Mayasabha Review: A political drama that feels personal
Set in united Andhra Pradesh, Mayasabha follows two friends-turned-political-rivals as they navigate caste, power, and ambition. A slow-burning drama with strong performances, the series isn’t ideal for family viewing.
Hyderabad: Mayasabha is a fictional political drama that follows the journey of two friends who slowly turn into rivals. Set in united Andhra Pradesh, the story begins in a college where Krishnama Naidu, a student from a farming background, and Rami Reddy, the son of a powerful politician, meet and become close. But as they grow older, their differences in ambition, beliefs, and background begin to pull them apart. From college elections to power struggles in state politics, the series shows how friendship, caste, and politics can all clash and change lives. Though the story is made-up, it draws clear inspiration from real political events and figures.
How is the Series?
The series takes its time to build up the characters and their world. It starts slowly, especially in the first few episodes, focusing on the personal lives of the main characters. While these scenes help us understand them better, some moments feel a bit stretched. There’s also a bit of unnecessary drama, especially in the romantic and emotional subplots, which could have been trimmed to maintain the narrative flow. However, things pick up in the later episodes, especially when the political tension increases and the story finds its core focus.
Instead of going for a fast-paced or stylised approach, the series tries to stay grounded and realistic in tone. The college politics, caste-related issues, and inner conflicts are handled in a mostly mature and thoughtful way. That said, due to the strong language, intense political themes, and some bold content, this series isn’t ideal for children or family viewing. It’s more suited for mature audiences who enjoy slow-burn political storytelling.
Performances: Strong and Real
Aadhi Pinisetty plays Krishnama Naidu with quiet strength. His transformation from an idealistic student to a more mature, calculating leader is shown with care. He brings depth to the role, especially in emotional scenes. Chaitanya Rao Madadi, as Rami Reddy, gives a balanced performance. He shows both the sensitive and strong sides of his character well. Divya Dutta, in her first Telugu role, plays a political advisor. Though her role is small, her presence adds seriousness to the plot. Sai Kumar, Srikanth Iyengar, Ravindra Vijay, and others do a good job in their supporting roles. Most of the cast feels well-suited to their parts, though a few characters could have been explored more.
Direction and Technical Work
Deva Katta, who is known for political stories, directs the series with a clear focus on themes like power, ideology, and identity. The direction is serious and measured, though the screenplay sometimes leans into dramatic detours that could have been avoided. The show has been shot well, with visuals that reflect the time period convincingly. The sets, costumes, and locations feel authentic to the setting. The background score by Shakthikanth Karthick adds depth without being overwhelming. Editing is mostly clean, but the mid-season stretch could have used some tightening. Overall, the technical side supports the story effectively.
Final Verdict
Mayasabha is not your regular fast-paced thriller. It’s a thoughtful political drama that looks at power, friendship, and caste in a grounded way. It takes time to tell its story, so viewers need to be patient. While some of the emotional and romantic scenes feel overdone, the core story remains strong and relevant. If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven dramas with political depth, this series is worth giving a shot. It may not be perfect, but it leaves an impression.
Streaming Details
Mayasabha is now streaming on Sony LIV. It is available in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and Kannada, with English subtitles.
