Exploring the Haunting Depths of 'Andhera': A Gripping Occult Thriller

Dive into the eerie world of 'Andhera', a new series that blends horror with a poignant love story. Directed by Raaghav Dar, the show features strong performances by Priya Bapat and Surveen Chawla, who navigate a dark narrative filled with suspense and emotional depth. While the writing may falter at times, the chemistry between the leads shines through, making it a compelling watch for fans of the genre. Explore the complexities of their relationship against a backdrop of supernatural intrigue and chilling events.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 14, 2025, 16:05 IST

A Dive into Darkness

Andhera, helmed by Raaghav Dar, who previously worked on My Friend Pinto for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, confidently ventures into the realm of the eerie. While the storytelling occasionally stumbles due to subpar writing—despite the involvement of six writers—the series manages to captivate viewers who are drawn to occult themes, presenting a tense game of cat and mouse with a mysterious entity known as Andhera. This presence, while not related to Sarkata, operates in equally enigmatic ways, disrupting communications, inciting tragic events, and leading to the downfall of major films at the box office.

Admittedly, I exaggerated the last point for comedic effect. Humor is not a prominent element in Andhera; the tone remains consistently serious.

Or rather, utterly grim. The pervasive atmosphere of dread is palpable and, at times, unsettling. A notable scene features the quirky ghostbuster Rumi (Prajakta Kohli) and her possessed friend Jay (Karanvir Malhotra) visiting a hotel room where a girl has mysteriously passed away.

What drives them to undertake such a reckless act? In horror narratives, characters often engage in perilous behavior to adhere to genre conventions. This particular narrative doesn’t roar like a beast; instead, it softly purrs, sometimes in a pleading manner, other times provocatively.

At the heart of the series lies not just the darkness but also a glimmer of hope found in the delicate bond between cop Kalpana (Priya Bapat) and spiritual healer Ayesh (Surveen Chawla). The chemistry between the two actresses is striking, showcasing how skilled performances can elevate mediocre writing when the actors are genuinely invested.

Interestingly, Priya Bapat portrays yet another lesbian cop in a web series.

Are Bapat and Chawla the redeeming qualities of Andhera? Absolutely! Their dynamic is so compelling that I would love to see a dedicated series exploring the evolution of their fragile relationship.

Bapat and Chawla stand out in the cast, largely because they seem unburdened by the need to amplify the horror. In contrast, the other characters are often seen in postures of fear, struggling to confront their pasts and neglecting the present. Andhera has a lot happening, though not all of it is engaging. Ultimately, it’s more about the potential it holds than the actual execution.