Platform: Sony LIV
Language: Telugu (with multi-language options)
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
Directed by: Deva Katta & Kiran Jay Kumar
Starring: Aadhi Pinisetty, Chaitanya Rao Madadi, Sai Kumar, Divya Dutta, Tanya Ravichandran
Sony LIV’s latest Telugu political drama Mayasabha, directed by Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar, dives deep into the murky world of political power struggles in Andhra Pradesh. With a compelling cast and a storyline that spans decades, the series brings together themes of ideology, ambition, and betrayal.
Plot Summary
Set between the 1970s and 1990s, Mayasabha follows the story of two young, educated men — Krishnama Naidu (Aadhi Pinisetty) from Narsipalli and Rami Reddy (Chaitanya Rao Madadi) from Pulicherla — who begin their political journey together despite differences in caste and ideology. Their alliance strengthens their influence within the party, but political ambitions and shifting allegiances eventually drive them apart.
Their paths soon intersect with Rayapati Chakradhar Rao (Sai Kumar), a powerful figure whose entry reshapes the state’s political landscape. The series explores how these three characters influence — and are influenced by — the evolving dynamics of power.
What Works
- Strong Performances: Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao carry the narrative with conviction. Sai Kumar delivers a standout performance, especially in pivotal moments.
- Sharp Writing: Deva Katta’s strength lies in political storytelling, and the writing ensures a steady narrative filled with relevant commentary on political ambition, caste dynamics, and personal sacrifice.
- Impactful Supporting Roles: Divya Dutta shines as the calculating strategist, adding depth to the series. Nasser, Tanya Ravichandran, and Ravindra Vijay also make notable appearances that contribute to the overall impact.
- Well-Executed Key Scenes: Sequences involving internal party conflicts, political betrayals, and party formations are handled with finesse, adding realism to the fictional setup.
What Could Have Been Better
- Pacing Issues: The middle episodes, particularly those depicting the Emergency and social campaigns like forced vasectomy, tend to drag and slow down the momentum.
- Limited Character Development: Certain roles, including those played by Shatru and Ravindra Vijay, feel underutilized and may need more depth in future seasons.
- Not Family-Friendly: The series contains strong language and violent scenes, limiting its appeal to a broader family audience.
Technical Highlights
The production team succeeds in recreating the political environment of the era, with cinematographers Suresh Ragutu and Gnana Shekar V.S. capturing the period setting convincingly. The music by Shakthikanth Karthick enhances the drama without overpowering the scenes. Editing by Praveen K.L. is effective, though some trimming could have improved the pace.
Final Verdict
Mayasabha is a solid political drama that delivers intrigue, strong performances, and a compelling narrative. While it stumbles slightly with pacing and could have explored some characters more deeply, it remains a worthwhile watch for fans of political thrillers. With themes of power, ideology, and loyalty at its core, the series strikes a balance between entertainment and thought-provoking storytelling.
Worth watching? Definitely — especially if you’re drawn to stories rooted in politics and personal ambition.
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
Streaming now on Sony LIV
Image Source: Google Images
Image Credit: Respective Owner
