Mashable India's review calls the Netflix thriller a missed opportunity, a verdict echoed across Indian entertainment outlets.
Gandhari, a Hindi-language Netflix original thriller starring Taapsee Pannu, released globally on September 3, 2026, and drew a wave of critical reviews the same day, with Mashable India describing it as "a promising cast trapped in a hollow, predictable thriller." Directed by Devashish Makhija and written and produced by Kanika Dhillon, the roughly 115-minute film follows Bani (Pannu), a mother whose five-year-old daughter Mishty is abducted in the fictional West Bengal town of Joypurra, prompting her to infiltrate a child-trafficking network while pretending to be blind.
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Mashable's Core Criticisms
Mashable India's review states that "with such an incredible cast at its disposal, the movie feels like a missed opportunity," arguing the weak storyline leaves little room for actors to shine. The outlet further notes that "Gandhari does not offer anything particularly new with its script," adding that plot developments are treated as major revelations despite feeling convenient and predictable. The review also flags that supporting actors, despite strong track records, fail to leave an impact due to thin writing and limited screen time.
Broader Critical Consensus
Mashable's assessment aligns with other Indian publications reviewing Gandhari on September 3, 2026. Times of India rated it 2.5/5, calling it a "predictable chase thriller" reminiscent of 1990s cinema, while NewsBytes gave it 1.5/5, labelling it "bland and predictable." India TV rated the film 2/5, noting it "starts with a promising premise but loses its grip very quickly." Outlook India criticised the screenplay for allowing Bani to "do almost anything necessary to advance the plot," and Rediff described the film's "blind fury" as lacking logic. Hindustan Times observed the film "has the action, but not enough emotion to truly land." Bollywood Bubble offered a more favourable take, calling the film "emotional and the need of the hour."
Cast and Production Details
The film features Ishwak Singh as Bani's husband Gokul, alongside Swastika Mukherjee, Mita Vashisht, Chhaya Kadam, Chandan Roy, Jatin Sarna and Prashant Narayanan in supporting roles, with Myrah Shivan playing Mishty. As of publication, no official response from Netflix, Makhija or Dhillon addressing the reviews has been reported.
