There’s something captivating about a crime thriller rooted in mythology, and Mandala Murders, the upcoming Hindi web series by YRF Entertainment (Yash Raj Films Entertainment), promises just that. Created by Gopi Puthran (of Mardaani 2 fame), this atmospheric series stars Vaani Kapoor as detective Rea Thomas, unraveling a series of ritualistic killings in the fictional town of Charandaspur.
To build this eerie and layered world, the creators didn’t rely on studio sets alone. Instead, they travelled across India’s most character-rich regions – from the spiritual ghats of Varanasi to the dense lanes of Delhi and the serenity of Madh Island. Here’s a deep dive into the filming locations that brought Mandala Murders to life.
Uttar Pradesh – The Spiritual & Gritty Canvas
Cities: Prayagraj, Lucknow, Varanasi
Filming began in Uttar Pradesh, a state often celebrated for its cultural richness, history, and visual diversity – perfect for grounding a mythological thriller. The cast and crew spent a month here in March–April 2023, using these cities to establish the series’ core world.
- Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad): Known for the Sangam – the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers – it added a symbolic undertone to the story’s religious and ritualistic threads.
- Lucknow: With its Mughal-era architecture and labyrinthine old city streets, Lucknow lent a timeless charm to scenes likely portraying hidden secrets and institutional setups.
- Varanasi: The spiritual capital of India, with its ghats, flickering oil lamps, and constant cremation fires, helped evoke a deeply haunting and myth-laced atmosphere.
This combination of holy cities and decaying urban beauty added authenticity and gravitas to the show’s tone.
Delhi – Urban Pulse & Bureaucratic Backdrop
New Delhi, Old Delhi
After wrapping up in UP, the team moved to Delhi in April–May 2023 for a different vibe. Unlike the spiritual essence of UP, Delhi brought a cosmopolitan, fast-paced energy and architectural diversity.
- What It Added: Delhi’s blend of historical monuments (like Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb), colonial-era institutions, and modern infrastructure provided the perfect canvas for scenes involving detective work, media scrutiny, and bureaucratic tension.
- Old Delhi’s chaotic lanes may have served as visual metaphors for deeper plot entanglements, while New Delhi’s stark government buildings reinforced the investigative arc of the narrative.
Mumbai – Production Hub & Urban Ambiguity
City Streets, Studios, Madh Island
The final leg of the shoot was in Mumbai, India’s entertainment capital. Filming continued through mid to late 2023, with a mix of real-location shoots and studio setups.
- Cityscapes: The city’s gritty alleyways and high-rise shadows were likely used to depict corrupt power corridors or hidden urban crimes.
- Studio Interiors: Certain intense indoor sequences, such as interrogations or cult ceremonies, may have been shot in controlled settings at YRF Studios.
- Madh Island: This quiet coastal suburb, known for its rustic cottages and serene beaches, became a key location during reshoots in February 2025. Its isolation makes it ideal for eerie, suspense-filled sequences – perfect for building tension in a crime mystery.
Fictional Town: Charandaspur – A Composite World
Though the show is set in the made-up town of Charandaspur, every location was carefully picked to simulate its character.
- Charandaspur is portrayed as a town steeped in secrets, myths, and ancient rituals.
- Through UP’s spiritual gravity, Delhi’s institutional edge, and Mumbai’s urban complexity, the creators stitched together a believable, immersive setting that feels both real and unnerving.
Why These Locations Work So Well
- Uttar Pradesh gave the story depth and spirituality, fitting the mythological theme.
- Delhi added a layer of realism with its political and institutional backdrop.
- Mumbai and Madh Island allowed the team to explore diverse emotions – from chaos to calm, and suspense to climax—in controlled and scenic environments.
Summing Up
From the haunting ghats of Varanasi to the bureaucratic hustle of Delhi and the atmospheric calm of Madh Island, Mandala Murders is not just a thriller – it’s a journey through India’s most textured landscapes. YRF Entertainment’s location choices aren’t just aesthetic – they’re integral to the world-building and storytelling, helping viewers lose themselves in the enigmatic town of Charandaspur.
Whether you’re watching for the mystery or the cinematography, Mandala Murders promises a deeply immersive experience – rooted in reality but steeped in myth.
