Madhuri Dixit, in a recent interview, emphasized the conscious decision to avoid excessive gore and violence in her upcoming web series, "Mrs. Deshpande". The actress, who plays a serial killer in the psychological thriller, stated that prioritizing the emotional depth of the character and story was more important than relying on shock value.

"Mrs. Deshpande," directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, is a six-episode series set to premiere on JioHotstar on December 19, 2025. The series is adapted from the French thriller "La Mante," and features Dixit in a de-glamorized avatar, a stark contrast to her previous roles. The plot revolves around an imprisoned serial killer who is approached by the police to help catch a copycat killer replicating her crimes.

Dixit acknowledged her responsibility as an artist and the impact of her choices on the audience. She and Kukunoor made a deliberate decision to focus on the "emotional depth over graphic depictions of violence and gore". Dixit said she was assured that the series would be made and presented in a very good way. The actress felt compelled to explore such an unconventional character.

The decision to avoid excessive gore is a notable aspect of the series. While the show deals with a dark subject matter, the creators aim to explore the psychological and emotional complexities of the characters rather than sensationalizing the violence. This approach aligns with Kukunoor's vision for the series, which focuses on the human elements of the story.

The series also stars Siddharth Chandekar, who is said to play her son, and Priyanshu Chatterjee in key roles. The narrative explores the fractured relationship between Mrs. Deshpande and her son, who is a detective, as they are forced to confront their shared past and unresolved trauma while working together on the case.

Dixit's portrayal of Mrs. Deshpande is a significant departure from her established image in Bollywood. She plays a complex, morally ambiguous character, which the actress found to be the most difficult role she has played to date. The actress said that she had to go against what people have seen her usually and what they expect of her from a movie. The series delves into themes of duality, trauma, identity, and the haunting influence of past actions.