Andhera Web Series Review: A Chilling Blend of Horror, Sci-Fi, and Psychological Thriller

A Tale of Darkness and Discovery

Andhera (meaning "darkness" in Hindi) opens with a gripping premise set against the vibrant yet ominous backdrop of Mumbai. The story kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of Bani Baruah (Jahnvi Rawat) a young woman whose sudden vanishing sparks an investigation that spirals into the supernatural. Inspector Kalpana Kadam (Priya Bapat) a determined and sharp-witted cop is assigned to what appears to be an open-and-shut case. However her relentless pursuit of the truth leads her to unsettling discoveries.

Parallel to Kalpana’s investigation we meet Jay Sheth (Karanvir Malhotra) a medical student plagued by haunting visions of Bani’s final moments. These nightmares hint at a malevolent force an entity referred to as "andhera" that seems to prey on the living. Jay seeks help from Rumi (Prajakta Koli) a podcaster with a passion for the paranormal who runs a show called Into the Darkness. As their paths converge with Kalpana’s the trio uncovers a web of secrets involving a wellness centre called Aatma Healing a comatose doctor named Prithvi Sheth (Pranay Pachauri) and a sinister experiment that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare.

The narrative unfolds across eight episodes each approximately 45–50 minutes long blending horror, sci-fi and psychological drama. The series explores themes of mental health trauma and the human psyche with a supernatural entity that symbolizes inner darkness and societal fears. While the early episodes build a slow-burn atmosphere the latter half introduces ambitious subplots including corporate conspiracies immortality quests and comic-book-style mythology which sometimes overwhelm the core story.

Strengths of Andhera: Atmosphere, Performances and World-Building

A Haunting Atmosphere That Captivates

One of Andhera’s standout features is its atmospheric world-building. Mumbai often portrayed as a city of dreams, is reimagined as a character in itself its glittering skyline juxtaposed with shadowy alleys and eerie silences. Cinematographer Huentsang Mohapatra masterfully uses muted hues dark tones and clever lighting to create a pervasive sense of unease. Shadows seem to move with intent and the visual motif of "pishach-like" eyes in possessed characters adds a chilling touch. The sound design with Ketan Sodha’s haunting score amplifies the tension using silence as effectively as sudden clangs or whispers to keep viewers on edge.

The series excels in its early episodes where the slow-burn pacing allows the mystery to unfold organically. Moments like Bani’s encounter with the darkness or Jay’s disorienting visions are executed with precision making the supernatural feel tangible and terrifying. These sequences are less about jump scares and more about psychological dread a refreshing departure from typical Bollywood horror tropes.

Stellar Performances That Anchor the Chaos

The cast of Andhera is a major highlight delivering performances that ground the series’ ambitious narrative. Priya Bapat shines as Inspector Kalpana Kadam portraying a cop whose determination is tempered by personal trauma. Her nuanced performance balances authority and vulnerability making Kalpana a relatable and compelling protagonist. Karanvir Malhotra brings intensity to Jay Sheth capturing the character’s struggle with depression and fear though his arc occasionally feels underdeveloped. Prajakta Koli known for her vibrant online persona surprises as Rumi infusing the role with warmth and empathy. Her chemistry with Jay while brief adds emotional depth to the story.

Surveen Chawla delivers a layered performance as Ayesha the enigmatic consultant at Aatma Healing. Her serene demeanor hides a mysterious edge keeping viewers guessing about her true intentions. Supporting actors like Vatsal Sheth (Darius) Pranay Pachauri (Prithvi) and Parvin Dabas (Dr. Sahay) make the most of their limited screen time though some characters suffer from underdeveloped arcs. Kavin Dave’s Jude a comic-book enthusiast adds a quirky charm but feels underutilized in the larger narrative.

Ambitious Themes and Social Commentary

Andhera sets itself apart by weaving social commentary into its horror framework. The series tackles mental health portraying depression and trauma as both personal struggles and supernatural metaphors. The concept of "andhera" as a malevolent entity that feeds on human consciousness draws parallels to the commodification of mental health in modern society, hinting at the dangers of unchecked corporate greed and AI-driven manipulation. The inclusion of an LGBTQ subplot between Kalpana and Ayesha is handled with sensitivity adding depth to their characters though it occasionally feels forced.

The show also touches on gender dynamics with Kalpana facing casual sexism from her male colleagues and societal issues like child abuse and misogyny are woven into the backstories. These themes while not always fully explored, give Andhera a layered quality that elevates it beyond a standard horror series.

Direction and Writing: A Bold but Flawed Vision

Raaghav Dar’s direction is confident in the early episodes where he prioritizes mood over exposition. His ability to let fear simmer using silence and shadows is commendable. However as the series progresses the discipline falters and the narrative sprawl overtakes the pacing. The writing team Gaurav Desai Karan Anshuman, Chintan Sarda and others shows ambition in tackling complex themes but the script often feels overstuffed. The dialogue is generally sharp with moments of wit and emotional resonance but cliches like sexist cop banter and predictable plot twists detract from the overall impact.

Is Andhera Worth Watching?

Andhera is a bold ambitious addition to India’s growing roster of horror-thriller web series. Its atmospheric world-building stellar performances and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling watch for fans of the genre. Priya Bapat and Prajakta Koli’s performances coupled with the eerie depiction of Mumbai create moments of genuine unease. However the series is held back by its uneven pacing overcrowded narrative and tonal inconsistencies. It’s a show that promises more than it delivers leaving viewers both haunted and frustrated.

For those who enjoy slow-burn horror with psychological depth Andhera is worth a weekend binge. It’s not perfect but its flashes of brilliance and commitment to pushing boundaries make it a notable entry in Indian OTT storytelling. If you’re looking for a horror series that goes beyond cheap thrills Andhera offers enough to keep you hooked even if it doesn’t fully illuminate the darkness it explores.