I have a different take on this. Before telling the flaws of PV let me tell you one thing, I have watched Mahakumbh where AP was the script writer. We need to know one thing it is not whether the story is lesser known or the historical character is lesser known. It depends on how it is presented. I mean you have to connect to the viewer with your concept. Rather the viewer has to feel the emotions. Any art works only if the script can connect with the viewer's emotion.
Why I tell this is that Prithvi maybe a lesser known figure, Chandrasekhar Azad is not. So there for TRP is low and MK too suffered the same fate.
Though AP has taken complex themes the script has not been able to delve into the complexity of the character. The complexity of the character is not logical, but it is in the emotional upheaval and the choices ones makes on those upheaval. The conflicts of the person on the choices made is of utmost importance. The script fails here. As a viewer though I can analyze the script logically I cannot connect either to Mrinal or Prithvi. Mind you this has nothing to do with Ashish or Sonarika as performers. They are delivering really good performances based on the script. But this is the flaw in the script. Now leave the main character, there is no one character that connects me emotionally to PV. I see the heart of the show, but I dont feel it.
Second is ethihaas bhi, rahasya bhi. Where is the mystery. Gajakesari is introduced, but even at this point, nothing has been put that will make a normal viewer curious enough to understand what is Gajakesari's role. There are no mysterious incidents, there are no conflicts on some random happenings. Where is the mystery. In short even I miss PV for a day I am fine with it. I will watch it the next day.
But make me do the same for a show like EHT or Bepannah well I will scratch my head. EHT was out and out a thriller, bepannah you feel Aditya in your bones.
Leave those shows even when SKR was happening I couldnt wait to see UK and Ram. I could feel Ram, his pain, his confusions, his delibrations. Where is Prithvi's and Mrinals conflicts and confusions. It is only decisions and not everyone can sit and analyze decisions.
PVs major flaw is the script which is logical but is not connecting at the emotional level and it was same for MK also. I feel AP should start concentrating on this aspect than ditch the stories he would love to take.
If lesser known heroes and stories cant find the market, Lagaan wuldnt have been the blockbuster it has been to the extent that it was shown as the motivational picture for 2003 and 2011 world cup finals. Bhuvan wouldnt have been etched in the mind of millions across India and abroad. Imagine we are watching a cricket match for close to 1 hr in that movie. Why did we watch it, because people connected emotionally to bhuvan and his team. Actually it is kudos to Ashuthosh Gowarikar for screenplay and direction and then to Aamir for the performance.
This is strictly my POV as a viewer of PV