In India, there have historically been films about Hindu mythology released that are based from the puranas; ancient Indian scriptures that talk about a variety of topics, including those concerning the Hindu Gods. I've watched many of these films from childhood: Maya Bazaar (1957), Sita Kalyanam (1976) and Bhookailas (1958) to name a few. There's something that brings me back to them: the way they portray the characters, surface Hindu values and the omniscience of the Gods. They remind me of what I've learned and experienced from going to Hindu school on Sundays. I've always seen these films as first and foremost a way to bring back memories of those days.
When I first watched Mahadev, which is based on a Shiva purana, I must say, I was amused. Instead of it being a mythological movie like I'm used to seeing, Mahadev is... taken as a Hindi serial. It has all the bells and whistles: the closeups of at least 10 dramatic expressions when something as little as a dialogue has been spoken, the echoing sound effect whenever someone says something of consequence, and the dragged out storyline which could be told in about one-third the time.
Yet despite ALL that... It has its charm and its wins. The symbolism behind the story of the puranas can still very much be discussed through the storyline, and thankfully the serial sticks to the original story. Sure, the CGI very much looks like CGI, and the portrayal of Nandi (Shiva's devotee) can be exhausting since his number one response to everything is crying, but the show still does a good job of gripping the audience with a charming cast and a pretty good set. Even if everything does look over the top, I mean, the original settings described in the puranas are...
The biggest win of the show in my opinion is the portrayal of the holy trinity: Vishnu, Bramha, and the one and only Mahadev (Shiva). All three of the actors are well suited for their roles. Shiva's personality is portrayed in a very convincing, earnest way. I particularly enjoyed the dancing sequences of Shiva and I'm glad the show didn't over-dramatize his personality.
Sati who is Shiva's main love interest in season 1 and 2, is flat for a while, but we see her character come more to life as she starts learning more about herself and her destiny.
That being said, I'm excited for season 3. I'd highly recommend this show as a way to reconnect to this story and discuss the symbolism behind it. The battle between arrogance, dharma (duty), and destiny that happens in all our minds. The story is just a metaphor for it.
