We are also at important milestone of this serial with all the primary characters assembled in Magadh- and now the real fun will begin.
Here is a quick take on where things stand and what I see as various "clubs" forming:
1. The Warrior Club: The war scenes were done well, particulalry with the duels, across Chandra, Nanda, and Malayketu. They effectively extended the battle with Chandra's injury and the setting sun saving Nand one last time. The final letting go of Nand to follow him to the stolen treasure was also a nice angle. Perhaps, more exciting for me is all the pieces of the Warrior Club are still in play. I for one was very surprised that Nand survived (was this an expected twist?) and look forward to seeing what drama that brings. Overall, hats off to this group. 👏
2. The Heart Club: The forming "heart club" is Mura and Nandini, both in their own way. Mura's transformation into the Queen Mother has been well done. She commands authority, while also thinking with her heart. It was good politics as well as intentions that she freed Nandini from jail and brought the marriage proposal. And till Nandini regains power, it looks like Mura will do the honors of telling Helena and all who come in her way the power of the heart.
😉
Nandini as we have always known is one who goes by her heart and so far that heart has been focused on her Pitha Maharaj. Now that Pitha Maharaj is presumed dead, we will have to see what direction her heart takes. So far it seems revenge, as she barges in with a bow and arrow into Chandra's chambers (either this is a dream or Magadh security is in shambles 😆 )
3. The Mind Club: Right now, this is the leading club and likely my favorite with both Chanakya and Helena. They use their brains, plan, and drive action. Chanakya planned out key elements of the victory, and even uncovered where Nand had stashed his ill-earned wealth. Helena's confidence and gait as a future Queen was done well- she completely commanded authority in her post-victory entrance into Magadh, making all the women her slaves. 👏
I also liked the latest entry with Helena's Aapmaa, she is going to be an interesting entry. While she is calculative with her mind, she understands the complications of the heart. She pointed out the thin line between hate and love, as is the case with Helena's own equation with Malayketu.
So, far, the heart and mind clubs are in sync in their decisions as all sides have landed on Chandra and Nandini's marriage as the path forward. But in the future, when there will be mind vs. heart debates, it will be quite clear who is on which side. Mura will likely be Nandini's biggest supporter.
4. The Friendship Club: So far, that is only Durdhara. With all the other sides telling Chandra what to do, she is the only one who lets him be, which must be a welcome change for Chandra. She probably does the most for him by just being there. Ironic for her given Durdhara had wanted a joru ka ghulam.
Probably, Durdhara also made the most convincing argument to Chandra on marry Nandini, "Can you go against Acharya?" 😆
5. And Chandra is a mix of all of these clubs, which is a welcome change to the one dimensional characters we usually see. He has the raw power of the warrior, the heart to forgive Nand's disabled som, a mind trained by Acharya (so far more following him), and a light-hearted friend to Durdara (he has even brushed up on his jump roping skills? It's not easy to jump rope as a two some.) 😉 😊
It is a welcome change to see a future king being melded in all sides- not all mind, nor all heart. 👏
So, let the battle of these clubs continue ...