Mayasabha- The Rise of Titans Review: A Unique Story of Power Struggle Blending Truth and Imagination

BY SHANTISWAROOP TRIPATHI

• Rating: 3.5 Stars
• Producers: Vijay Krishna Lingamaneni and Sri Harsha
• Writers: Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar
• Directors: Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar
• Cast: Aadhi Pinisetty, Chaitanya Rao, Sai Kumar, Divya Dutta, Srikanth Iyengar, Nasser, Ravindra Vijay, Sataru
• Duration: Nine episodes of 45–53 minutes each (approx. 7 hours total)
• OTT: Sony LIV

Politics touches every aspect of human life—whether or not a person is directly involved in political parties. This is because most public services are run by the government and are affected by political decisions. Against this backdrop (Mayasabha political drama SonyLIV) comes Mayasabha: The Rise of Titans, a political thriller web series streaming on Sony LIV from August 7. The series has been created by renowned Telugu filmmaker Deva Katta and co-written and co-directed by Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar. (Mayasabha Aadhi Pinisetty Chaitanya Rao)

Originally made in Telugu, this fictional political thriller consists of nine episodes (36–58 minutes each), and is now streaming in dubbed Hindi. A notable highlight is that acclaimed Hindi film actress Divya Dutta makes her Telugu debut with this series.

Set against a political backdrop, the story is inspired by the rise, friendship, and rivalry of two major Andhra Pradesh leaders in the 1990s—Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy and N. Chandrababu Naidu—as well as the founding and rise of the Telugu Desam Party (Mayasabha release date August 2025) against Congress. The series also explores betrayal and rebellion within families. Although inspired by real historical events, Deva Katta has used fictional character names to avoid legal hurdles. Audiences familiar with South Indian politics and leaders will easily relate to the story. (Telugu political thriller Mayasabha)

For political insiders, the portrayal of the early friendship between these two leaders in the initial episodes may feel unconvincing. The story traces their journey from student life, to (Deva Katta Mayasabha director) their eventual involvement in different parties, and the ups and downs of their relationship. Along the way, it touches on caste violence in Bezawada (Vangaveeti Ranga episode), Naxalism in Anantapur (Paritala Ravi episode), the Emergency imposed by Congress leadership, how Andhra Pradesh was handled by the Congress high command, and (Mayasabha Andhra Pradesh political saga) even NTR’s political developments. At its heart, Mayasabha is about the struggle for power. For South Indian audiences, it is easy to identify Kakarla Krishnama Naidu as Chandrababu Naidu, and M. S. Rami Reddy as Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy.

Story

The series begins in mid-1995, during a political coup. Party members are thrown into turmoil as MLAs receive threatening calls about suspension and gather in a hotel. Kakarla Krishnama Naidu (Aadhi Pinisetty), leader of the opposition, calls his friend Dr. M. S. Rami Reddy (Chaitanya Rao) for advice. Rami Reddy reminds him: “Yuddham ni dharmam” (War is your duty).

From here, the narrative jumps back to 1973, focusing on Krishnama Naidu and Rami Reddy—two idealistic young men whose paths diverge when caste, power, and political ambition come into play. Naidu, from an agricultural (Mayasabha multilingual streaming series) background, struggles financially but earns a scholarship for college. He wants to work for society. Rami Reddy, from a factionist family, has no political ambitions and is pursuing medicine, trying to change the violent image of his father Shiva (Shankar Mahanti), who has seized 70% of local land. Rami Reddy even marries the sister of his father’s enemy, hoping for reconciliation.
The first two episodes introduce the characters. By the end of episode three, Naidu (Mayasabha inspired by real politics) and Rami Reddy finally meet. Episode four introduces Prime Minister Irawati Basu (Divya Dutta), who pressures the President to impose Emergency, imprisons the Chief Justice, and appoints a new one. Her son, Sandeep Basu (Sakul Sharma), pushes coercive family planning programs. While Naidu and Rami Reddy initially disagree, they reconcile and form a strong bond of friendship.

As the story progresses, we see the rise of a Naxal group called “Army of the Poor,” dissent against Irawati’s authoritarianism, and factionalism among power-hungry politicians. One potential Chief Minister is literally drunk when Irawati handpicks him for the role.

By mid-episode five, Naidu and Rami Reddy enter Congress politics. Episode six shows their growing grassroots popularity. Later, we see dirty politics within the IDF, the Congress high command’s iron grip, and the duo’s rise within Congress. At this point, film superstar Rayapati Chakradhar Rao a.k.a. RCR (Sai Kumar) enters the story. Naidu marries RCR’s second daughter, Bhuvaneshwari. We then see the Anjaiah episode, RCR forming his new party “Ravi Telugu Party,” and becoming Chief Minister—while Naidu loses elections but joins his father-in-law’s party.

The season ends with a teaser for Mayasabha Season 2, hinting at Naidu’s eventual coup against RCR. Overall, the series amplifies the voices of marginalized people, especially through a subplot about a man trying to protect his family from violent factional politics. (Mayasabha Season 2 update)

Review

At different levels, Mayasabha: The Rise of Titans explores how politicians are created, and what compels them to make decisions. The series attempts to depict caste politics in South India post-1970s, the Emergency, the common man’s struggles, the rise and suppression of Naxalism, and inequality between rich and poor.

The first three episodes are admittedly weak. Yet Deva Katta succeeds in taking viewers on a journey into the world of power struggles, shifting loyalties, and backstage political drama. To stay emotionally engaged, viewers must feel the characters’ emotions—sadness, helplessness, fear—but unfortunately, the weak screenplay prevents this. Noble intentions are undermined by narrative flaws. The makers stuffed too many topics, characters, and events into one series, reducing impact. Several characters lack proper development.

For instance, Naidu’s college love story adds nothing to the plot and could have been omitted. By contrast, Rami Reddy’s romance and marriage make some sense in defining community ties, but even this subplot feels out of place.

The family planning episode is well executed. The friendship between Naidu and Rami Reddy is used as the USP, but their bonding is exaggerated, overly fictionalized, and melodramatic. Some characters appear to have been inserted only to project Naidu and Reddy as true heirs of political legacy.
Katta frequently critiques caste politics, exposing hypocrisy and raising uncomfortable questions. He highlights the caste hierarchy where each level oppresses the one below, creating a chain of dominance—though once someone gains power and wealth, caste distinctions blur superficially. Still, caste politics lurks beneath.

The political system is portrayed honestly yet selfishly: even those who enter with good intentions get trapped in the system and lose their way. Prime Minister Irawati Basu’s conversation with the Chief Justice during Emergency reveals her as a tyrant. The rise of RCR, the film actor-turned-politician, is engaging, as is the helplessness of Naidu and Rami Reddy within Congress.

The Naxal problem is connected to both land and caste but the series does not present any resolution. The director’s desire to cover everything in one season ultimately backfires. For instance, the stories of Paritala Ravi and Vangaveeti Ranga are far too vast to be compressed inside another narrative.

Some dialogues are sharp. One particularly striking line is: “You will give birth to a generation of dictators who will use your methods, impose Emergency, and not even call it Emergency.” Isn’t that exactly what we see happening today? (Aap tanashahon ki ek aisi peedhi ko janm dengi, jo aapke tareeke ka istemaal karenge, Emergency lagayenge aur use Emergency bhi nahi kahenge. Kya vartamaan samay mein aksharshah yahi nahi ho raha?)

Acting

Aadhi Pinisetty shines as Krishnama Naidu, convincingly evolving from a stammering idealist youth into a charismatic and calculating leader. Chaitanya Rao delivers an excellent performance as Rami Reddy, capturing his moral and ideological shifts.

Divya Dutta as Irawati Basu is effective, though her character lacks depth. Nasser leaves a strong mark in his brief role as Shivaji Rao. Sai Kumar is memorable as RCR, the superstar-turned-politician. Tanya Ravichandran impresses as Naidu’s first love. Srikanth Iyengar fits perfectly as Irawati’s sycophantic lieutenant.

FAQs

1. When did Mayasabha premiere on OTT?
   Mayasabha launched on SonyLIV on August 7, 2025, offering an intense political narrative rooted in Andhra Pradesh’s history.

2. What is the release format and languages available?
   The series is available in nine episodes, streaming in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada, catering to a pan-Indian audience.

3. Who are the leading actors in Mayasabha?
   It stars Aadhi Pinisetty as Kakarla Krishnama Naidu and Chaitanya Rao as MS Rami Reddy, supported by Divya Dutta, Sai Kumar, Nassar, and others.

4. What’s the response to Mayasabha since release?
   Viewers and critics applaud the series for its gripping storytelling, realistic political drama, and standout performances—especially by the two leads.

5. Is there a Season 2 in the works?
   Yes. A second season of Mayasabha is officially underway and expected to continue its high-stakes political narrative.

Evergreen & Contextual

6. What is the premise of Mayasabha?
   Set in the volatile 1990s AP political landscape, it follows the rise—and fall—of two childhood friends turned political rivals, reflecting ambition, loyalty, and betrayal.

7. Who created and directed the series?
   Helmed by Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar, who also penned the screenplay, and produced by Vijay Krishna Lingamaneni and Sree Harsha under Hitmen & Proodos Productions.

8. Is Mayasabha inspired by real-life politics?
   Yes—its storyline draws loose parallels with real political figures and power struggles in Andhra Pradesh, such as between Chandrababu Naidu and Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy.

9. What do critics highlight as the show’s strengths?
   Critics point to its ambitious scale, nuanced performances, tight writing, and emotional undercurrents. Some found pacing slow mid-season, but compelling overall.

10. Why is Mayasabha significant in Telugu OTT storytelling?
    It represents a bold foray into regional political drama, backed by cinematic quality and pan-language reach, cementing SonyLIV’s commitment to diverse regional narratives.

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