SonyLIV’s Mayasabha: Rise of the Titans is a Telugu-language political drama of a fictionalised Andhra Pradesh. It is an intense story about friendship, betrayal, caste, and ambition. Co-directed by Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar, the nine-episode series was released on August 7, 2025, and has since sparked discussions, both for its bold storytelling and its flaws. Set across multiple decades from the 1970s to the 1990s, is Mayasabha worth a watch? Here’s what’s good and bad about the series, along with what the critics and viewers have to say about it.
What is Mayasabha: Rise of the Titans about?
Mayasabha centres on the lives of two friends turned politicians, ‘Kakarla Krishnama Naidu’ played by Aadhi Pinisetty and ‘M.S. Rami Reddy’ played by Chaitanya Rao Madadi. Hailing from Chittoor and Kadapa, respectively, the duo begin as idealists who are determined to uplift the oppressed and work for their people. However, as they rise in politics, ideological rifts and personal betrayals push them apart from one another. Their journey is layered with caste struggles, Naxalism, factional violence, and a fictionalised take on many real-life incidents. As national and regional forces clash, their friendship begins turning into rivalry, which sets the stage for an epic political war.
Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao Madadi deliver powerful performances as leads in Mayasabha: Rise Of The Titans
Critics report the actors in Mayasabha are a delight to watch, especially the leads. Aadhi is compelling as ‘Krishnama Naidu’, a man of quiet intensity, while Chaitanya brings sincerity and charm to his portrayal of ‘Rami Reddy’, a character reportedly modelled loosely on YS Rajasekhara Reddy. Their dynamic is the emotional heartbeat of the show, and it showcases how power can test even the strongest of bonds.
Bold political themes help Mayasabha: Rise Of The Titans
The creators delve deep into serious and heavy issues of caste politics, Naxalism, and systemic inequalities. Dialogues like ‘The story of India is the story of caste’ highlight the show’s strong commitment of addressing these uncomfortable truths. There are also implicit nods to political giants like NTR, YSR, and Chandrababu Naidu that resonate with politically aware audiences. Shakthi Kanth Karthick’s score for Mayasabha adds gravitas to the story, and the series captures the period setting extremely well.
Mayasabha: Rise Of The Titans faces poor character development and pacing issues
According to many, series tried too hard to juggle too many characters and subplots. As a result, character arcs feels somewhat undercooked, and emotional climax often falls flat. Key friendships and rivalries resolve too quickly, without enough buildup or dramatic tension making them feel incomplete and unimportant. The direction by Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar is sincere but inconsistent and certain flashback sequences feel out of the place.
Midway through the series, the pacing slows down considerably as a result of too many unnecessary subplots going on. Characters representing Delhi-based antagonists come off as one-dimensional and somtimes even comical. Divya Dutta’s role as ‘Iravati Basu’ starts off strong but ends up underwritten. So does the arc of several promising side characters who completely fade out without proper resolution and ending.
Mayasabha: Rise Of The Titans received mixed reviews from critics
Critics have been divided in their response to Mayasabha. While some have praised its bold subject matter and layered storytelling, others have criticised it for trying to do too much without properly developing its characters. The show’s ability to fictionalise real political incidents such as Emergency-era chaos, and caste politics has been appreciated, but the execution has been inconsistent throughout the series. Critics believe that the series had great potential, but the overambition to cover as much as possible made it lose its greatness.
Fan’s reaction towards Mayasabha: Rise Of The Titans
Fans familiar with Andhra Pradesh’s political history have been quick to spot references and draw parallels. Political buffs appreciate the storytelling and have been greatly happy about the show. A user commented, ‘#Mayasabha is easily one of the best political dramas. Brilliantly crafted!” and another one commented, “Just finished watching #Mayasabha @devakatta missed your writing all these days and they are backed by some fiery performances from @Aadhiofficial and @IamChaitanyarao and other casting.”
Final Verdict for Mayasabha: Rise of the Titans
Mayasabha: The Rise of the Titans aims high for creating an epic story rooted in political history, caste dynamics, and personal ambition. While it offers powerful moments and solid performances, it stumbles quite a bit in execution. Still, for those interested in South Indian political history or slow-burn political sagas, it’s worth checking out.
What are your thoughts about Mayasabha: Rise of the Titans?
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