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After sustaining a gunshot wound, Bheema Babu (played by Sohum Shah) resigns from his position as the Chief Minister of Bihar, appointing his devoted wife and homemaker, Rani Bharti (portrayed by Huma Qureshi), as his successor. Despite her initial focus on her home, family, and pets, Rani finds herself thrust into the unfamiliar world of politics. The question arises: Can someone like her, devoid of any political background, navigate this new chapter in her life?
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 28 May 2021 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Drama |
| Episodes | 10 |
| Cast | Huma Qureshi, Sohum Shah |
| Director | Karan Sharma |
| Writer | Subhash Kapoor, Uma Shankar Singh, Singh Nandan |
| Music | Mangesh Dhakde |
| Production | Kangra Talkies |
| Certificate | 18+ |
“Maharani,” set in 1990s Bihar, serves as a dramatization of a female politician’s rise to power against numerous challenges. Loosely inspired by Rabri Devi, Bihar’s first and only female chief minister, who was chosen by her husband Lalu Prasad Yadav as his successor, the series revolves around Rani Bharti’s unexpected journey from homemaker to chief minister. The intriguing premise explores how Rani grapples with the complexities of administering the state without any formal education or understanding of politics.
The narrative kicks off with a stark portrayal of caste-based violence, as a lower-caste man is shot dead for refusing to obey his “masters.” In a state entrenched in a rigid caste system, CM Bheema Singh emerges as a beacon of hope for the oppressed. However, his tragic injury shatters those hopes, prompting him to pass on the mantle of leadership to his wife, Rani. Thus begins Rani’s journey of learning the ropes and navigating the male-dominated political landscape of Bihar.
Director Karan Sharma adeptly captures the essence of Bihar’s political milieu, delving into the intricacies of politics in the state capital, Patna. The series excels in portraying the multifaceted nature of politics, from the web of corruption to the nuanced characterization of each individual. Sharma’s realistic storytelling, characterized by powerful performances, intense sequences, and authentic local flavor, enriches the narrative with its rawness and depth.
While the series effectively delves into themes of casteism, corruption, and political intrigue, it occasionally falters due to the proliferation of subplots, which detract from the overall coherence of the storyline. Nevertheless, the portrayal of Bihar’s ethos is rendered authentically, bolstered by the use of Hindi and Bhojpuri dialogues that add to the narrative’s authenticity.
Huma Qureshi delivers a stellar performance as Rani Bharti, infusing her character with a blend of innocence and determination. Her portrayal captures the essence of Rani’s journey, from a reluctant leader to a formidable force in Bihar’s political arena. Sohum Shah impresses as the strong-willed politician Bheema Singh, while Amit Sial shines in his role as the cunning opposition leader Naveen Kumar.
The series’ recurring theme revolves around the dynamics between ailing “Saheb,” struggling “Biwi,” and the state of Bihar under her leadership. Despite occasional narrative inconsistencies and pacing issues, “Maharani” succeeds in holding viewers’ attention till the end, setting the stage for future seasons. Overall, it offers a compelling exploration of power dynamics, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
