The first image that lingers after watching Indian Predator: The Diary of a Serial Killer is the chilling close-up of Raja Kolander’s face, his eyes meeting the camera in an unsettling interview. This isn’t just another true crime docuseries; it’s a grim descent into the psyche of one of India’s most notorious serial killers.

Dheeraj Jindal’s Indian Predator: The Diary of a Serial Killer (2022) is the second installment in the Indian Predator series, produced by India Today Group and streaming on Netflix. It tells the story of Raja Kolander, accused and convicted of murdering 15 people in eastern Uttar Pradesh, with allegations of cannibalism adding an extra layer of horror. The three-episode series begins in 2000 with the disappearance of journalist Dhirendra Singh, whose decapitated body is later found mutilated.

What sets this docuseries apart is its access to Kolander himself. The on-camera interviews with the killer provide a raw, unfiltered glimpse into his mindset. These moments are the series’ strongest asset, offering a rare opportunity to see the subject of such atrocities speak for themselves. The narrative structure is tight, beginning and ending with Dhirendra Singh’s murder, which gives the story a clear arc and avoids the pitfalls of sensationalism that plague many true crime stories.

The documentary doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details of Kolander’s crimes. The reconstructions of his actions are disturbing but necessary to understand the scale of his depravity. However, these scenes walk a fine line between necessary storytelling and gratuitous shock value. At times, the series leans too heavily into the horror, as if trying to outdo itself with each new revelation.

The performances—if they can be called that—are limited to the interviews and reconstructions. The actors playing Kolander’s victims and associates deliver their lines with a sense of gravity, but it’s Kolander’s own words that leave the deepest impression. His calm demeanor as he discusses his crimes is deeply unsettling, reinforcing the idea that evil can wear a mundane mask.

The originality of Indian Predator: The Diary of a Serial Killer lies in its focus on Kolander’s diary and the chilling specificity of his confessions. However, the series occasionally stumbles into familiar true crime tropes, such as dramatic reenactments that feel more like exploitation than enlightenment.

As a genre fit, the docuseries excels in delivering a harrowing account of one man’s descent into darkness. It fits neatly within the true crime landscape but stands out due to its unflinching look at Kolander’s own words and actions. The pacing is steady, with each episode building on the last, culminating in a finale that leaves viewers with a sense of unease.

In the end, Indian Predator: The Diary of a Serial Killer is a compelling but flawed exploration of evil.

Tags: Netflix, Indian Predator: The Diary of a Serial Killer