Bhumi Pednekar is once again pushing her boundaries in the upcoming psychological thriller series, Daldal, set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on January 30. After a glamorous role in Netflix's The Royals, Pednekar returns to her forte of portraying rooted, gritty characters as DCP Rita Ferreira, a Mumbai police officer on the hunt for a serial killer while battling her own inner demons.

The trailer, released on January 21, 2026, offers a glimpse into the dark and intense world of Daldal, where suspense is built through atmosphere, tight framing and muted exchanges. The series, created by Suresh Triveni and directed by Amrit Raj Gupta, is based on Vish Dhamija's novel Bhendi Bazaar. It promises a gripping cat-and-mouse game set against the backdrop of Mumbai's gritty crime branch.

Pednekar describes playing Rita Ferreira as one of the most intense and creatively fulfilling experiences of her career. She notes the character is forged by ambition, haunted by doubt, and burdened by her past, requiring her to explore the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength. The actress mentioned reuniting with Vikram Malhotra felt like a homecoming after Toilet- Ek Prem Katha, and expressed gratitude to the team for entrusting her with such a layered role.

The role seemingly marks a departure from previous roles. According to Pednekar, Rita's journey mirrors the complexities everyone faces when confronting their demons. The series delves into the increasing tension surrounding the serial killer case, its impact on the city, and the personal toll on Rita as she faces institutional pressure and her unresolved past.

The Daldal trailer avoids spelling out the killer's motives, and instead leans on the atmosphere of a crowded, restless city indifferent to the violence within it. The focus remains on the psychological strain experienced by those involved in the hunt. The series introduces Samara Tijori as Anita Acharya, a rookie reporter who is at odds with Rita and adds another layer of complexity to the storyline.

The release of the Daldal trailer comes after Pednekar took a nine-month break from acting following criticism for her performance in The Royals. She revealed that she had become emotionally depleted and needed to step back to regain perspective. During this break, she focused on personal growth, travelling, taking a course at Harvard, and revisiting her past work.

Pednekar has been open about facing trolls and criticism, especially as a woman in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-belief in navigating these challenges. She admitted to being scared that she had run out of real-life experiences to bring to her performances and didn't want to be mediocre.

Daldal presents Bhumi Pednekar with the opportunity to showcase her talent in a challenging and unconventional role. The series promises to be a gripping psychological crime drama that explores the complexities of human nature and the dark underbelly of Mumbai.