Chandragupta Maurya

Years ago,there was a historical called Chanakya,still remembered as one of the best works produced on TV. So any show that touched upon the great teacher of Takshashila had to be as good,if not better. Fortunately,Imagine gets it right after a long time with their version of Chanakya,now titled as Chandragupta Maurya,one of the biggest rulers India has ever produced. Maurya was guided by Chanakya to write one of the longest,important and accomplished chapters in Indian history.

The story begins with Chanakyas humiliation at the hands of the Magadha king,the power-drunk,debauched Dhananand who is mast in his raas rang with a bevy of women around him. Chanakya tries to warn Dhananand of Alexanders impending attack,to galvanise everyone into forming Akhand Bharat or a united India to tackle Alexanders army. But Dhananand doesnt pay heed to him,instead he humiliates the learned Brahmin and orders his men to drag him out of his court by his hair. Chanakya vows revenge and promises Dhananand to bring a kind and just ruler who will not only overthrow the arrogant king but also live and die for the people and pride of India.

And so begins Chanakyas search for the next king when he chances upon a young boy,Chandragupta,who in a bid to get a handful of money to save his uncle,has become a hunters slave for life! Sensing a spark in him,Chanakya tests the little boy for his physical and mental strength and his purity of soul. Luckily,Chandragupta passes every ordeal and the wise scholar takes him under his wing. That he has the blood of a kshatriya running in him is proved when the boys mother,Moora,tells the Brahmin they too owned a small kingdom till the dishonest Dhananand seized it. Chanakya promises Moora,that her son,now christened Chandragupta Maurya after her name will make a significant and glorious contribution to the country.

Its a story well told. Yes,the makers Sagar Arts and 72 Degrees North have taken creative liberties. There is a rousing background score continuing the tradition of deafening music for primetime shows,chanting of shlokas etc probably to make it impactful and it works to some extent. Some of the scenes are designed to play to the gallery but these are minor quibbles in an otherwise inspiring story.

The performances support the story beautifully and fortunately,no one goes OTT. The ayyash Dhananand is certainly Sooraj Thapars best performance to date. But its Manish Wadhwa great presence as Chanakya and Rushiraj Pawar as the young Chandragupta that makes this period drama immensely watchable. Its just right for parents who are always looking for quality TV for their children. This is just what our elders prescribed a story of grit,courage,inspiration and pride.

Verdict:1/2

Need we say more.