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 whose seemingly mundane existence is a cover for dark secrets. The plot thickens as a series of new murders echo an infamous past case, leading investigators to suspect that the “copycat killer” might actually be the original perpetrator hiding 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 portrayal of a serial killer, Madhuri acknowledges the weight of her role and emphasizes her choice to focus on emotional depth rather than graphic violence. “The responsibility is always present. As actors, we take on various roles, but we can’t be accountable for everything. The director, Nagesh Kukunoor, made it clear that the focus is not on violence or killings, but on the emotional journey,” she explained.

“The essence lies in the story, her character, and the revelations about her past. Viewers will understand that it’s not merely about 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 and character relationships over gore and violence,” he noted.

Initially surprised by the offer to play a serial killer, Madhuri quickly recognized the depth of the character. “At first, I thought, me, a serial killer? But it’s not just about that; it’s about her story 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 role,” 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, especially in an Indian context. We haven’t seen a serial killer portrayed on screen in this way before,” she remarked.

The 58-year-old actress noted 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 said.

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, “It was a delight to collaborate with Madhuri Dixit. Her charm and professionalism make her feel like a newcomer eager to excel! She lightens the mood with her humorous stories, making her a surprisingly engaging co-actor, especially considering the legendary status she holds in our hearts.”