Exploring the Haunting Themes of 'Andhar Maya' in Konkan's Enigmatic Setting

A Glimpse into 'Andhar Maya'

The picturesque Konkan region in Western India, known for its stunning beaches, lush coconut trees, and vibrant mango orchards, serves as the backdrop for numerous films and shows. In the new series Andhar Maya, this beautiful locale becomes a stage for tales of ghosts and avarice.

ZEE5's inaugural Marathi horror series follows an extended family that gathers at their ancestral home to conduct the death rites of a patriarch and discuss the sale of the property. The long-serving housekeeper, Gonya (played by Kishore Kadam), is delighted to have the entire family together, urging them not to rush their visit.

However, the family reunion is anything but harmonious. Keshav's deceased father, who was known for performing female roles in the local Dashavtar festival, faced ridicule, and Keshav finds himself defending his father's legacy against his spiteful cousins, Kartik (Shubhankar Tawde) and Manoj (Omprakash Shinde).

The decision to sell the family home is contentious. Keshav (Anup Belwalkar) opposes the sale, causing friction with Kartik and Manoj, while the wives also find themselves divided on the issue.

Nayana (Shubhangi Bhujbal), reminiscent of the character from Satyajit Ray’s Monihara, is fixated on how the family jewelry will be divided. Meanwhile, the expectant Madhavi (Rujuta Bagwe) prefers the spacious family home over her small apartment in Mumbai. Adding to the tension, Manoj’s daughter Sayali (Pihu Gosavi) claims there is a boy lurking in the shadows.

One of the men hints at California, raising questions about whether he is referencing the iconic Hotel California, suggesting that once they enter, they may never escape.

Bhimrao Mude directs this seven-episode series, which is based on a narrative by Pralhad Kudtarkar, who also penned the dialogue. The screenplay is crafted by Kapil Bhopatkar. Initially, Andhar Maya is packed with bizarre occurrences, jump scares, and unconventional camera work. The tension is palpable, but the ongoing disputes among the cousins regarding the property can be exhausting.

The series gains momentum by its fifth episode, echoing Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, as a sinister spirit begins to target family members one by one. The mystery unfolds in the final two episodes, which are both thrilling and eerie.

Greed, which Gonya has cautioned against, plays a significant role in the family's unfolding horrors.

While the cast grapples with the intense melodrama, they find their footing as the plot thickens with rising body counts. Kishor Kadam shines as Gonya, embodying a character that is both ambiguous and commanding as the guardian of secrets. When the situation escalates, Kadam truly excels.

Watch the Trailer