‘Mrs. Deshpande’ teaser out: Madhuri Dixit transforms into serial killer for Nagesh Kukunnor’s psychological thriller
The teaser of dark thriller ‘Mrs. Deshpande’, led by Madhuri Dixit-Nene, has finally been dropped on the internet. The teaser showcased an intense and de-glam avatar of the ‘Dhak Dhak Girl’ of Bollywood. The disturbing teaser that hints at a chilling reinvention of one of Indian cinema’s most beloved stars. Let’s take a look at it.
Adapted from acclaimed French thriller ‘La Mante ‘
Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, the series adapts the acclaimed French psychological thriller ‘La Mante’ for an Indian OTT audience. As per the official synopsis, the narrative follows a woman who appears to live an ordinary, uneventful life while hiding a horrifying truth: she is a serial killer.The teaser builds tension through its understated visuals. It opens with mundane household details—a cupboard, a dripping tap—before revealing Dixit in a plain, unvarnished traditional outfit. As she calmly chops vegetables, she hums the familiar line from her own hit song, ‘Bholi Si Surat’, a moment that adds an eerie layer of dissonance.
A sinister reveal that changes everything
The tone shifts when an old transistor radio begins playing a news bulletin, “In the serial killer murder case, there is no information about the killer even after eight murders so far. The police investigation is still ongoing.” The camera returns to Mrs. Deshpande, who looks up with a piercing, unreadable expression. The final title card confirms the implication: “Mrs Deshpande: She is unpredictable, she is graceful, she is raw, SHE IS A KILLER!”
Nagesh Kukunoor on casting Madhuri Dixit
According to OTT PLay, Kukunoor shared why the role was written for her from the start, stating he “saw only Madhuri in the title role” and assuring that her performance will have audiences mesmerised. He added that the de-glam look merely introduces a character who keeps viewers “second-guessing the secrets that she hides behind the million-watt smile.”In the same report, Dixit herself described the shift by saying the character was “unlike anything I’ve stepped into before.” She added, “She is the most complex character I’ve ever played—you constantly feel like you know her until you don’t.”
Cast, background and release
The original ‘La Mante’ (2017) follows a former serial killer assisting police to catch a dangerous copycat. The Indian adaptation by Applause Entertainment and Kukunoor Movies also features Siddharth Chandekar and Priyanshu Chatterjee in key roles, with further character details awaited.‘Mrs. Deshpande premieres on JioHotstar on December 19, 2025.
