Manvat Murders Marathi Web Series Review

The horrific murders that shook the Marathwada region of Maharashtra in the early 1970s have fueled countless cinematic retellings. What sets Avinash Bende’s eight-part series Manvat Murders apart is its ability to depict the ordinary alongside the macabre, stripping away melodrama to reveal the chilling banality and brutality of the evil lurking among us.

Manvat Murders Marathi Web Series Review

Manvat Murders Marathi Web Series Plot Summary:

YouTube (Sony Liv)

“Manvat Murders” is a crime thriller web series that retells one of Maharashtra’s most shocking criminal cases from the 1970s. Set in the small town of Manvat near Parbhani, a series of seven murders involving women and young girls mystifies the community. These killings are soon linked to ritualistic practices, leading to the revelation of dark secrets within the village. At the heart of the mystery is a wealthy couple, who, in their obsession with discovering hidden treasure beneath their land, trigger a cycle of violence and death. DCP Ramakant Kulkarni (played by Ashutosh Gowariker) is called to investigate, leading him to uncover a web of secrets tied to two powerful sisters, Rukminibai (Sonali Kulkarni) and Samindribai (Sai Tamhankar).

Manvat Murders Marathi Web Series Cast:

Ashutosh Gowariker as DCP Ramakant Kulkarni
Sonali Kulkarni as Rukminibai
Sai Tamhankar as Samindribai
Makarand Anaspure in a pivotal role
Kishor Kadam and Mayur Khandge in supporting roles

Manvat Murders Marathi Web Series Review:

“Manvat Murders” attempts to recreate the chilling atmosphere of a true crime case that deeply affected the state of Maharashtra. The series, adapted from Ramakant S. Kulkarni’s book Footprints on the Sands of Crime, takes the viewer through a step-by-step investigation of these ritualistic killings. Director Ashish Avinash Bende stays largely faithful to the real events, and while this adds authenticity, it also makes the series feel like a straightforward procedural, lacking in deeper exploration and complexity.

What Works:

The most significant strength of “Manvat Murders” lies in its performances. Sonali Kulkarni and Sai Tamhankar deliver standout performances that keep the narrative alive, bringing emotional depth to their respective characters. Kulkarni, in particular, embodies Rukminibai with a ferocity that is both captivating and terrifying. Similarly, Tamhankar’s Samindribai is mysterious and layered, contributing to the show’s moments of intrigue.

The series’ premise—a real-life murder case involving occult practices and the search for hidden treasure—is compelling and sets a strong foundation for the narrative. The small-town setting of Manvat, combined with the mounting tension as the story unfolds, creates a gripping atmosphere.

What Doesn’t Work:

Despite its gripping premise, “Manvat Murders” suffers from a lack of depth. The screenplay, though functional, doesn’t elevate the material beyond a standard true-crime retelling. The series doesn’t delve into the complex psychological motives behind the crimes, nor does it provide a broader commentary on the socio-cultural factors at play in the town of Manvat during the 1970s.

Another issue is the characterization of Ramakant Kulkarni. Ashutosh Gowariker, in the role of the investigator, is written as a flawless, almost saintly figure. His character lacks any moral ambiguity, which makes him less relatable and less interesting compared to the multi-dimensional characters in successful crime dramas like Delhi Crime or Scoop. This one-dimensional portrayal restricts Gowariker’s ability to deliver a nuanced performance.

Manvat Murders Marathi Web Series Cast Performances:

Ashutosh Gowariker does well in portraying the determined and honorable cop, but the script limits his emotional range, making his performance feel mechanical at times.
Sonali Kulkarni is the highlight of the series, embodying the enigmatic Rukminibai with a commanding presence that elevates the material.
Sai Tamhankar delivers a strong performance, making her character both complex and unsettling.
Makarand Anaspure provides solid support, though his role could have been further developed to match his talents.

Manvat Murders Marathi Web Series Technical Aspects:

Cinematographer Satyajeet Shobha Shriram effectively captures the eerie, oppressive atmosphere of the town of Manvat. However, the background score by Saket Kanetkar feels overbearing at times, dictating how the audience should feel rather than subtly enhancing the mood.

The production design improves as the series progresses, but initially, the world feels small and confined, detracting from the show’s potential to create a rich, immersive setting. Additionally, the pacing is inconsistent, with some episodes dragging while others pick up speed at crucial moments.

Verdict:

“Manvat Murders” is a crime thriller that shows promise but ultimately falls short of delivering the impact one expects from a story of this nature. While the performances of Sonali Kulkarni and Sai Tamhankar are top-notch, the show fails to rise above a basic retelling of true events, lacking the complexity and depth needed to make it truly memorable. It will appeal to those interested in true crime but may leave others wanting more in terms of narrative sophistication and character development.

Manvat Murders Marathi Web Series Director:

Director: Ashish Avinash Bende.

Manvat Murders Marathi Web Series Writer:

Writer: Girish Joshi.

Manvat Murders Marathi Web Series Rating:

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3/5 Stars

Where To Watch Manvat Murders Marathi Web Series:

“Manvat Murders” is available to stream on SonyLIV, premiering on October 4, 2024.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the plot of “Manvat Murders”?
“Manvat Murders” is a crime thriller set in the 1970s in Manvat, Maharashtra. It follows DCP Ramakant Kulkarni as he investigates a series of ritualistic murders linked to the search for hidden treasure.
Is “Manvat Murders” based on a true story?
Yes, the series is based on real-life events that occurred in Manvat, Maharashtra, in the 1970s. The show is adapted from Ramakant S. Kulkarni’s book Footprints on the Sands of Crime.
Who stars in “Manvat Murders”?
The series stars Ashutosh Gowariker as DCP Ramakant Kulkarni, with Sonali Kulkarni, Sai Tamhankar, Makarand Anaspure, Kishor Kadam, and Mayur Khandge in supporting roles.
Who directed “Manvat Murders”?
“Manvat Murders” is directed by Ashish Avinash Bende.
How many episodes are there in “Manvat Murders”?
The series consists of 8 episodes, each with a runtime of 31-50 minutes.
What works well in “Manvat Murders”?
The standout performances of Sonali Kulkarni and Sai Tamhankar, along with the eerie atmosphere and gripping premise, are the strengths of the series.
What are the drawbacks of “Manvat Murders”?
The show lacks depth, with a straightforward narrative that doesn’t fully explore the complexities of the crime or the characters. The portrayal of the protagonist as flawless also detracts from the story.
Is “Manvat Murders” worth watching?
If you’re a fan of true crime stories, “Manvat Murders” is worth a watch for its gripping premise and performances, though it may not offer the depth that some viewers might expect.
Where was “Manvat Murders” filmed?
The series was filmed on location in Maharashtra, India.
What genre does “Manvat Murders” belong to?
“Manvat Murders” is a crime thriller.