Chandragupta Maurya - 2018

Introduction

Chandragupta Maurya is a popular Indian historical television show that aired on Sony TV from November 2018 to August 2019. The show, which was written by Raj Routh and produced by Siddharth Kumar Tewary's One Life Studios, is based on the life of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire and the first Mauryan emperor. The series is a historical drama that depicts various aspects of his life, including his political and military achievements, his personal relationships, and his journey from being an ordinary young man to a powerful and visionary leader who laid the foundation of a great empire.

The show features an ensemble cast, with Kartikey Malviya playing the titular role of Chandragupta Maurya. Saurabh Raj Jain plays the role of Dhanananda, the ruler of Magadha and Chandragupta's main antagonist. Other cast members include Tina Datta as Chandragupta's wife, Durdhara, and Manoj Kolhatkar as his mentor, Chanakya.

Chandragupta Maurya has received critical acclaim for its captivating storyline, breathtaking visuals, and outstanding performances by the cast. The show's ability to transport viewers back in time and immerse them in the world of ancient India is a testament to its creative team's attention to detail and dedication to historical accuracy.

Table Of Contents

• Details

• Plot

• Schedule

• Cast

• Crew

• Character Analysis

• Behind The Scenes

• TRP and Reviews

• Awards

• Conclusion

Details

Plot

PlayChandragupta Maurya is a television drama that narrates the life of one of the most prominent figures in Indian history, Chandragupta Maurya. The story is set in 323 BCE, a time of great turmoil and upheaval in India following the death of the Paurava king, Purushottam, and the departure of the Macedonian emperor Alexander the Great. Against this backdrop, Chanakya, a renowned scholar and former prime minister of the Paurava Kingdom, seeks to overthrow the Macedonian invaders and unite the Indian kingdoms. He reaches out to the Nanda emperor, Dhana Nanda, for assistance but is met with public humiliation. 

In response, Chanakya swears to eliminate the Nanda dynasty and place a worthy ruler on the throne of Magadha. He discovers Chandragupta, a slave who is, in fact, the crown prince of Piplivan, and recognises in him the potential to become a great leader. The series of events that follow, marked by battles and betrayals, portray the confrontations between Chandragupta and Dhana Nanda, with each trying to outsmart the other. The show depicts how Chandragupta uses his wits, bravery, and determination to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious.

Schedule

Chandragupta Maurya graced the Indian Sony Entertainment Television from November 14, 2018, to August 30, 2019. This show enchanted viewers every Monday through Friday at 7:30 pm, offering a daily dose of entertainment. Each episode ran 20 to 40 minutes, keeping audiences engrossed in the riveting tale.

Cast

Crew

• Director: JP Sharma and Sumit Thakur

• Producers: Gayatri Gill Tewary, Rahul Kumar Tewary, and Siddharth Kumar Tewary

• Writer: Aayush Agrawal and Medha Jadhav

• Editor: Tarun Sunil Babbar

Character Analysis

• Chandragupta Maurya: Chandragupta Maurya is a fascinating character with a multitude of facets and intricate qualities. At the beginning of his journey, he was portrayed as a passionate and impulsive youth who was driven by his strong desire for revenge. He Playwas often seen making reckless decisions and acting on his emotions without much forethought. However, as he gained more experience and faced challenges, he underwent a significant transformation that saw him evolve into a reflective and strategic leader with a broad emotional range. This profound and nuanced transformation renders him the centrepiece of the series.
  Young Chandragupta Maurya: Young Chandragupta Maurya in the show is a fiery and passionate character driven by a deep sense of revenge against the Magadh empire. He is impulsive and rebellious, often acting on emotion rather than logic. However, as he begins his journey of self-discovery and leadership, he becomes more strategic and thoughtful in his actions.

• Vishnugupta Chanakya: Chanakya's exceptional intelligence, cunning nature, and shrewd strategizing skills are often portrayed as his defining traits, but his compassion and empathy for the common people cannot be overlooked.  He is a mastermind who always stays a step ahead of his opponents, making calculated moves and using his wit to outsmart them. His keen sense of observation and analysis helps him to make the most strategic decisions that can often prove to be game-changers. He is a multifaceted character who embodies a mix of intelligence, loyalty, and compassion. 

• Dhana Nanda: Dhana Nanda's character can be described as an extremely ruthless and power-hungry king. He is known for his arrogant and tyrannical behaviour, constantly believing that he is invincible and above the law. His level of cruelty is beyond limits, and he takes pleasure in inflicting immense pain and suffering upon those who dare to oppose him.

• Durdhara:  Durdhara's personality can be defined as kind-hearted and compassionate. As a princess, she understands the importance of her role and takes her duty towards her people very seriously. Her intelligence and bravery are notable qualities that make her stand out from the rest. Despite being raised as a member of royalty, Durdhara is grounded and humble. Her selfless nature often puts the needs of others before her own, and she prioritizes the well-being of her people above everything else.

Behind the Scenes

• Kaivalya Chheda, who played Durjan Singh, narrowly escaped serious injuries on 23rd August 2019 while filming for the television series Chandragupta Maurya. During the shoot, a false wall collapsed and fell on him, requiring the assistance of five people to lift it and remove him. Although there was concern about potential concussion, kidney injury, and spinal injury due to the weight of the wall, his head was shielded, and he avoided sustaining any of these injuries.

• The show is shot in some of India's most beautiful locations, including forts, palaces, and ancient ruins, which provide a stunning backdrop to the story. The attention to detail in the costumes and sets further adds to the show's authenticity, creating a rich visual experience for viewers.

TRP and Reviews

Chandragupta Maurya performed well in terms of Television Rating Points (TRP). According to reports, the show had an average TRP of 1.02, which is a promising sign for the show's makers.

One of the show's key strengths was its attention to historical accuracy. The series accurately portrayed significant events from Chandragupta's life and the political climate of the time while also giving viewers a glimpse into the emperor's personal life. It provided a fascinating look at the ancient Mauryan Empire, its culture, and its people, and its focus on the journey of the empire's founder adds a human element to the historical narrative.

Awards

Conclusion 

Chandragupta Maurya has received immense acclaim. It showcases the life of the remarkable first Mauryan emperor and founder of the Maurya Empire. The show boasts a splendid cast, awe-inspiring visuals, and a precise representation of significant historical events. This compelling combination of elements has captured the attention and admiration of viewers, cementing Chandragupta Maurya's status as a celebrated television series.