What Is the Story About?
Sony LIV’s ‘Maharani’ Season 3 picks up the threads of the story from the first two seasons of the political drama. Three years have gone by since Bihar CM Rani Bharti (Huma Qureshi) was jailed for the murder of her husband, former CM Bhima Bharti (Sohum Shah).
Naveen Kumar (Amit Sial) is now the CM of Bihar, and he rules with a liberal hand. Will Naveen Kumar be able to digest the cold revenge dish Rani Bharti has cooked up in jail for him with the help of her trusted aides, Mishraji (Pramod Pathak) and Kaveri (Kani Kusruti)?
Maharani Season 3 is created by Subhash Kapoor, written by Subhash Kapoor and Nandan Singh, directed by Saurabh Bhave, and produced by Naren Kumar and Dimple Kharbanda.
Performances?
Huma Qureshi dominates the series completely with her flawless act as Rani Bharti. Not a single false note mars her performance, except perhaps, a distractingly exaggerated Bihari accent. Other than that, she’s simply perfect. Amit Sial, as Naveen Babu, matches her performance note for note, never once slipping up or letting his portrayal slide to caricaturish.
Pramod Pathak is quietly efficient as Rani Bharti’s Man Friday, Mishraji. He brings a refined potency to his portrayal, effectively conveying both ruthlessness and genteelness. Kani Kasturi continues to bring gravitas to her Kaveri. After a forgettable second season, Vineet Kumar is back in form and superb as ever as Gauri Shankar Pandey.
Anuja Sathe is the revelation this season. She’s eminently watchable as Kirti Singh, never once letting on until the very end as to which side her loyalties lie. Dibyendu Bhattacharya is terrific as cop Martin Ekka. He steals every scene he features in, which is commendable for sure. The rest of the cast members equally efficient at their roles.
Analysis
After a rousing debut season, and an equally excellent second season, Maharani dips somewhat in grip and pace in its latest Season 3. The first episode sets up the story with the same flourish as displayed by both previous seasons. Only thing is, the mood of the story has shifted to become more of a revenge potboiler than a nuanced political drama.
Rani Bharti has evolved into a powerful adversary and no one in their right mind would want to take on her. Naveen Kumar, on the other hand, seems meek and timid before her. All credits to Amit Sial for holding his own as the underwhelming character.
The vibes Rani gives off this season are those of a determined woman, hell-bent on extracting revenge for her murdered husband. She’s got a point to prove, a mission to accomplish namaste and she’s stopping at nothing. There’s many a discourse in the series on justice vs revenge, especially around the fine line of morality that separates the two.
The latter half of the series, or maybe just the final few episodes, do return the spotlight on the devious machinations that form the slippery slope of Bihar politics. It is compelling to watch, not to say, satisfying too, as we watch the villains get their comeuppance.
In many ways, Maharani has turned into the kind of massy content one would associate with an Amitabh Bachchan entertainer or an Equalizer – revenge, served cold and delicious, and immensely gratifying too. Only difference being we have a boss lady calling the shots in Maharani – what’s not to like?
And maybe that’s what adds to the appeal of Maharani – audiences are sick and tired of the woke stuff that populates OTT these days. Give us a massy, pulpy political thriller cum revenge saga and we’re more than happy, even if it’s a tad too simplistic, contrived and convenient.
The plot of Maharani Season 3 showcases one of the most abominable aspects of Bihar state. Technically a dry state, Bihar has the dubious distinction of notching up the most deaths due to consumption of spurious liquor. In the series, Naveen Kumar and his depraved band of thieves that is his cabinet run riot in the state with a well-oiled illegal liquor trade, mimicking reality in the most disturbing ways.
In fact, other than Rani Bharti’s revenge saga, Maharani Season 3 focuses more on the illegal liquor run in the state, and the scores of tragic deaths it engineers.
The dialogues in the series continue to be sharp and biting. The performances are as good as ever, with each character getting a moment to shine in the spotlight. The pace and grip drop in the middle episodes somewhat, but the series picks up spectacularly towards the end.
The series doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, thankfully; giving a closure of sorts to Rani Bharti’s story. That way, even if the series is not renewed for a new season, one doesn’t end up feeling robbed of the closure you deserve after investing a collective 20+ hours on the three seasons of the show. But we reckon Maharani will most certainly be renewed for a new Season 4.
Music and Other Departments?
Rohit Sharma’s music is very good, especially the songs. Dr. Sagar’s lyrics are superb. Mangesh Dhadke’s background score is eclectic and inventive. Amogh Deshpande’s cinematography makes the most of the grimy landscape of Bihar. Kunal Walve’s editing is crisp and fluid.
Highlights?
Good performances
Massy story
Non-preachy stance
Drawbacks?
Drops grip and pace in the middle episodes.
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Maharani Season 3 Series Review by Binged Bureau