Indian Actors Who Shocked Audiences Playing Serial Killers, Now Madhuri Dixit To Join Them
The portrayal of serial killers in Indian cinema has always been a chilling yet captivating subject, drawing audiences into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Several actors have dared to take on such roles, delivering performances that have left a lasting impact. Now, Madhuri Dixit is set to join this list with her upcoming role in the web series "Mrs. Deshpande," a psychological thriller set to premiere on JioHotstar on December 19, 2025.
Before Dixit, other actors have ventured into this dark territory. Prashant Narayanan, for instance, is well-known for his portrayal of a psychopathic serial killer in the 2011 film "Murder 2". His performance was highly acclaimed for its chilling depiction of a misogynistic murderer.
In "Mrs. Deshpande," Dixit plays a seemingly ordinary housewife who is, in reality, a serial killer imprisoned for 25 years. The story takes a turn when a copycat murderer begins replicating her crimes, forcing her to collaborate with her estranged detective son to catch the culprit. This premise, adapted from the French series "La Mante," promises a gripping blend of suspense, drama, and complex family dynamics.
Dixit's role marks a significant departure from her traditionally glamorous image. The series delves into the dark and unpredictable nature of her character, promising a performance that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The teaser for "Mrs. Deshpande" showcases Dixit in a de-glam avatar, hinting at the chilling reinvention of one of Indian cinema's most beloved stars. In the series, the police approach Mrs. Deshpande, a serial killer serving a 25-year prison sentence, when a new murderer starts mimicking her crimes. She agrees to help but insists on working with her son, who is a detective, leading to a tense partnership as they confront painful memories and unresolved conflicts.
Madhuri Dixit shared on X, "Kabhi kabhi killer ko pakadne ke liye, killer ki hi madad leni padti hai 🔪Hotstar Specials: Mrs. Deshpande Streaming from December 19 only on @JioHotstar".
Other actors who have portrayed villainous roles include Raghav Juyal in ‘Kill’, who played a bloodthirsty character. Vijay Varma has also explored darker roles, such as in ‘Darlings’. Ali Fazal, known for his role in 'Mirzapur', has showcased his ability to balance vulnerability with aggression, making him a strong candidate for crime thrillers. Similarly, Pavail Gulati's performances in 'Thappad' and 'Deva' have demonstrated his capacity to portray layered, morally complex characters. Mammootty also delivered an unprecedented performance in Kalamkaval as a ruthless serial killer.
As Madhuri Dixit steps into this new role, audiences are eager to see her portrayal of a character with such a dark and complex nature. "Mrs. Deshpande" is directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, who felt that only Madhuri could play the title role and has assured audiences that her performance will be mesmerizing. With its intriguing storyline and Dixit's never-seen-before avatar, the series is poised to be a significant addition to the crime thriller genre in Indian streaming platforms.
