The release of Daldal on Prime Video has sparked a massive wave of reactions from the Indian streaming audience. While critics often focus on technical nuances, the ground level feedback from viewers offers a much more unfiltered look at whether this Bhumi Pednekar starrer lives up to the hype. After binge watching the seven episodes, fans are taking to social media to share a mix of high praise and stinging disappointment. The general consensus suggests that while the show is hauntingly atmospheric, it often feels like a puzzle with missing pieces.

Fans Praise The Dark Atmosphere And Gory Realism

For many viewers, the strongest pull of Daldal is its unapologetic dive into the darkness of Mumbai. Social media users have been quick to highlight the “disturbing” nature of the crimes, noting that the show does not shy away from visceral gore. The ritualistic nature of the murders—involving raw meat and symbolic mutilation—has left an impact on fans of the horror and thriller genres.

Audiences are calling the series one of the darkest mainstream Indian shows in recent memory, comparing its gritty tone to Paatal Lok. The constant rain and the gloomy color palette have successfully created a sense of dread that many found immersive. For a segment of the audience, this “vibe” was enough to keep them hooked through the slower mid season episodes. They appreciated that the series felt more like a social commentary on trauma and neglect rather than a simple police chase.

Mixed Reactions To Bhumi Pednekar Stoic Character

One of the biggest talking points among viewers is the performance of the lead actress. Bhumi Pednekar portrayal of DCP Rita Ferreira has divided the fan base. A large section of the audience finds her performance “powerful” and “restrained,” praising her ability to convey deep seated trauma through her eyes and body language rather than loud dialogues. They see Rita as a realistic representation of a woman battling depression while holding a position of extreme authority.

On the other hand, a vocal group of viewers has expressed frustration, calling her performance “one note” and “far too morose.” Comments on Reddit and X suggest that some fans found it difficult to connect with her character because she remains perpetually sullen and dismissive. These viewers feel that the character lacks the “fire” typically expected from a protagonist leading a high stakes investigation.

Supporting Cast Emerges As The Real Winners

If there is one thing almost every viewer agrees on, it is the brilliance of the supporting cast. Samara Tijori is being hailed as the “breakout star” of the series. Fans have flooded her social media with praise, noting that her portrayal of Anita Acharya brought much needed energy and emotional stakes to the narrative. Her chemistry with the cast and her presence on screen have made her a fan favorite.

Aditya Rawal is also receiving significant love for his “bone chilling” performance as a drug addict. Viewers noted that he managed to make his character both repulsive and pitiable at the same time. Geeta Agrawal Sharma, as the warm and loyal Indu Mhatre, has also won hearts, with many calling her the “emotional soul” of the show that kept the story grounded.

Critiques Of The Predictable Plot And Slow Pace

The most common complaint from the audience centers on the “whydunit” format. Many viewers expressed disappointment that the killer’s identity was revealed too early in the series. They argued that this took away the “thrill” of the mystery, making the middle episodes feel like a waiting game for the protagonist to catch up with the audience.

Furthermore, a significant portion of the audience found the pacing to be an issue. Critics among the fans mentioned that the repetitive flashback sequences and the focus on the internal psychological struggles of the characters often stalled the actual investigation. While some appreciated the depth, others felt it was a “stretched” narrative that could have been a much tighter three hour movie instead of a seven episode series.