Mysterious

Survival thrillers are a rare treat in Telugu entertainment, and The Mystery of Moksha Island boldly attempts to fill that gap. Directed by Anish Yohan Kuruvilla and penned by HanuMan director Prasanth Varma, this eight-episode Disney+ Hotstar series offers a moderately suspenseful journey packed with grand visuals, layered family dynamics, and a touch of mystery — though not without a few bumps along the way.

A Plot with Potential

The story kicks off in intriguing fashion: Vishwak Sen (played by the always-imposing Ashutosh Rana) is a celebrated scientist based on the enigmatic Moksha Island. After his sudden death in a helicopter crash, numerous strangers receive letters naming them as heirs to his fortune — but with a condition: they must travel to the island to claim it.

As families descend upon the island, they quickly realize things are far from straightforward. Why did Vishwak Sen call them there? What hidden agenda lurks beneath the surface? The answers unravel through eight episodes, blending inheritance drama with a survival-of-the-fittest challenge.

Strengths that Hook You

Right from the opening sequence, The Mystery of Moksha Island impresses with its sheer scale. The lush, isolated island setting oozes a thrilling, almost cinematic quality, setting the perfect tone for a survival saga.

The first episode builds tension effectively, ending with the shocking death of a character, hinting at deeper dangers to come. It's a strong start that promises more than just a simple treasure hunt story.

And when the survival element kicks in — complete with mysterious deaths, betrayals, and hidden motives — the series finds its groove. Grand beach visuals, eerie props, and well-designed sets lend the show an international flair. For a Telugu series, the production quality is truly commendable.

The performances are another highlight. Nandu shines with a complex, layered role, while Akshara Gowda steals scenes with her cold, calculating presence. Veteran Ashutosh Rana adds weight and gravitas as the enigmatic patriarch. Special shoutouts to Roshan Kanakala for his bold, intense portrayal and Priya Anand, who delivers a superb twist midway through the series.

Where It Falters

Despite its strong start, The Mystery of Moksha Island stumbles in the middle. Episodes two and three, in particular, drag as the narrative gets bogged down by too many subplots and characters. With a massive ensemble cast, the show sometimes loses focus, diluting the sense of danger and urgency.

More importantly, the emotional stakes often feel hollow. In a survival thriller, viewers expect raw panic, grief, and desperation — emotions that the show only lightly touches. Characters react to the deaths of loved ones with a surprising lack of urgency, which undercuts the thriller atmosphere.

Technical aspects like editing and dubbing also leave something to be desired. While the visuals are top-notch, the janky dubbing occasionally pulls you out of the immersive world the creators painstakingly build.

Final Verdict

On the whole, The Mystery of Moksha Island delivers a watchable, if uneven, survival thriller experience. It's a series full of promise: stunning production design, solid performances, and a storyline that, while sometimes predictable, has enough twists to keep you engaged.

Is it the edge-of-your-seat thriller it could have been? Not quite. The suspense is only half as tight as it should be, and emotional depth is often missing. But if you're craving a Telugu-language survival thriller with great locations, stylish visuals, and an ensemble cast to root for (and against), this one is worth adding to your weekend watchlist.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

Stream it on: Disney+ Hotstar