Gopi Puthran on ‘Mandala Murders’ Success: “To Go Global, Be Deeply Local”
Mumbai, Aug 12 (TTP) — Filmmaker Gopi Puthran, the creative force behind Netflix’s latest thriller Mandala Murders, has attributed the show’s runaway success to one simple but powerful principle: authenticity rooted in India’s mythical identity.
The series, produced by YRF Entertainment and co-directed by Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat, has held its position as the most-watched Indian series on Netflix for three consecutive weeks since its release, according to Netflix India’s viewing charts.
Timeline of Events
- July 20, 2025 – Mandala Murders premieres globally on Netflix.
- July 27, 2025 – Netflix India reports the series as the most-watched in the country, with strong viewership in metros and Tier-2 cities.
- August 5, 2025 – International analytics reveal that the series is trending in over a dozen countries, including the US, UK, and Australia.
- August 12, 2025 – Gopi Puthran addresses the media in Mumbai, crediting the success to India’s deep cultural and mythical roots.
“India Is Awed by Its Roots” – Gopi Puthran
Speaking exclusively to reporters, Puthran said:
“India is a country that is deeply connected and awed by its roots. Myths are embedded deep within our DNA because of the stories that were handed down over generations by our elders, which is why we instantly connect to content with such tonality. What is really heartening is how ‘Mandala Murders’ has connected with people’s psyche due to this.”
He added that the partnership with Netflix allowed the series to be sampled by both domestic and international audiences eager to explore myth-laced mysteries from India.
The Storytelling Formula: Be Local to Go Global
The series is set in a small, fictional Indian town, painted with cultural specificity and infused with mystery. Puthran believes that staying true to India’s identity is what resonates globally.
“If we are true to our identity, there will be takers for shows like ‘Mandala Murders’ or ‘Mirzapur’. People want authentic, disruptive storytelling that’s rooted in reality,” he said.
“It’s incredible to see smaller towns of India also take to the show. This is proof that you don’t need to dilute your roots to appeal to a global audience.”
Cast and Crew
The ensemble cast includes Vaani Kapoor, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Siddhanth Kapoor, Rahul Bagga, Raghubir Yadav, and Monica Choudhary.
The show’s blend of seasoned actors and emerging talent has been praised by critics for delivering intense, believable performances that match the show’s dark, layered plot.
Why It Matters
- Cultural Representation – The success of Mandala Murders signals a growing global appetite for Indian narratives grounded in mythology and folklore, breaking the stereotype of needing Westernized themes for international reach.
- Industry Shift – If the model succeeds commercially, more Indian creators may take risks with genre-blending storytelling rooted in regional contexts.
- Economic Impact – Streaming hits boost the profile of Indian talent and locations, potentially encouraging foreign collaborations and tourism in filming regions.
Viewer Reactions and Eyewitness Quotes
Social media has been buzzing since the release:
- Ritika Sharma, Mumbai – “It’s not just a crime thriller; it feels like a dive into something ancient and mysterious. You can tell it’s made with respect for our culture.”
- Arjun Menon, Kochi – “What struck me is how relatable the setting felt, even though it’s fictional. It’s a reminder that India’s small towns have endless stories.”
- Elena Garcia, Madrid – “I don’t know much about Indian mythology, but this show made me curious. It’s like watching a puzzle unfold with cultural flavor.”
Background: India’s Streaming Boom
India has emerged as one of Netflix’s fastest-growing markets. Shows like Sacred Games, Delhi Crime, and Kota Factory paved the way for high-quality local content to achieve international recognition.
With Mandala Murders, YRF Entertainment continues this momentum, proving that local storytelling can achieve global traction without sacrificing authenticity.
Final Thoughts – TheTrendingPeople.com
Mandala Murders is more than a streaming success; it’s a case study in cultural authenticity. In an industry where creators often feel pressured to “internationalize” their narratives, Puthran’s work shows that embracing deeply local elements can, in fact, be the key to universal appeal.
As India’s streaming sector expands, expect more creators to follow this blueprint — marrying regional richness with global accessibility.