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In the second season of “Taj: Reign of Revenge,” show creator Abhimanyu Singh and director Vibhu Puri have crafted a more intricate and intriguing storyline, albeit with fewer thrills compared to the first season. The series delves into new characters and relationships, including the prominent additions of Mehrunissa (Noor Jahan), portrayed by Suraseni Maitra, and Salim’s sons, Khusrau and Khurram, played by Jiansh Aggarwal and Mittansh Lulla, respectively.
The emotional weight of the show rests on the complex and volatile relationship between the father-son duo, portrayed with perfection and conviction by Naseeruddin Shah as Akbar and Aashim Gulati as Salim. Shah’s impeccable diction and experienced acting skills shine through, while Gulati delivers a palpable sense of anguish, loss, and resilience.
Sandhya Mridul, portraying Jodha Bhai, and Suraseni Maitra receive significant screen time in this visually stunning ten-episode series. The first part of season two, titled “Reign of Revenge,” was released on ZEE5, building upon the strong foundation set by the well-received first season, “Taj: Divided By Blood.”
The sequel proves to be anything but disappointing, with a compelling narrative worth binge-watching. The story revolves around Akbar’s quest for revenge and his efforts to reunite with his estranged son, Salim, portrayed by Aashim Gulati. A fifteen-year time leap sets the stage for Akbar’s journey back to Sheikh Salim Chisti (Dharmendra), seeking insight into the future of the Mughal sultanate and acknowledging his past mistakes.
Meanwhile, Salim has become a rebel against Akbar, seeking revenge for Anarkali’s death from Shah Daniyaal. Naseeruddin Shah delivers a strong performance as Akbar, portraying the vulnerability of a father and the concerns of an emperor in search of a successor. Dharmendra’s portrayal of Chisti is another brilliant casting choice.
Aashim Gulati and Shubham Kumar Mehra excel in their respective roles as Salim and Daniyaal. Gulati captures Salim’s pain, yearning for love, and anger, while Mehra portrays an insecure Daniyaal hungry for the throne.
While the introduction of new characters such as Mehrunissa (Sauraseni Mitra) and Ali Quli (Rouhallah Quazim) adds depth to the narrative, Mitra’s performance lacks the required intensity in certain key moments, and Quli’s character remains unexplored. Aditi Rao Hydari’s role is reduced, although she makes appearances in both parts of the sequel.
The second season emphasises drama and explores changing dynamics within family relationships, with fewer action scenes compared to the first season. Although the pacing starts slow, it quickly picks up and maintains the quality of its predecessor.
The second part of the second season is set to premiere on May 26, with four additional episodes expected. Directed by Vibhu Puri and co-produced by Abhimanyu Singh and Roopali Singh, the series features an ensemble cast including Sandhya Mridul, Zarina Wahab, Padma Damodaran, and Rahul Bose.
The second season ends on a cliffhanger as Daniyaal plots another attack that threatens to break Salim emotionally. Overall, the second season of “Taj” proves to be a worthwhile watch, surpassing the first season in terms of storytelling and performances.
