Andhar Maya on Zee5, a Marathi series spanning seven episodes, establishes a tonally ominous and eerie atmosphere. However, despite its promising start, the series doesn’t achieve a satisfying resolution, particularly when the story involves a group of property seekers descending upon a Konkan village after the death of the head of the family.
The series frequently employs typical horror conventions. These tactics, like the ‘someone-is-watching’ camera angle, are heavily used. Kishore Kadam’s portrayal anchors the show, though his character’s ghoulish depiction and numerous close-ups become excessive. The narrative progresses to a point where a heavily pregnant woman is more startled than the audience.
At its core, Andhar Maya struggles to maintain a consistent level of fear. The audience fails to connect with the supposed terror emanating from the old ancestral home; the actors are perceived to be acting scared rather than embodying genuine fear.
The series also touches on the gender ambiguity of the deceased owner. Unfortunately, the writers don’t delve deeper into these underlying conflicts. While the crumbling ancestral home shines, Andhar Maya underperforms as a horror venture, lacking the necessary ingredients for a truly remarkable experience. Viewers are left with a single ominous location and a lack of other vital horror components.