The buzz around Mrs. Deshpande has intensified ever since its trailer unveiled Madhuri Dixit in one of the boldest and darkest roles of her career. The six-episode psychological thriller, set to premiere on JioHotstar on December 19, 2025, presents the actor in a stark, de-glam avatar—far removed from her iconic screen persona—as a woman whose ordinary life masks a chilling past.
Produced by Applause Entertainment in association with Kukunoor Movies, the series weaves a tense cat-and-mouse narrative. The story unfolds as a fresh string of murders eerily mirrors an old, notorious case, prompting investigators to revisit its prime suspect—Mrs. Deshpande herself. As panic escalates, the unsettling possibility emerges that the supposed copycat killer may actually be the original culprit hiding in plain sight.
With every character layered in ambiguity, the ensemble cast plays a crucial role in sustaining the show’s psychological tension. For Priyanshu Chatterjee, the series offered an opportunity to explore a space where restraint, silence, and physicality are as expressive as dialogue.
Speaking about working with director Nagesh Kukunoor, Chatterjee says, “Nagesh Sir gives a lot of room to play, aided with ample guidance about the subject and the character. His temperament as a director creates an environment where actors feel free to push their limits. His inputs were focused on the physicality and tonal quality he envisioned for my role.”
He also highlights the collaborative support from the platform and production team. “Working with Applause and JioHotstar has been a fulfilling journey. Their guidance and mentorship throughout the process made the experience truly worthwhile,” he adds.
Adapted from the French thriller La Mante, the series also stars Siddharth Chandekar. With its exploration of identity, buried trauma, and moral ambiguity, Mrs. Deshpande is poised to be a standout psychological thriller this season.