It is an Indian Hindi language crime thriller web series. Created & co -directed by Gopi Puthran, with Manan Rawat. Starring Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, Raghubir Yadav, Shriya Pilgaonkar.
It is based on the novel ‘The Butcher of Benaraz’. Set in the fictional town of Charandaspur, UP, it blends mystery, super natural horror & psychological thriller elements.
The series follows detectives Rea Thomas & Vikram Singh as they investigate ritualistic murders linked to a secret cult, the Aayastis, & a mystical entity called Yast.
Premiered on Netflix on 25 July 2025.
Reviews are mixed. Praise for atmospheric world building, cinematography & performances but criticism for uneven pacing & narrative complexity.
Gopi Puthran is known for ‘Mardaani 2’ by YRF Entertainment. It is YRF ‘s second major web series.
Filming took place across five cities in UP.
Hardika Gupta of NDTV gave it 2.5 stars of 5. ‘fascinating mess, occasionally brilliant, often frustrating , drenched in blood & questions’.
Lachmi Deb Roy of ‘Firstpost gave 3.5 stars. ‘Binge watch it or just watch it at one go, as I did, but don’t give it a miss”.
From the first frame it grips & for a thriller that is it’s success. All the women are enigmatic & beautiful. They are in bright colors & vibrant in their lives. But for their bad streak I would have really loved them.
The men all evil & black hearted. Finding a fine gentleman in the maze is tough. The atmosphere, the story brilliant.
Not without loopholes but the effort is evident.
Asian Entertainment 