Exploring the Haunting Themes of ZEE5's Marathi Horror Series 'Andhar Maya'
A Glimpse into 'Andhar Maya'
The picturesque Konkan region of Western India, known for its stunning beaches, lush coconut trees, and vibrant mango orchards, serves as the backdrop for numerous films and shows. In the latest offering, Andhar Maya, this scenic locale becomes a stage for tales of greed and supernatural occurrences.
ZEE5's inaugural Marathi horror series follows an extended family that gathers at their ancestral home to conduct the death rites of a patriarch while contemplating the sale of the property. The long-serving housekeeper, Gonya (played by Kishore Kadam), welcomes the entire family, urging them to stay longer.
However, the family reunion is fraught with tension. Keshav's deceased father, known for performing female roles in the local Dashavtar festival, has left a legacy that Keshav (Anup Belwalkar) feels compelled to defend against the mockery of his cousins, Kartik (Shubhankar Tawde) and Manoj (Omprakash Shinde).
The decision to sell the family home is contentious, with Keshav opposing the idea, much to the irritation of his cousins. The wives are also divided in their opinions.
Nayana (Shubhangi Bhujbal), reminiscent of a character from Satyajit Ray’s Monihara, is fixated on the division of jewelry, while the expectant Madhavi (Rujuta Bagwe) prefers the spacious family home over her small apartment in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Manoj’s daughter, Sayali (Pihu Gosavi), claims there is a boy lurking in the shadows.
One of the men hints at California, raising questions about whether he is alluding to the infamous Hotel California. Do the cousins realize that once they enter, they may never escape?
Bhimrao Mude directs this seven-episode series, which is based on a narrative by Pralhad Kudtarkar, who also penned the dialogue. The screenplay is crafted by Kapil Bhopatkar. Initially, Andhar Maya is packed with bizarre incidents, jump scares, and unconventional camera work. The relentless tension is matched only by the ongoing disputes among the cousins regarding the property.
The series gains momentum by its fifth episode, drawing parallels to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, as a malevolent spirit begins to target family members one by one. The mystery unfolds in the final two episodes, delivering a gripping and eerie conclusion.
Greed, which Gonya has cautioned against, plays a significant role in the family's unfolding horrors.
While the cast grapples with the heightened melodrama, they find their footing as the plot thickens. Kishor Kadam shines as Gonya, embodying a character that is both ambiguous and authoritative, serving as the guardian of secrets. When the stakes rise, Kadam's performance truly captivates.