Dr. Deya Roy

Dharam Veer produced by Sagar Pictures, the 2008 NDTV Imagine serial, which is now available on Dangal Play at a reasonable subscription, with first 20 episodes being absolutely FREE (with no subscription required), is an example of a GREAT historical fiction. Set in a period setting, which has also been talked about in the Discovery of India and shown in Doordarshan's Bharat Ek Khoj where Aryavarta Kings were taking over kingdoms and discontinuing Self Governance... The story shows the journey of two princes coming of their own, where one becomes the crown prince and the other a leader for the slaves and showcases friendship, love, and the concept of freedom. It shows power corrupts and actually talks about the concept of slavery which existed in olden times through an action packed series, with loads of extremely well and realistically choreographed fight sequences, directed by Raju Das, a trained martial artist with over 36 years of practice experience. It helps that the lead actors are Fitness Freaks and this enhanced their fight scenes. Rajat Tokas had trained in horse riding, sword fighting and karate for his previous roles, Vikrant Massey was already a trained Jazz dancer, and working for Shaimak Davar as a choreographer at this point, whereas Mugdha is a trained Kathak dancer and a yoga freak. The sets add to the experience without being distracting. Sagar Pictures, the producer of several such serials like DDs Vikram Betal, Ramayan or Star Plus's Prithviraj Chauhan, create sets which are always balanced... subtle yet larger than life. What made me want to watch it again, was the aspect that it makes you retrospect about life before democracy and citizenship. It actually shows what it means to be second class citizens in one's own home and talks about the importance of collective action. It makes you aware of the dangers of limiting democracy and even oligarchy. It shows DEMOCRACY has to be nurtured. The lead roles played by Rajat Tokas and Vikrant Massey (the actor of 12th Fail fame) are fabulous. Mugdha and Rajat's chemistry is great, as always (also seen on Prithviraj Chauhan). All in all it's a MUST WATCH. They don't make serials like that any more.