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Entertainment • Web Series

Dahaad

Dahaad is an Indian Hindi-language crime thriller web series created by Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar, and directed by Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dahaad is an Indian Hindi-language crime thriller web series created by Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar. It follows police officer Anjali Bhaati as she investigates a series of suspicious deaths in Rajasthan, uncovering a possible serial-killer case. The series premiered on Amazon Prime Video in May 2023 and was also screened at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Premise

The series follows a Rajasthan police investigation into multiple women found dead in public restrooms. As the case progresses, the deaths are connected to a pattern suggesting homicide rather than suicide.

Production and release

Dahaad was created by Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar, with direction by Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi. It was released on Amazon Prime Video on 12 May 2023 and consists of eight episodes.

Cast and characters

Sonakshi Sinha stars as Anjali Bhaati, with Gulshan Devaiah, Sohum Shah, and Vijay Varma in key roles. The ensemble supports the investigative and criminal sides of the story.

Reception and recognition

The series received positive critical attention and was highlighted for its social commentary and crime-thriller structure. It is also noted for being the first Indian streaming series to premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Key facts

  • The series centres on sub-inspector Anjali Bhaati and her investigation into deaths initially treated as suicides.
  • The plot is set in Mandawa, Rajasthan, and develops into a serial-killer case.
  • Dahaad is reported as inspired by Mohan Kumar, also known as Cyanide Mohan.
  • It premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival before its streaming release.
  • Sonakshi Sinha plays the lead role of Anjali Bhaati.
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Canadian context

Canadian viewers may know Dahaad through Amazon Prime Video’s international catalogue and through coverage of Indian streaming content in Canada’s multilingual media market.

Frequently asked questions

What is Dahaad about?
It is about a police investigation into a series of suspicious deaths in Rajasthan that may be linked to a serial killer.
Who created Dahaad?
Dahaad was created by Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar.
Who stars in Dahaad?
Sonakshi Sinha leads the cast, alongside Gulshan Devaiah, Sohum Shah, and Vijay Varma.
Where was Dahaad released?
It premiered on Amazon Prime Video in India and other markets.
How many episodes does Dahaad have?
The first season has 8 episodes.
Is Dahaad based on a real case?
It is reported to be inspired by Mohan Kumar, also known as Cyanide Mohan, a serial killer.

References

  1. Times of Indiahttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/web-series-details/hindi/dahaad/webseriesshow/100101370.cms
    Supports: Release date, language, premise, episode count
  2. Upperstallhttps://upperstall.com/web-series/dahaad/
    Supports: Creators, directors, premise, setting, cast, thematic description
  3. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dahaad
    Supports: Basic series metadata, creators, premiere, awards, inspiration
  4. Gadgets 360https://www.gadgets360.com/entertainment/dahaad-web-series-108188
    Supports: Premise, cast, release and platform
  5. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt19868314/
    Supports: Release date, inspiration, series identification
  6. Film Companionhttps://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/streaming-reviews/dahaad-web-series-review-a-gripping-blend-of-commentary-and-entertainment-sonakshi-sinha-vijay-varma-gulshan-devaiah-sohum-shah-reema-kagti-zoya-akhtar-amazon-prime-video
    Supports: Critical reception, plot framing, setting
  7. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/dahaad/s01
    Supports: Season and platform identification