Sony LIV’s Telugu political drama Mayasabha, co-created by Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar, presents a gripping tale of power, politics, caste, and personal ambition. Loosely inspired by the real-life political heavyweights of undivided Andhra Pradesh, the show has quickly become a conversation starter. With strong performances by Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao, Mayasabha isn’t just another fictionalised political saga — it’s a layered and humanised look at leadership, loyalty, and legacy.
A Fiction That Echoes Reality
The opening of Mayasabha warns viewers that any resemblance to real persons is coincidental. However, for those familiar with Andhra Pradesh’s political history, the parallels are striking. From the shades of NT Rama Rao to YS Rajasekhara Reddy and N Chandrababu Naidu, the narrative treads close to reality while maintaining its own fictional rhythm.
Set in the mid-1990s, the series opens with a gripping sequence of political chaos — a coup that leads to panic within party ranks and MLAs being warned of suspension. This is reminiscent of a real-life power shift that shook the state. What follows is a journey that spans decades, showcasing how two young men, once friends, navigate the murky waters of politics.
The Story of Two Titans
The main characters, Rami Reddy (played by Chaitanya Rao) and Kakarla Krishnam Naidu (played by Aadhi Pinisetty), come from the regions of Kadapa and Chittoor respectively. While both begin as idealists, their paths soon diverge due to the socio-political pressures around them.
The early bond between Rami Reddy and Naidu forms the emotional core of the series. Their friendship — built on mutual respect and shared ambition — slowly fractures under the weight of power, personal agendas, and differing ideologies. Their camaraderie is heartfelt and authentic, which makes their eventual rivalry all the more poignant.
Politics, Caste and Power
One of the most compelling aspects of Mayasabha is its unflinching gaze at the role of caste in Indian politics. In an episode titled The Story of India is the Story of Caste, the show underlines how caste dynamics shape political decisions, personal ambition, and public life.
Reddy, with his focus on social upliftment, and Naidu, who seeks redemption and dignity for his lineage, represent two sides of political idealism. Their evolution is neither glorified nor vilified; instead, it is shown through a realistic lens that respects nuance.
Exceptional Performances
Chaitanya Rao delivers a power-packed performance as Rami Reddy. Clearly modelled on YSR, his character exudes charisma, empathy, and confidence. Rao’s body language, expressions, and emotional depth make Reddy one of the most compelling characters in the series.
Aadhi Pinisetty’s portrayal of Naidu is equally impressive. His quiet determination and calculated approach to power reflect a man who is consistently underestimated, yet never derailed. His transformation into a formidable leader is written and acted with remarkable restraint.
Supporting actors also shine. Veteran actors like Nasser and Sai Kumar bring gravitas to their roles. Ravindra Vijay, in particular, deserves mention for his portrayal of a man caught between political violence and the safety of his family. His performance adds emotional depth to the series.
The Writing and Direction
Deva Katta’s deep understanding of political drama shines through in the storytelling. Known for Prasthanam, Katta has a knack for combining intense political themes with personal conflict. Mayasabha benefits from his clarity of vision and his ability to balance drama with realism.
The screenplay is tight for the most part, although the college flashbacks and romantic interludes feel like unnecessary detours in an otherwise sharp narrative. These moments briefly pull away from the show’s intense focus on politics and power.
Larger-Than-Life Yet Grounded
Later episodes widen the show’s canvas to include national politics. Divya Dutta’s portrayal of the Prime Minister is powerful, though her character arc could have been more nuanced. Her slogan — “India is Ira, Ira is India” — is memorable, but feels a bit underdeveloped as the series progresses.
Real-life political events, such as the Emergency and forced sterilisation campaigns, are referenced with subtlety, providing additional layers for politically aware viewers. These references, however, never overpower the story but instead offer historical context.
Complex Characters and Grey Realities
What sets Mayasabha apart from other political dramas is its refusal to deal in black and white. Most characters operate in shades of grey. There are no outright villains, only individuals with conflicting motivations shaped by circumstance, ambition, and belief systems.
Even the more manipulative characters — such as Srikanth Iyengar’s insecure minister — are given just enough complexity to feel real. In one memorable scene in the legislative assembly, we see MLAs seemingly asleep as crucial decisions unfold — a biting commentary on leadership apathy.
Cinematic Elements
The production quality of Mayasabha is top-notch. From the costuming and makeup to the sets and background score, everything reflects the era convincingly. The transitions between different time periods — from the 1970s to the 1990s and beyond — are smooth and effective.
The dialogue is sharp, often laced with philosophical undertones. One line that echoes throughout the show, “Yuddham nee dharmam” (War is your dharma), is especially powerful, encapsulating the ideological and emotional battles the characters face.
Final Verdict
Mayasabha is a bold, compelling, and well-acted political drama that doesn’t shy away from difficult questions. It dives deep into the themes of caste, leadership, legacy, and friendship with both sensitivity and grit. The show’s strength lies in its realistic character arcs, impressive performances, and an overarching narrative that feels both personal and political.
While it falters briefly in romantic flashbacks and some underwritten supporting characters, these minor flaws do not take away from its overall impact. With nine well-crafted episodes, Mayasabha stands as a landmark Telugu web series that dares to engage with the region’s political past and present.
Streaming now on Sony LIV, Mayasabha is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian politics, complex character studies, and powerful storytelling.
Also Read: Raksha Bandhan Special: Shilpa-Shamita and Huma-Saqib Light Up The Great Indian Kapil Show 2025