Maharani 3 Review: Huma Qureshi Scales Newer Heights In Gripping Political Drama

In Maharani, Huma Qureshi as Rani Bharti is on a mission to emerge on top of political landscape in Bihar. Three seasons down, she hasn't been able to achieve her goal yet (which is a good thing). latest outing is a thrill ride that cinephiles will love to hop on. Rani calls it a journey for justice but everyone else finds it a pool of sism with death toll rising by ticking clock.

Hot Take

Series creator Subhash Kapoor has sown seeds of a gripping universe with perfectly crafted characters who manage to deliver fine performances. His journey with politically charged dramas started with Jolly LLB franchise. It would not be wrong to say that Kapoor knows pulse of Indian audiences and ir affinity for politics and entertainment.

However, in third season, Saurabh Bhave takes director’s seat. This is show's biggest undoing as he follows a template of camera angles and shots, lending no novelty to treatment, something previous seasons h to offer. 

Is Maharani 3 worth hype?

Maharani 3 tres a fine line between fiction and dramatisation

Despite a blueprint execution, team has managed to get tone right when it comes to depicting politics of Bihar. makers have never accepted or denied that series is inspired by real-life characters but y have played well with intricate inputs, with ample parallels to be drawn if one knows ir state politics. From Rani's illiteracy, seemingly a direct reference to Rabri Devi's background, to several instances including illegal liquor racket in state, series draws close parallels to reality.

Brownie points to research team for studying state politics well and its measured depiction for teh screen. ditionally, inclusion of folk songs like Ae Budha Zulfi Katae La to celebration of tritional festivals like Sam Chakeva and Chhath ds a touch of realism. 

Maharani appeals to one and all

Those who are not too keen on politics will find mselves in shoes of Rani Bharti as she begins her journey as an unsuspecting woman who gets thrown into midst of drama without a choice. show n lets you invest in evolution of its characters, including Rani, as it builds stakes beat by beat.

Huma Qureshi as titular character is star of show. As story and its various layers ascend to newer heights, Huma does a good job of keeping up with her invested performance. She is fierce and bold and given melodrama is kept at bay, her approach to character is effective and impactful.
 

Supporting actors take centerstage

Vineet Kumar manages to shine with his portrayal of Gauri Shankar Pandey. Kani Kusruti as Kaveri Sridharan, Rani's closest aide and according to her "only person who stood by her throughout", lends emotional weight to narrative and turns out to be reliable ally.

Sohum Shah, Amit Sial and Pramod Pathak are at ir best with Anuja Sa, Sushil Pandey and Dibyendu Bhattacharya contributing largely to making narrative intriguing.

Stream it or skip it?

If political drama interests you, Maharani is a must-watch. For someone who is drawn to thrills of conspiracy, revenge and drama, packaged as a edge-of--seat experience, Maharani 3 makes for a wholesome streaming experience.
 

Bottomline

Maharani proves that a content based show will find its audience. It has eight episodes in its third season and doesn’t require you to go back to first two seasons for a recap. It is enjoyable and makes for an easy weekend watch.

Rating: 3/5