Bhumi Pednekkar, known for her layered and powerful performances, is ready to dive into one of the darkest and most demanding characters of her career. At the 2025 edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Prime Video unveiled the first look of Daldal — a psychological crime thriller adapted from Vish Dhamija’s bestselling novel Bhendi Bazaar. The project has already created buzz for its gritty atmosphere, intense protagonist, and haunting storyline.
A Glimpse Into the Dark: First Look of Daldal
The newly released first look introduces viewers to the world of Mumbai’s underbelly — a landscape shadowed by violence, trauma, and buried secrets. At the centre of the story is DCP Rita Ferreira, portrayed by Bhumi Pednekkar, a woman navigating both the city’s terror and her own inner demons.
Prime Video shared exclusive snippets and stills from the event on social media, revealing Bhumi in a bold black outfit as she posed with the creators of the show. The visuals reflect the series’ tone: sharp, tense and psychologically layered.
“Power Doesn’t Need To Be Loud”: Bhumi on Playing Rita Ferreira
While addressing the audience at IFFI, Bhumi opened up about the complexities of her character. Rita, she shared, is not a woman of words but of fierce, pointed action.
Bhumi revealed,
“From the women in my home, I learned that power doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet, resilient and rooted in constantly questioning the world around you. That’s something I saw my mother do every day and something Rita does too.”
The actress added that Rita is someone whose strength lies not in her speeches but in her decisions.
“She doesn’t say much but she does a lot. If actions speak louder than words, Rita embodies that more than anyone.”
Bhumi Calls It Her Most Challenging Role
Bhumi described Daldal as one of the most demanding projects she has taken on. Portraying Rita required her to break away from traditional expressive acting.
She explained,
“This is the first time I couldn’t rely on dialogues or even expressive eyes. Everything had to come from subtle physicality — how her neck tightens with guilt, how her shoulders react to anger.”
The preparation was intense, and Bhumi confessed that it took her months to emotionally detach from Rita after filming. But the process was creatively fulfilling:
“I was pushed by a team that believed in complexity and darkness. They weren’t afraid to write anti-hero traits for a female character — something rarely explored in Bollywood.”
The Storyline: A Murder, a City, and a Haunted Cop
Daldal follows Rita Ferreira, Mumbai’s newly appointed DCP, who is drawn into the hunt for a brutal killer. As the case unfolds, it begins to mirror her own buried trauma, forcing her to confront memories she has spent a lifetime suppressing.
The series blends a murder mystery, a psychological thriller, and an emotional character study, promising a narrative that is both gripping and cerebral.
The Team Behind the Series
Daldal brings together a powerful creative lineup:
- Created by: Suresh Triveni
- Directed by: Amrit Raj Gupta
- Produced by: Abundantia Entertainment
- Lead Cast: Bhumi Pednekkar, Aditya Rawal, Samara Tijori
With a strong production house and a calibre-rich cast, the series aims to deliver a world-class thriller rooted in Indian storytelling.
Jay-Ho Scoop
With its tense atmosphere, complex central character and psychological depth, Daldal is shaping up to be one of Prime Video’s most anticipated thrillers of 2025. As Bhumi Pednekkar steps into yet another challenging role, audiences can expect a gripping exploration of power, trauma and the haunting battles fought in silence.
If this first look is any indication, Daldal promises a journey as dark as its title — and just as impossible to escape.
