The Empire Review: An engaging historical tale of Babur and his journey of becoming founder of Mughal dynasty in India
The Empire Web Series Rating: 3 Stars
Just watched The Empire web series on Disney Plus Hotstar VIP. So let’s analyze the cast, release date, story, positive/negatives and at last my personal view on this web series.
Cast: Kunal Kapoor, Dino Morea, Shabana Azmi, Drashti Dhami, Aditya Seal, Rahul Dev, Imaad Shah and Sahher Bambba
Director: Mitakshara Kumar
Release Date: 27th August 2021 (On Disney Plus Hotstar VIP)
Duration: 8 Episodes/ 40 Minutes
Story: This series is based on Empire of the Moghul by Alex Rutherford. Story focuses on the rise and fall of Mughal Empire through generations from Babur to Aurangzeb. First season is based on the life of Babur battling against enemies, fate, family, death and even himself in search of his kingdom.
Series begins with the First Battle of Panipat in April 1526, where Babur who has almost laid down his arms in the field, is remembering the journey of his life. Where did you go from and where did you reach? Story flashback in Ferghana where young prince Babur son of Umar Sheikh Mirza was brought up with love for poems and the promise of a peaceful Hindustan. After the death of his father in an unfortunate accident, he is made the king at the young age of 14 and has to face an undefeatable foe Muhammad Shaibani (Dino Morea).
At 14, Babur is thrust into the intrigue power dynamic and vulnerability inherent in a sought-after kingdom. Babur turns out to be not only astute militarily, but because of his early exposure to the dangers of occupying a throne and negotiating the tides of power and violence from his teenage years.
After being betrayed by his own people Babur leaves Ferghana to Shaibani for the sake of his family and single-handedly manages to capture Samarkand. A few years later, Shaibani sets his eyes on Samarkand once again forcing Babar (Kunal Kapoor) to chose between war and peace. This time he has to lose more than just the throne on the path to peace.
After losing his beloved sister Khanzada (Drashti Dhami) as a prisoner to Shaibani, Babur loses his dedication for peace and chooses the life of a soldier forever on the battlefield to win back the throne and the safety of his sister. With his grandmother (Shabana Azmi) Aisan Daulat Begum’s support and sister’s love from behind enemy lines, Babur manages to win back Samarkand.
Now Babur planned to attack on Hindustan against powerful Ibrahim Lodi and first battle of Panipat fought in 1526. Will Babur able to rule in India and what happens after is all about this story.
Positives
1. Performances
2. Story
3. Direction
4. Climax
5. Cinematography
Negatives
1. Length
2. 2nd half bit slow and boring
3. Music
4. Screenplay
Durgesh Tiwary’s View : When I had watched the trailer of this series planned to watch this series because it is based on real story of Mughal
Series begins with the First Battle of Panipat in April 1526, where Babur who has almost laid down his arms in the field, is remembering the journey of his life. Where did you go from and where did you reach? The story reaches Samarkand and Fargana in flashback. Where after the death of the father, 14-year-old Babar is placed on the throne of Fargana by Nani, but the eyes of Fargana’s enemy Shaibani Khan are fixed here. He wants to capture both Fargana and Samarkand. Babar likes peace. He cares about family and people. He doesn’t want bloodshed. He also remembers the dream shown by his father. Babar proposes to Shaibani Khan that if he is allowed to leave the fort along with his family and well-wishers, he will be gone forever. Shaibani agrees but on the condition that Babur leave his beautiful sister Khanzada there with her.
I feel episodes little too long especially in places where there is song-and-dance. For those who have an interest in history this show could be a mildly interesting choice, once you get past the first couple of episodes. series isn’t without flaws, but it manages to keep you interested and invested.
The Empire, however, is a visually rich show with a narrative that is gripping in parts. The historical saga has its moments, especially on the battleground. The war sequences are shot impeccably, and offer viewers the whole view of the battleground and its intensity. My view on this web-series Recommended and also If you are a fan of period dramas then it’s a must watch series.
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