Shriya Pilgaonkar recently took to social media to unveil the first look of her character Rukmini from the new Netflix series Mandala Murders. In a striking poster, she revealed the mystical and intense nature of her cameo role, describing Rukmini as "beguiling, enchanting, full of fire." The actress expressed her gratitude to director Gopi Puthran and showrunner Aditya Chopra for entrusting her with a role that breaks away from her earlier screen persona. “Too much fun and such a creatively fulfilling experience,” she wrote, building anticipation for her appearance in the show.
Rukmini’s character is rooted in the mysterious and fictional lore of the Aayast Yantra, a key narrative element in Mandala Murders, which intertwines mythology with modern crime drama. Set against a backdrop of 1950s secret societies and ancient rituals, her character plays a crucial part in unfolding the eerie tapestry of events tied to ritualistic killings in the fictional town of Charandaspur. Though a cameo, Rukmini’s presence leaves a deep impression, adding layers of intrigue to the series’ mythological crime-thriller premise.
Pilgaonkar’s transformation into Rukmini marks a significant shift in her acting repertoire. Known for her softer, grounded performances in projects like Mirzapur, where she played the endearing Sweety, her role in Mandala Murders demands a more volatile and magnetic screen presence. Leveraging her classical theatre background and recognition like the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Debut Actress (2013), Pilgaonkar brings a fierce intensity to Rukmini that showcases her range as a performer unafraid to take creative risks.
Streaming on Netflix India since July 25, 2025, Mandala Murders features Vaani Kapoor as detective Rea Thomas and Vaibhav Raj Gupta as ex-cop Vikram Singh. The show follows their investigation into a chilling string of killings tied to forgotten rituals and conspiracies. Produced by YRF Entertainment and directed by Gopi Puthran, the ensemble cast also includes Surveen Chawla, Manu Rishi, Jameel Khan, Raghubir Yadav, and Siddhanth Kapoor. With its compelling blend of myth and mystery, and Pilgaonkar’s unforgettable cameo, the series has quickly become a must-watch thriller on the platform.