Madhuri Dixit Takes a Bold Turn in Psychological Thriller 'Mrs. Deshpande'

This six-part psychological thriller represents a significant shift from her traditional on-screen persona. Madhuri portrays a serial killer, leading a seemingly mundane life that masks a web of hidden truths. The plot thickens as a new series of murders begins to echo an infamous case from the past. As fear escalates, detectives connect the dots back to Mrs. Deshpande, hinting that the “copycat killer” might actually be the original perpetrator lurking in plain sight. With its gripping narrative and Madhuri's chilling transformation, 'Mrs. Deshpande' is anticipated to be one of JioHotstar’s most discussed releases of the year.

In her role as a serial killer, Madhuri acknowledges the weight of her artistic responsibility, opting to emphasize emotional depth rather than graphic violence. “The responsibility is always present. However, as actors, we portray various roles and cannot be accountable for everything. The director, Nagesh Kukunoor, was clear that our focus is not on violence or killings, but rather on the emotional journey,” she explained.

“The essence lies in the story, her character, and the revelations about her past. Viewers will understand that the series transcends mere violence; we aimed for depth rather than shock value,” she added.

Kukunoor supports her perspective, stating that the series is crafted with unexpected twists and a strong narrative. “We consciously chose to prioritize drama, twists, and character relationships over gore and violence,” he remarked.

Initially surprised by the offer to play a serial killer, Dixit quickly realized the story's depth. “At first, I thought, me, a serial killer? But it’s not just about that; it’s about her journey and the layers of Mrs. Deshpande. She appears to be an ordinary housewife, yet there’s so much more beneath the surface. It’s about the emotional aspect, which drew me to the character,” she shared.

This project marks her first collaboration with Kukunoor, known for films like 'Dor' and 'City of Dreams.' Madhuri expressed her long-standing admiration for his storytelling. “With Nagesh directing and Applause producing, I trusted they would create a relatable character that resonates with audiences, particularly in an Indian context. We haven’t seen a serial killer portrayed on screen in this way before,” she noted.

The 58-year-old actress mentioned that even her children were taken aback by this bold career move, while her husband was eager to see her approach to the role. “He was curious about the details and encouraged me, saying it’s empowering to take on such a character,” she added.

Based on the French thriller 'La Mante,' the series features Madhuri Dixit alongside Siddharth Chandekar and Priyanshu Chatterjee, among others.

It premieres today on JioHotstar.

‘A Legend with Newcomer Energy’

Reflecting on his experience working with Madhuri, Priyanshu Chatterjee shared, “Collaborating with Madhuri Dixit was a delight. Her charm, professionalism, and attentiveness make her seem like a newcomer eager to excel! She can also lighten the mood with her humorous stories, recharging everyone’s spirits. It was surprising to work with someone we’ve admired for so long.”