Mayasabha Web Series Review: A Riveting Tale of Power, Politics, and Betrayal
When truth and fiction intertwine, the result is a series that not only entertains but also challenges perceptions. Mayasabha, the newly released political drama on SonyLIV, is one such masterpiece that dares to dive deep into the political history of undivided Andhra Pradesh. Backed by powerful storytelling and remarkable performances, Mayasabha is quickly becoming a talking point among Telugu audiences and political observers alike.
Background: The Politics Behind Mayasabha
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Deva Katta and co-directed by Kiran Jay Kumar, Mayasabha draws heavily from the real-life political dynamics between Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR) and Nara Chandrababu Naidu (CBN). Although the series maintains a fictional label, it’s no secret that its characters and plotlines echo major political events from Andhra’s recent history.
Set in a time of rising tensions, shifting loyalties, and ideological clashes, the story follows the journey of two close friends—Kakarla Krishnama Naidu and MS Rami Reddy—who rise to power from humble beginnings, only to turn into fierce rivals. Their evolution from allies to adversaries is the heartbeat of Mayasabha, and it’s told with intensity and nuance.
Cast and Performances
The soul of Mayasabha lies in its brilliant casting. Aadhi Pinisetty, portraying Krishnama Naidu, delivers one of the most restrained and commanding performances of his career. Opposite him, Chaitanya Rao Madadi as MS Rami Reddy is a revelation—conflicted, passionate, and intense.
Divya Dutta, Sai Kumar, Nassar, Ravindra Vijay, and Tanya Ravichandran elevate the drama with mature portrayals of journalists, strategists, and family members who stand at the periphery of power yet influence it deeply.
The dialogue delivery, especially in high-stakes political confrontations, is razor-sharp and emotionally charged. The chemistry between the leads simmers with tension, portraying friendship and betrayal with convincing realism.
Visuals, Sound, and Direction
What sets Mayasabha apart from other political dramas is its immersive production design. The sets, costumes, and locations convincingly transport the viewer to the late 80s and early 2000s—key decades in Andhra’s political upheaval.
The cinematography uses deep shadows and symbolic framing to reflect the moral grayness of politics. The background score complements the narrative perfectly—subtle when it needs to be and thunderous during moments of conflict and revelation.
Deva Katta brings his signature style to the fore—layered storytelling, rich dialogue, and slow-burn tension. His experience from Prasthanam is evident, but Mayasabha expands the canvas further, exploring caste politics, media manipulation, and the cost of ambition.
Themes and Symbolism
At its core, Mayasabha is not just a retelling of political events—it’s a reflection on power, friendship, and ideology. The series grapples with:
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Moral compromise in politics
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The role of caste in leadership
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Manipulation of the masses through media
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Loyalty vs ideology
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The impact of power on personal relationships
The term “Mayasabha,” meaning illusionary assembly, is itself a metaphor. Just like the illusionary hall in the Mahabharata where truths were twisted and egos clashed, the political landscape here is one of appearances, betrayals, and carefully orchestrated chaos.
Reception and Impact
Since its release on August 7, 2025, Mayasabha has received overwhelmingly positive reviews. Platforms like 123telugu, OTTPlay, and BollywoodShaadis have praised the series for its layered screenplay and fearless storytelling. Many viewers have taken to social media, lauding the creators for “telling the untold” without naming names but making everything unmistakably clear.
The series is also trending on SonyLIV, especially among the Telugu-speaking diaspora, who resonate deeply with its cultural and political references.
Why You Should Watch Mayasabha
If you’re a fan of:
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Realistic political dramas
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Strong performances
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Intense character arcs
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Stories based on true events
…then Mayasabha is a must-watch. Whether or not you’re familiar with Andhra’s political past, the narrative is compelling enough to engage anyone with a taste for powerful storytelling.
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