Vaani Kapoor Makes OTT Debut With Mandala Murders, Calls Her Character ‘Complex'

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Vaani Kapoor revealed that she gave herself two years to succeed in Bollywood.
Vaani Kapoor has officially stepped into the OTT space with Yash Raj Films ' latest series, Mandala Murders. Departing from her usual rom-com roles, Vaani takes on the character of Rea Thomas, a determined officer from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).
In an interview with Moneycontrol, the Befikre actress opened up about her new collaboration with YRF and reflected on her journey in Bollywood, sharing some of the personal challenges she has faced along the way.
Vaani Kapoor Recalls Her Struggling Days In Mumbai
During the interview, Vaani reflected on her early days in Mumbai, admitting that her introverted nature made the transition even more challenging. She moved to the city without any connections, no family, no friends and no projects in hand.
'I told myself I would give this dream one or two years. If it didn't work, I'd move on," she recalled, adding that unpredictability, isolation and self-doubt were her constant companions. Vaani remembered sitting alone and wondering if she truly belonged there, but it was her self-belief that kept her going.
Vaani Kapoor Gets Out Of Her Comfort Zone For Mandala Murders
Vaani also talked about her decision to shift from her usual roles to opt for such a complex character like Rea Thomas. 'This was very different from anything I've tried before. Rea was someone who couldn't be read easily, aloof, trauma-stricken, and a complete observer. Most of the emotion had to come through her eyes without high-pitched dialogues or dramatic gestures," Vaani stated, revealing that the emotionally and mentally taxing role fascinated her.
She further explained that consistency was the toughest part. 'You can't step out of the character's design. Action sequences, physical training, and the mental weight of trauma—it all pushed me out of my comfort zone," she added.
Vaani Kapoor's Role In Mandaala Murders
In the thriller series, Mandala Murders, Vaani Kapoor takes on the role of Rhea Thomas, a CIB officer grappling with PTSD while navigating a perilous world. Across eight gripping episodes, she strikes a fine balance between the role's physical intensity and emotional nuance. For audiences more familiar with Vaani's work in romantic comedies, this performance comes as a refreshing revelation.
'I genuinely enjoy slice-of-life romances and love stories that feel larger than life. But I've always wanted to explore more, to show variations in my body of work," Vaani said.
Plot Of Mandala Murders
Backed by YRF Entertainment, the crime thriller is inspired by the novel The Butcher of Benaras. Set in the fictional town of Charandaspur, Uttar Pradesh, the plot weaves together elements of mystery, psychological thriller and supernatural horror. The story follows Rea Thomas and Vikram Singh as they investigate a string of ritualistic murders tied to a cult and a mythical entity. The series is now on Netflix.
First Published:
August 02, 2025, 16:01 IST
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