MAHARANI (SEASON 2) - V View Reviews #85

Maharani(season 2) is an intense political, multi-season  drama. It is set in 90's Bihar's politics and its inspiration is an open secret. One who is aware of Bihar's politics of that time can easily relate most of the characters to real politics. So are the issues real of that time like reservation bills, Rajeev Goswami's self-immolation, the Shilpi Gautam Murder case, and the demand for a separate Jharkhand are the sources that are weaved along the plot. This fictional world is very similar to the real world. Only the name of the characters and incidents are changed. This series is gripping, enthralling, and engaging.

In season1, we have seen how Rani Bharti( Huma Khan)is forced to accept the chair of the Chief Minister against her will. Bheema Bharti( Sohum Shah), her husband and the then Chief Minister of Bihar, after a mishap is bedridden.He could not go to the office therefore proposed his wife's name and the party accepted it. After joining office when Rani Bharti realises that Bheema is involved in the fodder scam, she got him arrested. Season 2 takes off from where it left the story in season 1. Bheema Bharti is running a proxy government from jail. He is cunning, and politically seasoned, with better strategies and understanding of the state.Rani Bharti is new to the office, wants to free Bihar from Jungle Raj, wants a better Bihar, free from corruption and crime. Wants to work for the people, for their education, their health, road,and other departments. The story turns spicy when her husband is out of jail and wants his post back, and she denies. The bitterness in the relationship begins then onwards. However, she manages to maintain grace even during her emotional turmoil. Then we have Naveen( Amit Sail) who has been waiting to become Chief Minister for  17 long years. He even hired a political PR agency to become CM. He takes the advantage of the rift between Rani Bharti and Bheema Bharti. What will happen in the political cum personal battle between the couple? Will Rani be able to handle the situation in the male-dominated politics to be seen in the coming  10 episodes of the well-plotted series.

The story is beautifully woven with lots of twists and turns in a dramatic manner. There are many characters, and numerous plots all interconnected. The drama intensifies in episode 6 when Rani goes up against her husband during the election campaign. The best part is the climax .The second season of this series begins with the last episode where Rani Bharti is facing trial. The last three episodes of the investigation by the character. Martin Ekka( Dibyendu Bhattacharya) is exciting and mesmerizing as the end nears.

The highlight of the series is its engrossing storyline, the fabulous performance of the actors, and the gripping script. The cinematography is too good. The real-life location and the set design add the right flavor to the story. The dialogues, and the accents copied by the characters, and the idioms and saying add the local flavor. The music blends with the theme and set the mood and tone of the series. The creator Subhash Kapoor, the director Ravindra Gautam., the writer Nandan Singh, Uma Shankar Singh, and Subhash ensured to touch all the political aspects and the team manages to hook the audience till the end. Editing could have been better. Huge applause is to be given to the acting team. The casting director did his job perfectly. The characters are well developed and their strong performance makes this drama a good watch. Huma Qureshi as Rani  Bharati is a protagonist and owns the show with her stellar performance. Her body language, accent, and dialogue delivery are impressive. The way she carries herself with dignity and authority is mindblowing. Sohum Shah as Bheema Bharti with his cunning smile of a seasoned politician brings life to the political battle. Amit Sial as Naveen Kumar is natural. He got enough screen space this season where he stands out and shines. Though his character is grey, he is likable. Vineet Kumar as Gauri Shankar is impressive and spectacular. Pramod Pathak as S N Mishra has a smaller role this season. His sincere acting as a shrewd politician is praiseworthy. Kani Kusruti as Kaveri Sreedharan stands out and leaves her impact. Her relationship with Rani is heartwarming and watch-worthy. She stays with her professionally and personally. Atul Tiwari as Goverdhan Das is apt in his role as a Governor. His sly and deceiving smiles tell all about his secret schemes. Dibyendu Bhattacharya as Martin has less screen time but has depth in his character. His sober interrogation is brilliant and leaves a good impression. Anuja Sathe as Kirti Singh and Neha Chauhan as Kalpana Kaul are new entries. They are good. Sushi Pandey as Kunwar Singh, Ashique Hussain as Prem Kumar, Danish Iqbal as Dilshad Mirja, Sukumar Tudu as Dulari Yadav, and Kumar Saurabh as Sanyasi Rai all together successfully form a good acting team.

This series is a good fusion of political and personal battles. It is interesting to watch a political drama suddenly shaping up into a murder mystery. The way it incorporates Julius Ceasar says it all. This engrossing and power-packed drama is streaming on Sony Liv.