The Empire
Disney+Hotstar
*ing: Shabana Azmi, Kunal Kapoor, Dino Morea, Drashti Dhami, Rahul Dev, Aditya Seal, Sahher Bambba, Imaad Shah
Rated: 6/10
Any period movie or series on Moghuls is bound to draw a lot of attention — good and bad. Bad, it is obvious; the Moghuls carried out too many atrocities and it is something that is difficult to get over. Good because it is a piece of history even if this one is a work of fiction and based on the six-part series Empire of the Moghul by Alex Rutherford. Interestingly, Alex Rutherford is the collective pen name of two writers — Diana Preston and her husband Michael Preston.
Given that the novel-series itself is a work of fiction and this series is based on it, the question here should be how close the creator, Nikhil Advani, has managed to remain to the novel. History, we are aware can be tweaked to suit one’s purpose. What happened in Hindustan once the Islamic rulers came is for all to see. Itihaas gawah hai! Therefore, glorification is not going to go down well.
The Empire is not so much about glorifying Babur but how the family killed one another or conspired, even with the enemy, in a bid to grab the throne.
Babur’s story is a case in point. This was to be repeated when Humanyun came to the throne. Not that what Aurangzeb did was any different.
What is stark here besides the obvious, is the sheer brilliance of the sets, the backdrop and some great performances by the actors. Since the series was released on OTT, the grandeur of the sets can’t be enjoyed to the fullest. But since we have already seen Bahubali, the awe factor of the opulence is not as much. But the former is a film and the latter an OTT series. The makers should be applauded for the feel and the sheer scale of the series.
While the eight-part series is a bit too long, the silver lining is that the duration is restricted to 40-45 minutes. Another plus is the acting. After Rang De Basanti, this is perhaps one of Kunal Kapoor’s best performances even though he plays a rather understated Babur. History tells us that he was cruel and sinister. To see him naïve, undecided and in parts lenient is strange.
Shabana Azmi as Aisan Daulat Begum plays her part brilliantly. But then that is expected of her.
Drashti Dhami as Khanzada Begum and Babur’s sister, has definitely proved that there is more to her than just acting in TV serials. Imaad Shah, Rahul Dev and Aditya Seal also do their best.
Overall, The Empire is worth a watch; if only for its grandeur sets.