Mrs. Deshpande: Madhuri Dixit’s Bold Psychological Thriller Premieres on Jio Hotstar — All You Need to Know

Introduction

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Mrs. Deshpande is one of the most anticipated Indian OTT crime-thriller series of 2025. Marking a significant departure from her usual roles, Bollywood legend Madhuri Dixit headlines this gritty psychological drama that premiered on Jio Hotstar on December 19, 2025.

What Is Mrs. Deshpande?

Mrs. Deshpande is an Indian Hindi-language crime thriller web series — not a theatrical film — directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, and produced by Applause Entertainment in collaboration with Kukunoor Movies.

The series is an official Indian adaptation of the acclaimed 2017 French miniseries La Mante (The Mantis). It delves into psychological tension, complex characters, and a twisted murder investigation that blurs the lines between good and evil.

Release Date & Platform

• Premiere Date: December 19, 2025 (midnight onwards)
• Platform: Jio Hotstar (OTT) — all episodes (6 total) were released simultaneously.

This release strategy lets viewers binge the entire storyline at once — a growing trend in Indian OTT content.

Where It Is Available

You can stream Mrs. Deshpande exclusively on JioHotstar via OTT subscriptions. Some outlets incorrectly listed JioCinema, but official and widely reported sources confirm JioHotstar as the platform.

Cast & Characters

Here’s the main cast of Mrs. Deshpande:

• Madhuri Dixit-Nene as Mrs. Deshpande — a calculated and chilling serial killer whose past crimes set the backdrop for the series.
• Siddharth Chandekar — plays a key role, reportedly her estranged son and detective partner.
• Priyanshu Chatterjee — key supporting role.
• Diksha Juneja, Pradeep Welankar, Nimisha Nair in pivotal supporting characters.

Madhuri’s portrayal is a striking contrast to her legendary glam-centric film roles, highlighting her range as an actor capable of intense, dark performances.

Plot Synopsis

At first glance, Mrs. Deshpande appears to be a simple middle-class homemaker. But beneath this façade lies one of the country’s most notorious serial killers — serving a long prison sentence for crimes once unsolved. When a copycat killer begins mimicking her methods, the police enlist her help… on one condition: she will assist only if she can work with her estranged son, now a detective. What follows is a tense, emotional investigation that forces trauma, secrets, and dark family dynamics out of the shadows.

Budget

Official budget figures for Mrs. Deshpande have not been publicly released by the makers or platform as of its premiere. This is common with many Indian web series, where production and marketing costs remain undisclosed unless shared by producers or reported through industry trade sources.

However, the creative team includes well-known industry names like Nagesh Kukunoor and experienced producers, suggesting a professionally backed production. (Note: If official figures become available, they can be added later.) 

Why People Should Watch Mrs. Deshpande

Here are key reasons this series is worth your time:

1. Madhuri Dixit in a Fearless New Avatar

Madhuri isn’t just starring — she’s redefining audience expectations by portraying a deeply layered, morally complex character far removed from her traditional image.

2. Psychological Thriller with Depth

The narrative blends crime investigation with emotional drama and explores themes such as identity, trauma, and redemption — giving viewers more than just a procedural.

3. Fresh Take on a Proven Story

Based on La Mante, a widely praised French series, the Indian adaptation localizes the tension and familial conflict while preserving global storytelling appeal.

4. Binge-Ready Experience

With all episodes released simultaneously, Mrs. Deshpande caters to modern binge-watching habits — perfect for OTT enthusiasts.

5. Strong Supporting Cast

The ensemble contributes to a layered narrative where each character adds depth and mystery to the unfolding plot.

Conclusion

Mrs. Deshpande stands out as one of 2025’s most talked-about OTT thrillers — not just because it marks a bold genre shift for Madhuri Dixit, but because it brings a tightly woven psychological mystery to Indian audiences with global roots and localized storytelling.

If you love crime thrillers, character-driven narratives, or outstanding performances by seasoned actors, Mrs. Deshpande is a compelling watch this holiday season.