Deva Katta’s web series, Mayasabha, featuring Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao Madadi, has sparked significant interest due to its teaser and trailer, which echo the political dynamics between Chandra Babu Naidu and YS Rajasekhara Reddy. The series is now streaming on Sony Liv.
Story
At the heart of Mayasabha is the deep connection between two friends: Kakarla Krishnama Naidu (KKN) from Narsipalli and MS Rami Reddy (MSR) from Pulicherla. Their friendship, forged not through caste or ideology but through a mutual vision of political change, serves as the foundation of the narrative. With idealism and determination, they embark on a mission to confront a deeply rooted system; however, they quickly discover that politics is a merciless arena.
Their journey through shifting power dynamics takes a dramatic twist with the emergence of Rayapati Chakradhar Rao (RCR), a shrewd and unpredictable political figure who alters the game. Spanning several decades, the series explores significant historical moments, from the upheaval of the Emergency and contentious state policies to the rise of new political movements. Although certain detours, such as the vasectomy campaign and flashbacks from the Emergency period, may momentarily slow the pace, the main narrative remains compelling, emotionally charged, and filled with conflict.
Performances
Aadhi Pinisetty has made a notable impression as KKN, a character inspired by Chandra Babu Naidu. He displayed commendable variations in his body language and mannerisms, along with strong dialogue delivery. Chaitanya Rao also left a significant mark with his portrayal, mimicking the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s quirks. Playing a doctor and son confronting his father’s violent actions, he realistically portrayed his reluctant foray into politics, showcasing a range of emotions and expressions with his effective dialogue delivery.
Sai Kumar shone in the role of RCR, resembling the late NTR, delivering his lines powerfully, coupled with impressive mannerisms and body language. Divya Dutta, as Iravati Basu—a character reminiscent of the late Indira Gandhi—left a strong impression as an ambitious and dictatorial politician. The supporting cast, including Nassar, Srikanth Iyengar, Shatru, and Tanya Ravichandran, performed admirably, while Ravindra Vijay and Shankar Mahanti made significant contributions in their important roles.
Behind the scenes
The story of Mayasabha, crafted by Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar, offers a realistic portrayal of political events leading up to and following the Emergency, the Congress party’s governance in Andhra Pradesh and at the national level, and the rise of influential figures like Chandra Babu Naidu and YS Rajasekhara Reddy, as well as the entrance of film star NTR.
Interest remains high during appearances of Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao as they explore their friendship and priorities before entering politics. The portrayal of the Naxalite movement is well-executed, although the violent scenes may deter some viewers. While the political developments are depicted realistically, those less familiar with the context might find the episodes dragging and less engaging.
The songs by Shakthikanth Karthik are well-integrated into the narrative, while the background score enhances critical scenes effectively. Cinematography by Suresh Ragutu and Gnanasekhar captures scenes naturally and realistically, evoking nostalgia. Praveen KL’s editing is generally solid, though some episodes suffer from pacing issues that diminish their intensity. The VFX could have been of better quality, but the overall production values are commendable.
Final Verdict
The series culminates with Chandra Babu orchestrating a coup, setting the stage for a second season thus giving an abrupt end to the 1st season. Due to this, the storytelling got somewhat dragged on at times, and that one less episode could have tightened the pacing of the screenplay. Predictable elements and a lack of genuine twists may disappoint some viewers who are more interested in fast paced political thrillers.
Some narratives are too complex or bold for traditional cinema, and Mayasabha exemplifies how web series can successfully tackle such subjects. If produced as a film, it would likely have faced significant censorship challenges. With little in-depth exploration of regional politics, this series is both refreshing and engaging, portraying the realistic side of Power and Politics. While it may elicit mixed reviews, this only contributes to its visibility. Setting aside debates, Mayasabha is a compelling nine-episode political drama worth binge-watching this weekend.
Overall, Mayasabha is a well-crafted and well-narrated series, a must-watch for anyone who appreciates serious and high-quality Indian web series with an eye on our political system.
