Andhera, Amazon Prime Video’s latest supernatural thriller released on 14 August 2025, journeys deep into the shadows of Mumbai, beginning as a taut mystery before unraveling into confusion by its finale
A Cool Setting with Powerful Leads
Inspector Kalpana Kadam (Priya Bapat) and medical student Jay (Karanvir Malhotra), whose brother is unconscious following an odd accident, are drawn to the story’s opening scene when Bani Baruah (Jahnvi Rawat) mysteriously vanishes. A typical missing-person case quickly gives way to an encroaching supernatural darkness that makes it difficult to distinguish between reality and night terrors.
Bapat delivers a compelling performance as Kalpana, a determined cop whose investigation grows personal and psychological. Malhotra and Prajakta Koli, as the paranormal podcaster Rumi, bring emotional depth, anchoring the series amid its growing chaos
Atmospheric Build-up Meets Psychological Depth
Initially, Andhera captivates with its unsettling atmosphere—flickering lights, silent corridors, and mounting dread reminiscent of Ram Gopal Varma’s early horror style. The narrative weaves themes of mental health (through Jay’s guilt and nightmares), misogyny, and corporate malfeasance alongside its supernatural layers, grounding its horror in real-world anxieties.
When Ambition Turns Into Overindulgence
However, the series takes a diversion. The story is crowded with multiple subplots as the plot thickens, such as secret healing centres, alternate realities, and brain-control experiments. Critics observe that the show falters, becoming mired in superfluous filler and twists that lessen the tension at first.
Critics describe the pacing as sluggish, especially in the latter half, saying the story overstays its welcome and concludes with a climax that feels more sensational than satisfying.
Verdict: A Haunting Start, a Faltering Finish
The first four episodes of Andhera are its best because of the captivating performances and moody tone. However, its ambitious layering—combining procedural mystery, psychological drama, horror, and sci-fi—does not work well together, and the climax is chaotic.
If you’re seeking atmospheric urban horror rooted in Mumbai’s underbelly and driven by strong acting, Andhera offers a gripping start. But be prepared for a muddled resolution that doesn’t wholly deliver on its grand promise. 2.5 out of 5 stars—worth a watch for the journey, even if the destination disappoints.
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