Amazon Prime Video's new psychological horror thriller, Andhera, has been released, featuring Karanvir Malhotra, Priya Bapat, and Prajakta Koli in leading roles. The series, directed by Raaghav Dar, revolves around a medical student who experiences a paranormal presence and is haunted by a spirit of darkness. The show attempts to blend genres, creating a chilling tale of darkness and suspense.
The story begins with Bani Baruah, a 24-year-old bipolar patient who is easily frightened by the unseen. One night, she is possessed by a dark spirit and falls from a hotel window. Simultaneously, Jay (Karanvir Malhotra), a medical student, envisions the incident, creating a sense of connection to Bani. Driven to understand his visions, Jay seeks out Rumi (Prajakta Koli), a YouTuber who deals with paranormal activities on her channel, "Unseen Supernatural Club". Together, they delve into the mystery of the darkness. Meanwhile, Bani's father reports her missing, leading to an investigation by the Mumbai police, headed by Inspector Kalpana Kadam (Priya Bapat). As Kadam and her team investigate, they uncover unusual and shocking facts. The series explores the connections between Jay and Bani, and whether they can uncover the truth behind Jay's hallucinations and the reality of "Andhera".
Andhera attempts to create a sense of dread and blur the lines of reality, opting for psychological horror over cheap jump scares. The series weaves in elements of real-world trauma and fear into its supernatural narrative. The city of Mumbai plays a central role, with the series showcasing the city's underbelly, where ancient malice lurks beneath the neon lights.
Priya Bapat delivers a strong performance as Inspector Kalpana Kadam, portraying a tenacious officer who is willing to chase a demon down the streets of Mumbai. Karanvir Malhotra's portrayal of Jay is broody but not overly so, which is a welcome change from typical tortured protagonists. Prajakta Koli brings a lightness to the series with her earnest curiosity, balancing the overall gloom. The supporting cast, including Surveen Chawla, Vatsal Sheth, Parvin Dabas, and Pranay Pachauri, generally avoid কমেডি within their circumstances.
Despite the strong performances and intriguing premise, some reviews point out flaws. One review notes that the show never makes sense. However, the series' ambition to blend genres and explore deeper themes, coupled with strong performances from its leads, makes it a watchable horror saga. The series creates an uneasy blend of dread and curiosity, inviting viewers to question the nature of fear itself.
