'Manvat Murders' web-series review: Ashutosh Gowariker and Sai Tamhankar's brutal show on the real-life killings isn't for the faint-hearted

Cast: Ashutosh Gowariker, Sai Tamhankar, Makarand Anaspure, Sonali Kulkarni, Kishor Kadam, Mayur Khandge

Director: Ashish Avinash Bende

Language: Marathi

The genre of horror has transcended possessions and past life history. Why waste time on thinking of fictional stories and characters when we have real life incidents to pounce upon? Indian folklore is as frightening and it’s fascinating and the hidden stories and gems are never ending. Just before we could get over the world of Munjya, Bhediya, and Stree, Sony LIV has a Marathi series called Manvat Murders to offer. The killings unfolded from 1972 to 1976 in Maharashtra that combined greed and fanaticism.

Unveiling one of the most chilling historical events that gripped the nation, Manvat Murders is a captivating series brought to life by creator Girish Joshi and director Ashish Bende. Drawing from the autobiographical account of the renowned Detective Officer Ramakant S. Kulkarni, titled ‘Footprints on the Sand of Crime’, this crime thriller plunges viewers into the high-stakes hours that could seal the fate of an investigation.

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The series follows Ramakant . S. Kulkarni to navigate a series of brutal murders in rural Maharashtra during the 1970s. As the investigation progresses, Kulkarni races against the clock, facing the challenge of solving these crimes and bringing justice to the victims before time runs out. With its intense narrative and attention to detail, Manvat Murders promises to be a gripping exploration of one of India’s most haunting crime sagas.

Manwat, just how it should be, is the first character we meet in the show. The name is in the title and also in the soul of the narrative. If there’s no Manwat, there are no murders. This is more than just a whodunnit where deep and dangerous silences loom large over the eerie atmospherics. The camerawork also does a fine job of sucking us into the tragedy that’s about to unfold. Barring Ashutosh Gowariker, who at times overplays the character of the investigating officer and goes overboard with the nuances, Manwat Murders scores.

It wasn’t an easy case to crack or solve. The motive and modus operandi were too complicated to comprehend in one go. For first timers oblivious to the book or the story, this series could be a roller coaster ride. And for those who have read about the barbarism or sadism on display, to witness all of it with visceral visuals and violence sprinkled all over, it’s still bone chilling and overwhelming. Give it a shot.

Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)

Manwat Murders is now streaming on Sony LIV