Mayasabha: A Compelling Political Thriller That Keeps You Hooked

Kakarla Krishnamanaidu (KKN) from Chittoor district completes his postgraduate studies and joins a university to pursue a PhD. Despite facing bitter experiences in student politics, he takes a bold step into mainstream politics. Meanwhile, MS Ramireddy (MSR) from Kadapa district, dislikes his father’s factional conflicts, moves to Bellary to study medicine. Krishnamanaidu and Ramireddy meet under unexpected circumstances, and the events that builds a strong friendship.

The web series Mayasabha: The Rise of the Titans explores their journey into politics and the circumstances leading to the formation of Telugu cinema’s beloved actor Rayapati Chandrasekhara Rao (RCR)’s political party, the Veera Telugu Party.

The first episode introduces the family backgrounds of the two young men and the world of Mayasabha, presenting the key characters in the story. The balanced development of Krishnamanaidu and Ramireddy’s characters is noteworthy, particularly how their lives are traced back to their roots. The humiliations they face due to their family backgrounds and the decisions they make to overcome these challenges and advance in their careers tell a compelling story. The series also highlights the politics of Vijayawada, depicting the rise of a person from a marginalized social class to a position of power and the tragic incident of his murder later. The first three or four episodes effectively showcase the circumstances that drive Krishnamanaidu and Ramireddy toward politics.

When Krishnamanaidu and Ramireddy win elections, the story takes a dramatic turn. The storyline highlights the damage to Telugu self-respect caused by Prime Minister Iravati Basu’s actions. The scenes depicting the establishment of the Veera Telugu Party by film actor RCR are engaging.

The choice of actors is crucial for bringing real-life stories and director Deva Katta excels in this aspect. Aadi Pinisetty as Krishnamanaidu, Chaitanya Rao as Ramireddy, and Saikumar as RCR are perfect choices. They capture the Rayalaseema accent, everyday behavior, and the mannerisms displayed at public forums and political rallies. Divya Dutta delivers a composed performance as Prime Minister Iravati Basu. Srikanth Iyengar shines as Chevella Bhaskara Rao, a formidable leader from Rayalaseema, adding significant value to the series. Ravindra Vijay (another strong Rayalaseema leader), Shatru (a leader from Vijayawada), and others impress in their respective roles.

The series effectively reveals the early lives of the two politicians.

Cast

Direction

Story development

Cinematography

Scenes set during the Emergency period

Some instances of cinematic liberty

Conclusion: Mayasabha is an engaging and gripping Telugu political thriller that captivates with its storytelling and strong performances.