Daldal Review: Overview
Cast: Bhumi Pednekar, Samara Tijori, Aditya Rawal, Geeta Agrawal, Chinmay Mandlekar, Sandeep Kulkarni
Creator: Suresh Triveni
Director: Amrit Raj Gupta
Language: Hindi
Streaming On: Prime Video
Runtime: 7 episodes (approx. 45 minutes each)
What Works: Strong performances, atmospheric storytelling, and a compelling emotional core.
What Doesn’t: Uneven pacing, repetitive themes, and an overly gloomy tone that affects engagement.
Should You Watch It?: Worth watching for performances and mood-driven storytelling, though expectations should be moderated.
Daldal Review: Plot Summary
Daldal follows DCP Rita Ferreira, a determined and emotionally scarred police officer tasked with solving a series of brutal murders in Mumbai. As the city faces a chilling wave of crimes, Rita must track down a calculating serial killer while battling her own personal trauma and fractured relationships.
The investigation evolves into a psychological journey as the crimes begin to feel increasingly personal. Rather than focusing purely on the mystery of who committed the murders, the narrative explores the emotional toll that such cases take on investigators. Rita’s internal struggles run parallel to the external investigation, creating a layered narrative that blends crime thriller elements with psychological drama.
Daldal Review: What’s It About
The series goes beyond the conventional whodunit format by examining the psychological impact of violence on those who confront it daily. It raises a central question: how much darkness can someone endure before losing themselves entirely?
Set against a rain-soaked and shadowy portrayal of Mumbai, the story unfolds through a tense cat-and-mouse chase. The killer’s calculated methods add suspense, while Rita’s journey becomes as much about self-confrontation as solving the case.
Daldal Review: Script Analysis
The writing focuses heavily on character psychology, often prioritizing emotional depth over fast-paced plot development. While this approach helps build atmosphere and character complexity, it occasionally slows the narrative momentum.
The series draws clear inspiration from well-known investigative dramas and psychological thrillers. Familiar tropes, such as the troubled investigator pursuing a brilliant antagonist, appear throughout. Although these elements provide familiarity, the story struggles to introduce enough novelty to stand out within the crowded genre.
The middle episodes in particular suffer from pacing issues, with repetitive emotional beats that dilute the tension. Despite strong themes, the script sometimes lacks sharper narrative turns that could have elevated the suspense.
Daldal Review: Themes and Narrative Tone
Daldal creates a grim and immersive world, portraying Mumbai as a dark and suffocating environment rather than the typical glamorous metropolis. The visual tone reflects Rita’s internal struggles, using rain, dim lighting, and confined spaces to amplify the psychological tension.
The show explores trauma, resilience, and the emotional burden carried by law enforcement officers. However, the consistently somber tone can feel overwhelming, leaving little room for emotional contrast or relief.
Daldal Review: Performances
Bhumi Pednekar delivers a committed performance as Rita Ferreira, shedding any glamorous persona to portray a weary and emotionally strained officer. Her portrayal emphasizes vulnerability and exhaustion, making the character feel grounded and realistic.
Samara Tijori emerges as a standout performer, bringing emotional warmth and depth that help balance the show’s darker moments. Her presence provides much-needed emotional grounding.
Aditya Rawal adds intensity and intrigue to the narrative, showcasing strong screen presence. Supporting actors, including Geeta Agrawal and Chinmay Mandlekar, contribute effectively to the ensemble, enhancing the show’s authenticity.
Daldal Review: Direction and Technical Aspects
Director Amrit Raj Gupta crafts a visually striking series, emphasizing mood and atmosphere over spectacle. The cinematography captures a rain-drenched and claustrophobic Mumbai that reinforces the psychological tension.
The direction successfully extracts strong performances from the cast, though the storytelling approach occasionally leans toward excessive restraint. The slow-burn narrative style works in certain moments but risks losing momentum when the pacing becomes repetitive.
Sound design and background score complement the gritty tone, enhancing the suspense without overwhelming the narrative.
Daldal Review: What Works and What Doesn’t
Daldal succeeds in creating a compelling atmosphere and delivering layered performances, particularly from Bhumi Pednekar and Samara Tijori. The emotional focus adds depth, making the series more than just a standard crime thriller.
However, the pacing issues and consistently heavy tone limit its impact. The early revelation of certain plot elements reduces suspense, making the journey feel less gripping than intended. The show’s ambition to reach the prestige level of acclaimed crime dramas is evident, but uneven writing prevents it from fully achieving that goal.
Daldal Review: Final Verdict
Daldal is a visually strong and performance-driven psychological thriller that shines in moments but struggles with pacing and narrative repetition. While it may not reinvent the genre, it offers a thoughtful exploration of trauma and investigation that fans of slow-burn crime dramas may appreciate.
The series works best when focusing on character dynamics and emotional depth, though its relentless gloom occasionally dampens the viewing experience.
Rating: 3 stars.
Daldal Review: FAQs
1. What genre is Daldal?
It is a psychological crime thriller that blends investigative drama with character-focused storytelling.
2. How is Bhumi Pednekar’s performance?
She delivers a grounded and emotionally intense performance that anchors the series.
3. Is Daldal similar to shows like Delhi Crime?
Yes, it aims for a similar tone and prestige style, though it differs in pacing and narrative focus.
4. Does the series focus more on mystery or character drama?
It leans more toward psychological and character-driven storytelling rather than pure mystery.
5. Is Daldal worth watching on OTT?
Yes, especially for viewers who enjoy dark, slow-burn thrillers with strong performances.
