding a mirror to the world we live in, and it's not a pretty reflection.

7. The Night Manager (India) (Disney+ Hotstar)

If you enjoy your thrillers with a dash of style and psychological tension, The Night Manager will scratch that itch. Aditya Roy Kapur and Anil Kapoor bring the drama and deception, but there’s also emotional depth simmering underneath. It may look glossy, but don’t be fooled, there’s real darkness here. Much like Mandala, this one explores what lies behind polished masks and broken systems. It’s sharp, suspenseful, and surprisingly emotional when you least expect it.

 By the way, if you’re into grounded film thoughts, underrated thriller picks, or just plain honest recommendations, I’m over on Instagram: @bingewatch_perspective.  That’s where I post quick recaps, hot takes, and those offbeat gems you might’ve missed.

Writing this list reminded me of Ronth, a film I recently reviewed that dives deep into trauma, bureaucracy, and loss. If you enjoyed this blog, I think you’ll connect with that one too. Click to read the Ronth review here.

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