Taj Divided by Blood Review
Taj Divided by Blood is a historical fiction series produced by Mumbai-based Contiloe Pictures and co-produced by India and the UK. The series is available on the streaming platform Zee5 and features an ensemble cast of both established and up-and-coming actors. The narrative of the series covers several decades of Emperor Akbar’s nearly 50-year reign and is fleshed out with poise and empathy by Naseeruddin Shah, who portrays the emperor as a man who responds to contradictory impulses, often swaying from acts of wisdom and benevolence to streaks of despotism.
The show’s 10 episodes are about war, bloodshed, palace intrigue, conspiracies hatched in the shadows, internecine feuds, and forbidden love that turns father against son. The plot has no dearth of genuine dramatic potential, and a significant proportion of it is realised. However, the overall impact of the series is undermined by a preponderance of passages that deliver far less than they promise.
The series focuses on the emperor’s three sons, but it does not do full justice to the women in his life. The begums, played by Zarina Wahab, Sandhya Mridul, and Padma Damodaran, make the most of the limited opportunities that they have to make their presence felt, with Wahab being especially underutilised. The focus is on Aditi Rao Hydari the role of the ill-fated Anarkali, a tragic,melancholic, caged woman. Hydari
delivers a luminous performance, although she too could have done with a little more play.
The female characters in this series seem to suffer a bleak fate. One of them is held captive against her will, while a host of others are forced into marriages of convenience and doomed to pine for love in silence. The emperor’s begums are hard-pressed to have their voices heard. In the male-dominated universe that Taj Divided by Blood is located in, a degree of monotony and predictability is inevitable.
The series presents Emperor Akbar as a guardian of justice, a defender of secularism, a much-married man, and a father to three young men who share nothing in common temperamentally. The sons test his patience – and acumen – the most. Advisers like Birbal (played by Subodh Bhave), Man Singh (played by Digambar Prasad), and Abul Fazl (played by Pankaj Saraswat) step in to show him the way forward with varying degrees of success.
Taj Divided by Blood has a vast canvas and a sweeping narrative that covers several decades of Emperor Akbar’s reign. The series is well-produced, with good cinematography and a well-designed set that captures the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. The series’ soundtrack is also well-composed and effectively enhances the emotional impact of the story.
Despite its strengths, Taj Divided by Blood suffers from a few weaknesses. The pacing of the series is uneven, and some episodes feel too slow or too rushed. The series also falls into the trap of melodrama at times, which can be off-putting for some viewers.
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In conclusion, Taj Divided by Blood is a flawed but enjoyable historical fiction series that presents unique take on the Mughal Empire. The series is anchored by a strong performance by Naseeruddin Shah as Emperor Akbar and features a talented ensemble cast. While the series has some weaknesses, it is still worth watching for its compelling story, well-produced visuals, and emotional impact.
