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Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Mayasabha' X review: Fans applaud the gripping political drama webseries
The webseries 'Mayasabha', which was released on SonyLIV OTT today (August 7), has received a huge response from fans on the first day of its release. Deva Katta and Kiran Jaikumar co-directed this political drama series, set in the political environment of Andhra Pradesh in the 1990s. Aadhi Pinichetty and Chaitanya Rao play the lead roles, along with Nassar, Sai Kumar, Srikanth Iyengar , Divya Dutta, and others in important roles. Here's a closer look at the reviews from X (formerly Twitter). Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao win praise for intense performances in 'Mayasabha' Season 1 Within hours of its release, fans took to posting laudatory reviews of 'Mayasabha' on social media. 'Mayasabha is a good political drama, the build-up in some scenes is great, the screenplay quality is good. "OTT platform should continue to give stories like this," one person wrote. Furthermore, another praise post has come in saying, 'Both Aadhi and Chaitanya Rao have acted very well; they keep the story moving with tension from the very beginning. ' Fans are impressed by realism in 'Mayasabha' Fans have also shared their ratings, saying, 'There was not a single moment of boredom in this 7-hour series. The dialogues, political subtleties, writing, and everything are of quality. Deva Katta is amazing again.' Many have questioned, "Is this story based on true events or not?" and have expressed interest in the realistic nature of the series' storyline. 'Mayasabha' Season 1 leaves viewers eager for more The first season of the series 'Mayasabha', titled 'Rise of the Titans', reveals the dark and hidden sides of Andhra Pradesh politics through the camera. Against a backdrop of power, friendship, betrayals and power struggles, the mutual relationships and political aspirations of the protagonists, Kakarla Krishnama Naidu and Rami Reddy , form the core of the story. The success of the series has also fueled anticipation for the next season.
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Mayasabha X Review: Fans Love ‘Unapologetically Honest' Political Drama
Directed by Deva Katta, the first season of Mayasabha dives deep into the complex socio-political fabric of 1990s Andhra Pradesh. The much-awaited political drama Mayasabha, created by Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar, has finally premiered on SonyLIV today, August 7. Set against the politically volatile backdrop of 1990s Andhra Pradesh, the Telugu-language series follows the turbulent journey of two powerful figures, Kakarla Krishnama Naidu and Ms Rami Reddy, whose friendship evolves into a fierce political rivalry that shapes the future of the state. Headlined by Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao, the show opens with a disclaimer claiming no resemblance to real-life personalities, but viewers have already drawn parallels to prominent Andhra Pradesh politicians like NT Rama Rao, YS Rajasekhara Reddy and current Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Soon after its release, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was flooded with reactions praising the show's powerful storytelling, sharp writing and strong performances. Filmmaker Pavan Sadineni took to X to call Mayasabha one of the 'best political dramas," applauding Deva Katta for his bold and honest direction. He wrote, 'Mayasabha is easily one of the best political dramas. Brilliantly crafted! As a fictional story, it works to the core, gripping and unapologetically honest. Kudos to Deva Katta for his impeccable direction & writing. Take a bow!" #Mayasabha is easily one of the best political dramas. Brilliantly crafted! As a fictional story, it works to the core, gripping and unapologetically to @devakatta for his impeccable direction & writing. Take a bow! 🔥👏 Big love to my brother @VijayKrishnaLin for… — pavan sadineni (@pavansadineni) August 6, 2025 Prasining Deva Katta's writing, another user wrote, 'Just finished watching Mayasabha. Deva Katta missed your writing all these days and they are backed by some fiery performances from Aadhi Pinisetty, Chaitanya Rao & other cast members. Brilliant writing, screenplay and brilliant performances throughout. Must watch." A user named Gowtham Reddy praised the character portrayals and wrote, 'Just completed Mayasabha. Every character has been given importance. I especially liked the portrayal of CBN and YSR. Both gave life to those characters." In another post, he added, 'In a historical context, it's the khichdi of all the rumours that go around in the AP political spectrum. Worth watching if you're unsentimental about AP politics. If not, it might raise your BP. I'd rate it 3.5 out of 5." #Mayasabha is easily one of the best political dramas. Brilliantly crafted! As a fictional story, it works to the core, gripping and unapologetically to @devakatta for his impeccable direction & writing. Take a bow! 🔥👏 Big love to my brother @VijayKrishnaLin for… — pavan sadineni (@pavansadineni) August 6, 2025 The First Season Of Mayasabha Titled Rise of the Titans, the first season of Mayasabha dives deep into the complex socio-political fabric of the State. Co-created by Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar, the show is a gripping tale of power, shifting loyalties and political chess moves that play out both in public and behind closed doors. Alongside starring Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao in the lead roles, Mayasabha stars Divya Dutta, Sai Kumar, Srikanth Iyengar and Nassar in key roles. With Mayasabha, Deva Katta returns to form and delivers a drama that's already becoming the talk of political and entertainment circles alike. First Published: August 07, 2025, 15:41 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Mayasabha' web series review: Deva Katta delivers an intriguing high stakes drama
Sony LIV's new Telugu web series, Mayasabha, opens with a familiar disclaimer: any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental. Yet it does not take long to draw parallels between its characters and the political giants who shaped undivided Andhra Pradesh. Echoes of NT Rama Rao, the actor-turned-leader; YS Rajasekhara Reddy, the doctor-turned-politician; and the current chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, and several others ripple throughout the storyline. Titled Rise of the Titans, the show's first season is a sharp and dramatic commentary on the socio-political fabric of the State. Ambitious in scope and often gripping in execution, the series draws viewers into a world of power struggles, shifting loyalties and behind-the-scenes drama. Co-created by Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar, Mayasabha benefits from Deva Katta's deep interest in politics and bureaucracy — recurring themes in his earlier work. The long-form format allows for a more layered and immersive exploration of character and conflict. The series kicks off in mid-1995, during a political coup. There is panic among party members as MLAs receive phone calls warning them of impending suspension. They begin to gather in a hotel — an episode that recalls, with unmistakable clarity, a real-life coup that is part of Andhra Pradesh's political lore. For many in the Telugu States, this incident has been passed down not just through news archives but also as oral history. Adding to the drama is a fictionalised phone call between Kakarla Krishnam Naidu (played by Aadhi Pinisetty) and his friend, Dr MS Rami Reddy (Chaitanya Rao). While it is unlikely we will ever know if such a call happened between Chandrababu Naidu and YSR, this narrative device serves to deepen the tension and blur the lines between fact and fiction. Mayasabha (Telugu) Director: Deva Katta Cast: Aadhi Pinisetty, Chaitanya Rao, Sai Kumar, Nasser Episodes: 9 Story: Two young men, hailing from Kadapa and Chittoor, rise to become political powers. Will their friendship hold as their political careers take on different paths? Streaming on: Sony LIV A brief but loaded exchange between two former friends-turned-political-rivals sets the tone early in Mayasabha. Comparing a political coup to Kurukshetra, the characters plant the seeds for a high-stakes drama, filled with layered characters and thinly veiled nods to political icons of undivided Andhra Pradesh. 'Yuddham nee dharmam (War is your dharma)' — echoes meaningfully across episodes. What seems like an instigating remark early on reappears later with renewed significance, underlining a pivotal shift in the plot and its characters' motivations. The series rewinds to the 1970s, tracing the journeys of the two leads — Rami Reddy (Chaitanya Rao) from Pulicherla in Kadapa and Kakarla Krishnam Naidu (Aadhi Pinisetty) from Narsipalli in Chittoor. This is not just a heroic rise-to-power tale. With an episode pointedly titled 'The Story of India is the Story of Caste', Mayasabha acknowledges the weight of caste in shaping personal ambition and public life. Reddy and Naidu begin as idealists hoping to transcend social divisions, but the reality of factional violence, Naxal movements and systemic inequalities forces their hands. One seeks to uplift his community through political strength; the other craves dignity and redemption for his family name. Their differing responses to societal pressure offer a nuanced look at leadership and legacy. The nine-episode series brings in a vast ensemble — from marginalised voices caught in crossfire to power-hungry ministers clinging to influence. Ravindra Vijay delivers a standout performance as a man desperate to shield his family from violence, embodying a quiet but powerful resistance. Look out for characters that are on the lines of Paritala Ravi and Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga. Chaitanya Rao's portrayal of Rami Reddy, clearly modelled after YSR, is charismatic and grounded. The headgear, the gait, the educational pride, all subtly evoke the late politician without veering into imitation. Chaitanya handles the transformation with maturity and grace. Aadhi Pinisetty, meanwhile, delivers a restrained and calculated performance as Naidu, a man underestimated for his appearance but unwavering in his resolve. His arc is built patiently, and his eventual emergence is satisfying to watch. The early bond between the two leaders is written with emotional intelligence, reflecting camaraderie, mutual respect, and ideological friction. Their disagreements are rarely venomous, offering a refreshing take on political rivalries. Where Mayasabha falters slightly is in its college flashbacks — song-and-dance segments and one-sided romances overstay their welcome in an otherwise taut narrative. Later episodes shift focus to national politics. Divya Dutta plays a PM who goes through upheavals with a repeated slogan — 'India is Ira, Ira is India.' She commands the screen, though the writing ultimately limits the character. Her son is a far less nuanced figure, and some members of her political circle veer into caricature. Still, real-life references, such as the Emergency and forced sterilisation campaigns, add heft with more real life parallels. Some characters feel designed to highlight Reddy and Naidu as the rightful heirs to the political mantle. Srikanth Iyengar, playing an insecure, power-hungry politician, brings conviction, though his character lacks depth. A memorable assembly scene, in which most MLAs appear to be dozing off, reinforces the idea that strong leadership is in short supply. There are moments of sharp writing, too. A standout line — 'You will give birth to a line of dictators who will use your methods, impose Emergency and not even call it one' — offers a biting critique of unchecked political legacy. In several sequences, parallels are drawn between Naidu and Reddy react to social conditions. As Mayasabha progresses, it also explores how caste, once resisted by both leads, slowly becomes a necessary political tool. The large cast includes Shatru, Tanya Ravichandran, Bhavana Vazhapandal and Charitha Varma, all making their mark. Nasser plays a media baron reminiscent of Ramoji Rao, who fuels RCR's (Sai Kumar) meteoric rise. Scenes showing mass rallies, open-jeep campaigns and calls to Telugu pride mirror the dramatic rise of NTR. Shakthi Kanth Karthick's music and Praveen KL's editing are assets to the narrative. Amid these grand moves are subtle Easter eggs: Naidu's wardrobe shifting to off-white and yellow, or his symbolic embrace of the cycle as a party symbol. Ultimately, Mayasabha offers a compelling fictional take on real political history, packed with drama, ambition, and reflection. With Clash of the Titans promised in Season Two, the series sets the stage for even higher stakes ahead. (Mayasabha: Rise of the Titans streams on Sony LIV)
