Watching web series is one of my favourite forms of entertainment, especially the politically based ones. I have watched all the previous seasons of this series, and was very excited for the launch of this 4th season as well. Maharani 4 is based on the theme of power, corruption, and survival in the Indian political landscape, which is truly wonderful. Although I love watching all the good web series, political ones are my favourites, as they offer an unflinching, complex, and often dark examination of power, corruption, and social issues in a more creative way, which not only entertains but also shows the harsh realities of the country’s political problems.
Maharani 4 revolves around Rani Bharti(Huma Qureshi), an uneducated homemaker, who unexpectedly becomes the chief minister of Bihar and subsequently navigates the complex and ruthless world of Indian politics. The series takes an interesting turn when she resigns as Bihar CM and appoints her daughter as successor, and moves to Delhi to become the Prime Minister of India. The series is truly worth watching as it is partially inspired by the real-life political events in Bihar in the 1990s, such as the Fodder scam, and the appointment of Lalu Prasad Yadavs wife, Rabri Devi, as his successor. It is truly one of the best politically based web series I have ever watched, and no doubt it would not have done great on OTT platforms without performing its cast well. The acting of the lead actress Huma is praiseworthy. The way her character has evolved from an unlettered homemaker to an iron-willed, seasoned national politician is truly masterclass. Her command over Bihari diction and ability to balance vulnerability and strength are remarkable. I really enjoyed her acting throughout the series and never felt bored or exaggerated.
Apart from Huma, the new addition to the main cast, Vipin Sharma( PM Sudhakar Sriniwas Joshi) in this season, has justified his character very well as a shrewd and manipulative Prime Minister. His well-refined performance has offered a strong antagonistic presence to Kureshis character. Not only the lead cast but also the supporting characters, including Shweta Basu Prasad(Ranis elder sister), Shardul Bhardwaj(Ranis son), Kani Kusruti, and Pramod Pathak- have brought life to the series and made it highly entertaining.
Directed by Puneet Prakash, the series depicted Indian politics very well, the way characters interact, and the scenes go, adding additional charm to the series. It is a well-balanced political drama that blends reality with the scenic elements wonderfully. I truly appreciate the effort the makers put in editing to make each episode well finished, which really makes you eager to watch the next one. I really liked the work of background music and sound effects, which perfectly suited each scene without any unnecessary music or emotional manipulation. The visuals feature a gritty tone with a specific colour grading that enhances the political atmosphere in the series, which also helps establish the mood for different settings and emotional moments.
To sum up, Maharani 4 is a fictional drama that continues to explore the theme of power, corruption and survival in the Indian political landscape. Although the season is a bit slower than the previous seasons, it has wonderfully maintained the regional authenticity with strong dialogues and accents, mirroring real-world Indian political themes like pariwarwad(Dynastic Politics) and jumla. No doubt the series is excellent, but some of the scenes, twists and turns are predictable for long-term viewers of this genre like me. Overall, it is worth watching, especially for people who love political dramas connected to real-life incidents. I loved season 4 more than any of its previous seasons, and I feel you would love it too.