Maharani 2 Review: A Compelling Political Drama

Plot

Maharani 2 focuses on Bihar's chief minister Rani Bharti (Huma Qureshi) facing opposition from her husband-turned-foe Bhima Bharti (Sohum Shah) and political rival Navin Kumar (Amit Sial). The story revolves around the tripartite struggle and dramas about reservation, demand for a separate Jharkhand state, and a harrowing rape and murder that shocks Rani and Bihar. The show incorporates real-life parallels, including the Shilpi-Gautam murder and Rajeev Goswami self-immolation episode, with a commentary on caste and religion as political tools.

Acting

Huma Qureshi as Rani Bharti delivers a powerful performance, depicting her growth in confidence beautifully. Sohum Shah as Bhima Bharti is one of the highlights of the show, capturing the character's depth and making him grey, yet likable. Amit Sial as Navin Kumar leaves his mark and is aided by a competent support cast, each perfectly casted.

Cinematography/Direction

The visuals of the show do not add much to the narrative, and the pacing of the show can test the viewer's patience. However, it is well-directed by Ravindra Gautam, making it an engaging watch.

Writing

The writing team of Subhash Kapoor, Nandan Singh, and Umashankar Singh does an impressive job of weaving sensitive issues into the plot while never feeling out of place. However, the show descends into sermonising by the end, with characters indulging in long monologues.

Verdict

Maharani 2 is a compelling political drama with an engrossing storyline and some fabulous performances. Huma Qureshi takes her performance a notch up, and Sohum Shah and Amit Sial lend support. The subplots could have been given more importance, and the show loses steam in the second half. However, it is well-paced, and the characters are well-developed, making it worth binge-watching.

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