Mrs Deshpande Review: Madhuri Dixit Deserves Better Than This Flat Thriller
Mrs Deshpande brings together two formidable names, Madhuri Dixit and Nagesh Kukunoor, a combination that should have resulted in a gripping OTT thriller. Instead, the series turns into a disappointing exercise that relies heavily on star power to compensate for weak writing and a lack of narrative urgency. Despite the promise shown in its trailer, the show struggles to justify its existence beyond its lead actor.
Series Details: Mrs Deshpande
Cast: Madhuri Dixit, Siddharth Chandekar, Kavin Dave, Priyanshu Chatterjee
Director: Nagesh Kukunoor
Language: Hindi
Streaming On: JioHotstar
Runtime: 6 episodes, approximately 50 minutes each
Mrs Deshpande Review: What Is the Series About?
Mrs Deshpande is adapted from the French series La Mante and positions itself as a psychological crime thriller. Madhuri Dixit plays Mrs Deshpande, a convicted serial killer living under an assumed identity in prison. The plot kicks off when a new killer begins committing murders that mirror her old crimes.
Unable to crack the case, the police decide to seek help from the very criminal they once put behind bars. Mrs Deshpande is temporarily released to assist in the investigation, instantly asserting dominance over officers who appear oddly ineffective. While the setup aims to create intrigue, the credibility gap becomes evident almost immediately.
The idea of a serial killer mentoring law enforcement could have been compelling. Unfortunately, the execution feels shallow, making the police force look incompetent and reducing the conflict to a series of convenient developments.
Mrs Deshpande Review: What Works
Madhuri Dixit’s screen presence is undeniably commanding. In isolated moments, particularly when she delivers cold, unsettling lines with controlled restraint, the series briefly hints at what it could have been. These flashes of intensity create false hope that the narrative might eventually find its footing.
However, the show depends entirely on her stardom to hold attention. Strip away her presence, and there is very little substance left. The writing lacks depth, tension, and originality, turning the series into a star vehicle without a strong engine.
Mrs Deshpande Review: Performances
Madhuri Dixit approaches the role with sincerity, portraying Mrs Deshpande as calm, calculated, and emotionally distant. Sadly, the character is never fully developed. The script does not challenge her enough, nor does it allow her transformation or psychology to evolve meaningfully.
The supporting cast is competent but underutilized. Actors like Priyanshu Chatterjee and Siddharth Chandekar are reduced to functional roles that exist only to move the plot forward. Their performances feel constrained by a narrative that does not trust its own complexity.
Mrs Deshpande Review: What Doesn’t Work
The most critical flaw of Mrs Deshpande is its failure as a thriller. Suspense never builds, twists are predictable, and conflicts are resolved through coincidences rather than clever storytelling. The pacing is sluggish, with repetitive scenes that add little to the overall arc.
Instead of delivering psychological tension, the series often feels like a stretched television drama. Dialogues rarely create impact, and the investigation lacks urgency. What should have been a gripping cat-and-mouse game turns into a dull procedural that wastes both time and talent.
Mrs Deshpande Review: Direction and Writing
Nagesh Kukunoor has previously delivered strong thrillers, which makes this outing all the more disappointing. The direction feels unsure, as if the show is overwhelmed by its lead star rather than guided by a confident vision. After a point, the narrative seems unsure of what to do with Madhuri Dixit’s presence.
The writing leans on clichés and shortcuts, refusing to explore the psychological depth promised at the start. Instead of elevating the protagonist, the series treats her like a static symbol rather than a complex character.
Mrs Deshpande Review: Final Verdict
Mrs Deshpande suffers from a fundamental mismatch between talent and material. Madhuri Dixit’s brilliance cannot rescue a story that lacks tension, logic, and emotional engagement. While her iconic presence remains intact, the series ends up celebrating mediocrity instead of challenging its audience.
When the show opens with the line, “Mere jaisi koi aur ho hi nahi sakti,” it rings true. Yet, that very truth raises a bigger question. Why choose a script that does not honor that legacy? At a time when OTT platforms are offering powerful, author-backed roles to seasoned stars, Mrs Deshpande feels like a missed opportunity.
FAQs: Mrs Deshpande Review
Q1. What is Mrs Deshpande about?
The series follows a jailed serial killer who is brought in by the police to help catch a copycat murderer.
Q2. Is Mrs Deshpande worth watching?
If you are a devoted Madhuri Dixit fan, you may watch it for her presence. Otherwise, the weak thriller elements make it skippable.
Q3. How is Madhuri Dixit’s performance in Mrs Deshpande?
She is sincere and commanding, but the script does not allow her character to fully develop.
Q4. Is Mrs Deshpande a faithful adaptation of La Mante?
The core idea is borrowed, but the execution lacks the tension and depth that made the original effective.
Q5. What is the biggest issue with Mrs Deshpande?
The absence of suspense, predictable writing, and underwhelming direction are the series’ biggest drawbacks.
