Vaani Kapoor, the lead actress in the recently released Netflix series "Mandala Murders," has been addressing the criticism surrounding her performance and the show itself. In a recent interview, Kapoor shared her perspective on dealing with the opinions of others, emphasizing the importance of discerning which feedback truly matters.
"Mandala Murders," a crime thriller with mythological elements, marks Vaani Kapoor's OTT debut. Set in the fictional town of Charandaspur, the series follows CIB officer Rea Thomas, played by Kapoor, and suspended cop Vikram Singh, as they investigate a series of ritualistic murders linked to a secret society. The series blends mystery, supernatural horror, and psychological thriller elements, exploring themes of faith versus science and love versus sacrifice.
The show has received mixed reviews, with praise for its atmospheric world-building, cinematography, and the performances of Vaibhav Raj Gupta and Shriya Pilgaonkar. However, some critics have pointed out issues with uneven pacing, a convoluted narrative, and excessive exposition. Kapoor's performance as the hardened cop Rea Thomas has also drawn varied reactions. Some found her portrayal sincere but not always convincing, noting moments where her emotional depth felt disconnected. Others criticized her expressions and handling of the character's trauma and grief.
Kapoor acknowledges that criticism is an inherent part of being an actor. She recognizes that feedback can be both constructive and harsh, and that it's natural for comments to sometimes sting, especially when one puts so much of themselves into their work. However, she has learned to separate her work from her self-worth, understanding that not every opinion should be taken as a personal reflection. Kapoor says, "I've accepted that criticism is part of this journey of being an actor, and it will be constructive and it will be harsh...But over time, I've learned to separate my work from my worth. You start to understand that not every opinion is a reflection of your truth".
In an exclusive interview, Kapoor revealed that finding good scripts and film opportunities hasn't always been easy. She stated that if more good films come her way, she will be seen more often. "Mandala Murders" is her tenth release in 12 years, and she has expressed a hunger for good work that allows her to do something different. According to Vaani, "I would love to do more films, but it is not easy to get the right film. In my case, it hasn't been easy. Sometimes, you have to wait for something good to come along, even for something marginally new".
Despite the mixed reception of "Mandala Murders," Kapoor views the role of Rea Thomas as a significant challenge and a departure from her previous roles. She embraced the opportunity to play a character lacking the usual frills and charms, focusing instead on internal work and realism. According to Vaani, "To feel deeply by showing very little is something that was the biggest challenge. You're doing more work internally, but the payoff can be quiet and subtle".
"Mandala Murders," created and co-directed by Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat, also stars Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, Raghubir Yadav, and Shriya Pilgaonkar. The series is available for streaming on Netflix.
