Daldal, a seven-episode serial killer thriller created by Suresh Triveni and directed by Amrit Raj Gupta based on Vish Dhamija’s Bhendi Bazaar, centers on newly appointed DCP Rita Ferreira (Bhumi Pednekar) probing gruesome murders of men slashed and stuffed with raw meat. The killer's early reveal shifts focus to procedural dynamics amid a team with a resentful colleague, supportive junior, and dubious boss, plus subplots involving a journalist, drug addict, red light area, encounters specialist, Russian sex-worker, and themes of paedophilia and familial harm. Early episodes maintain believable police work, but bizarre contrived elements overwhelm, leading to implausibility and eye-rolls reminiscent of recent templated stories like Mrs Deshpande. Sensitive issues—paedophilia, drug abuse, unfulfilled women harming daughters, addiction recovery attempts—are handled impactfully yet lack overall nuance. Bhumi Pednekar appears far too morose and one-note as the conflicted cop, with writing and performance failing to add layers except one breakdown scene showcasing her acting potential. Supporting cast elevates material: Samara Tijori shines as the journalist with intriguing arcs, Aditya Rawal as the addict, Geeta Agrawal Sharma as junior officer, and Vibhawari Deshpande in a small role. The series opens intriguingly but loses steam through uncontrolled plot strands and formulaic progression. Rated 2 out of 5, it earns credit for addressing ugly realities but falters in character depth and engagement. Overall middling thriller with strong supports unable to salvage lead and scripting shortcomings. In my view decent attempt sensitive themes hoping refined nuance future outings diverse ensemble strengths.

Vibe View: The vibe of Daldal is intriguing procedural start descending contrived eye-roll frustration—like promising serial killer setup Mumbai grit unraveling bizarre uncontrolled strands vibe disappointing template feel, you know? Early believable team dynamics resentful colleague supportive junior dubious boss vibe engaging police work vibe solid foundation. Ritualistic murders raw meat stuffing killer early reveal vibe unique hook shifting focus procedural subplots. Sensitive themes paedophilia drug abuse familial harm addiction recovery vibe impactful heavy vibe thoughtful intent. Supporting performances Tijori journalist Rawal addict Sharma junior Deshpande small role vibe shining elevating material vibe standout ensemble strengths. Bhumi Pednekar morose one-note conflicted cop vibe criticism lack nuance writing acting vibe limited breakdown emergence. Overall vibe middling thriller strong supports cannot salvage lead scripting contrived escalation vibe potential lost execution. Positive vibe hope refined nuance future sensitive diverse casts. It's that lingering vibe promise disappointment intertwined where intriguing opening meets formulaic bizarre diverse thriller landscapes. Hoping vibe evolves tighter controlled narratives maximizing impacts.