Nagesh Kukunoor's 'Mrs Deshpande': A Unique Take on the Serial Killer Genre

Introduction to 'Mrs Deshpande'

Nagesh Kukunoor ventures into the serial killer genre for the first time with Mrs Deshpande, marking a significant shift in his three-decade career. This Hindi adaptation of the French miniseries La Mante features Madhuri Dixit in a role that contrasts sharply with her previous work.

Set to premiere on JioHotstar on December 19, the series also stars Siddharth Chandekar and Priyanshu Chatterjee. Kukunoor shared insights about adapting the original series for an Indian audience, collaborating with Dixit, and reflecting on a year filled with milestones, including his work on The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case.

Inspiration Behind 'La Mante'

What attracted you to La Mante?

I constantly seek new challenges and dislike repeating myself. After The Hunt, I was eager to explore a fresh concept.

I've always had an interest in serial killer narratives. A few years back, I almost embarked on a similar project, but it didn't materialize. When Applause approached me with La Mante, I was inspired by its central conflict, which resonated with Indian sensibilities. The opportunity to create a female serial killer was too enticing to ignore.

Unlike the French version, which is told from a police perspective, our adaptation focuses on Mrs Deshpande's viewpoint.

Creative Adaptations with Co-Writer

What creative choices were made in reworking the original material with Rohit Banawlikar?

I aimed for a significant tonal shift. The French series has a dark, brooding atmosphere, while I wanted Mrs Deshpande to be more vibrant and optimistic, albeit with an air of mystery. The Indian adaptation is designed as a thriller infused with drama and character depth, steering clear of an overly grim tone. This approach was crucial, especially considering Madhuri's extensive fan base; a darker narrative might alienate some viewers.

Casting Madhuri Dixit

Was Madhuri Dixit already part of the project when you joined?

No, the concept evolved while Rohit and I were writing the first episode. Initially, we envisioned various actors for the role. The French character, portrayed by Carole Bouquet, inspired us to think about who could be the Indian equivalent.

Once Madhuri came to mind, we tailored the rest of the series for her. Securing her would be a significant achievement, casting her in a role that defies her usual type.

Madhuri's Involvement

Was she easily persuaded to join the project?

She expressed a desire to challenge herself with a new role. Although she agreed, her commitment solidified only after reading the scripts.

Developing Female Characters

How did Mrs Deshpande expand your approach to female protagonists?

With the rise of streaming platforms, more writers are now exploring complex female characters. Previously, only a handful of us were engaged in this. The acceptance of such narratives has significantly increased, influencing casting and audience expectations. Working with Madhuri further enhances this acceptance, allowing me to focus on the character without feeling pressured to prove anything.

Balancing Star Power and Tone

How did you and Madhuri find a balance between her star power and the grounded tone you aimed for?

I refer to the initial phase as 'fencing,' where the actor and director establish their dynamic. We began with a look test to explore different styles, followed by readings to find common ground.

Over time, my approach has evolved. I prefer not to overanalyze before filming. A few readings help me capture the character's voice, and I let the real tone emerge on set. The first few days were challenging as we sought the right rhythm. Mrs Deshpande is a character who maintains control, so I aimed for minimal physical movement, relying on her expressions to convey emotions. This was a new experience for Madhuri, requiring some back-and-forth in the early stages.

Reflections on a Productive Year

What has 2025 taught you about your growth as a storyteller and performer?

As a performer, it's a rare experience, and it reinforces why I don't pursue it more often—it's quite daunting.

As a director, this year has been fruitful. I initially expected The Hunt to release last year, but delays led to two projects launching in the same year.

This year has sparked a desire to create a feature film. After shooting extensive content for streaming, a 90-page film now seems manageable.

Future Aspirations

What are your future plans?

I aim to create a small indie film with a stripped-down crew, returning to my roots. I have an idea in mind and hope to write it quickly for an early shoot next year. Additionally, I plan to reconnect with producers and pitch new scripts.

I'm not finished with feature films; ideally, I want to release something in theaters by mid-next year. My goal has always been to explore every genre, with horror and action still on my list.

The Changing Landscape of Streaming

What is your perspective on the current state of streaming platforms and cinema?

The initial excitement surrounding OTT platforms has waned. Previously, even the most unconventional ideas were welcomed, but I anticipated this shift. The phase was incredibly productive for me, with projects like City of Dreams, The Hunt, and Mrs Deshpande—many of which might not have been approved as theatrical releases.

Now, platforms are consolidating, leading to a significant reduction in the number of shows produced each year. This is the new reality.

However, after 28 years in the industry, I've learned to adapt. I find ways to navigate challenges and create opportunities. If larger projects don't align, I still have the freedom to write and produce smaller, quicker projects with emerging talent.