Mayasabha – Rise of the Titans - Review
Mayasabha – The Rise of Titans is a bold political drama web series from director Deva Katta, loosely inspired by prominent Andhra Pradesh political figures, namely Chandrababu Naidu and YS Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR). Though fictionalized, the influence of these real-life leaders is undeniable.
This style of storytelling isn’t unprecedented—Ram Gopal Varma’s Bejawada Rowdeelu and Vangaveeti explored similar themes. In Mayasabha, however, Deva Katta and co-director Kiran Jayakumar inject more creative liberty, including romantic subplots and character quirks, such as a stammer, to dramatize the personalities they mirror.
The series opens with a gripping scene at Ashram Hotel (a symbolic nod to the Viceroy Hotel) and introduces characters that strongly resemble known figures:
RCR (loosely based on NTR)
KKN (played by Aadhi Pinisetty, hinting at CBN)
MSR (played by Chaitanya Rao, reflecting YSR)
The narrative follows the evolving relationship between KKN and MSR, tracing their political journey and ideological bond. The fictional framework is layered with references that politically aware viewers will easily recognize—like KCR-resembling characters and allusions to Vangaveeti Ranga and Paritala Ravi.
Strengths:
Performances: Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao deliver convincing portrayals, capturing the essence of the real-life figures they resemble. Supporting performances by Divya Dutta, Nassar, and Sai Kumar are commendable.
Screenplay and Direction: Deva Katta’s writing stands out with tight dialogues and compelling political drama.
Cinematography: Visually sharp with impactful framing and scene composition.
Weaknesses:
Music: The background score lacks the emotional resonance needed to amplify key scenes.
Narrative Stretch: Certain scenes, such as a character resembling CBN orchestrating a marriage alliance for political entry, strain believability and feel out of place.
Unanswered Questions That Linger:
Why depict the YSR-inspired character as a staunch admirer of NTR?
Why include derogatory remarks from one character’s kin, seemingly undermining their own background?
Who inspired the dancer character, and what purpose does the elopement plot serve?
These elements create a disconnect at times, especially when weighed against the otherwise serious tone of the show.
Final Verdict:
Mayasabha is a politically charged fictional series that thrives on parallels with Andhra Pradesh’s real political history. It may confuse those unfamiliar with the context but will resonate with viewers who understand the nuanced power dynamics between the Kamma and Reddy communities. While strong in writing and performances, the series falters in coherence and subtlety.
Bottom Line: A politically provocative fictional tale that walks a fine line between homage and dramatization—engaging, yet uneven.
