Chanakya

Chanakya is a 47-part Indian television historical drama written and directed by Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi and is based on events occurring between 340 BCE and 321/20 BCE, starting with Vishnugupta's(moniker of Chanakya) boyhood and culminating in the coronation of Chandragupta Maurya. Chandraprakash Dwivedi played the title role of Chanakya.

So the director features as an actor himself and to top it all, the protagonist of all characters. Kudos to him, who was supposed to only be a part of the scripting but had to direct it after a fallout with the to-be director. Thank God for that, else CHANAKYA would have been something and someone else.

The actors are apt, their acting perfect, not over-the-top as is the case with much other tele-serials of that era.The scripting and dialogues are perfect, as would have been in that ancient period, so is the background score, replete with shlokas and excerpts from the VEDAS and UPANISHADS.

The icing on the cake are the costumes and setting locations etc. They really look like a MAHAJANAPAD of that ancient period.

Only One complaint: The series should have been longer. Then we would have had more to enjoy and learn.

Dr Dwidevi made his first acting/direction TV venture with "Chanakya". It came out in times when several other historical and mythological series were popular. It is interesting how "Chanakya" captured the attention and minds of people in between such glamorous shows.

"Chanakya" is a result of a lot of detailed work on life of people during the rule of the Mauryan Dynasty. The sets, costumes, language & pronunciations and cinematography separate it from other costume dramas. The characters are not cardboard cut-outs. They are well-rounded and have depth. Chanakya is one of the shrewdest characters in history. He has been played so well that he virtually comes out of the screen.

On the whole, "Chanakya" reminds us that 'kutil' and shrewd minister of the Mauryas is not merely history. He created history.

Chanakya (written/directed, and played by Dr.Chandraprakash Dwivedi) is a class of its own. Though the tele-serial did not do well when telecast on Doordarshan (the Indian national television), the amount of research that went into producing the serial, the historical accuracy, and the care taken in costume every aspect of production is remarkable.

The background music is played only by instrument that were prevalent in 3rd century BC. You will also notice that the Indian horsemen will ride without saddles (which was not introduced to India before Alexander's visit to Takshasila.) The swords and shields used was also a replica of those from the Mauryan times. The most commendable aspect being the setting itself. Dr.Chandraprakash Dwivedi spent over 1 crore (10 million) rupees back in those days, for reconstructing a replica village/city of the Mauryan times. Though the city is not 100% a replica of 3rd Century Pataliputra or Takshasila, it is remarkably planned and structured as per the definitions given in Chanakya's book - the Arthashastra.

Chanakya Kautilya has been my role model since I was 7 years old. This is a man who's very thoughts will send shivers down your spine, and his insights will help you in every aspect of life - be it business, politics, or domestic affairs.

I own the eight part DVD of "Chanakya" tele-serial and have seen it over and over in the past three years. Once I play the first episode, I know for sure that I am incapable of watching anything else till we finish the entire set.

This serial is recommended for history buffs, students of politics, and common folks like me who love Chanakya.

It is not a fiction or a drama but depicts the establishment of the Maurya dynasty in India. One man, who had faced very tough circumstances not only in his childhood but also in his life made history by uniting the different independent states sharing the same culture and background into one country, India and threw the kings out who did not deserve to rule. His patriotism for his motherland was beyond any appreciation. It inspires one to preserve that culture and always uphold the needs of the country over your own needs and desires. I have watched it twice, but even when I watched it the second time, it didn't inspire me less than it did the first time. It teaches many good things and the best thing I like is the theme that if you are following the truth and have faith in your beliefs, no matter how many obstacles or hurdles you face, don't give up and you will win one day.

I would give it a 9/10 (just because at some places it has been prolonged unnecessarily, dances etc. were not that needed).

never saw a series like this before. You cant see a series like this before. A pure historic projection , without any fiction or a filler , no Dramatic effects. !! just perfect! After Watching Mahabharta This is the one I like the Most!So all of you 21th centuries people have a look on this awesome seires !