Daayan (2025) is a gripping supernatural thriller that blends folklore, horror, and psychological suspense into a chilling narrative. Set in a remote village shrouded in dark secrets, the series follows Aarav (played by Rajeev Khandelwal), a skeptical journalist who returns to his ancestral home to investigate a string of eerie deaths linked to an alleged witch. What begins as a routine investigation spirals into a nightmarish journey, as he unearths sinister forces lurking beneath the surface, challenging his perception of reality.
As Aarav delves deeper, he crosses paths with Vaidehi (Nimrat Kaur), a mysterious woman with ties to the village’s past. Is she the key to unraveling the mystery, or does she have a more sinister role? The show masterfully weaves elements of folklore with modern psychological horror, leaving the audience questioning what is real and what is supernatural. The tension builds episode by episode, utilizing eerie cinematography, unsettling sound design, and atmospheric visuals to heighten the fear factor.
One of the series’ biggest strengths is its layered storytelling, which explores themes of fear, faith, and superstition. Director Anvita Dutt crafts a haunting world where the horrors of belief systems can be just as terrifying as supernatural entities. The performances are equally compelling, with Khandelwal delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man torn between logic and the unknown, while Kaur’s enigmatic presence keeps the suspense alive. The supporting cast, including seasoned actors like Pankaj Tripathi and Radhika Apte, adds depth to the narrative, ensuring that each subplot adds to the overall dread and intrigue.
With a tightly woven screenplay and unexpected twists, Daayan (2025) stands out as a unique addition to India’s horror genre. It successfully avoids the clichés of typical horror series, opting instead for a slow-burning tension that lingers long after the credits roll. Fans of psychological horror and folklore-driven narratives will find themselves engrossed in its eerie, unpredictable storytelling.