The show's plot revolves around the much-adored tale of Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva and her alter-ego, Mahakali. Adi-Shakti, the supreme Goddess of the Universe creates Brahma – the progenitor, Vishnu – the protector and Shiva – the destroyer, and their female counterparts. According to her promise to Shiva, who expressed his love to her, she takes multiple births on earth to woo and wed Him. He is entrusted with the duty of transforming the earthly incarnations of the Goddess into Mahakali but failed 107 times. So, Adi-Shakti finally incarnates as the princess of the Himalayas and is renowned as Parvati. With her strong will and intense devotion, Parvati becomes the wife of Shiva. However, their after marriage is threatened when the demon king Shumbha expresses his desire to marry Parvati and wages war against Shiva. So, in an attempt to protect all those who have taken up refuge in her home at Mount Kailash, Parvati rushes into the war, successfully channeling Goddess Mahakali, her untamed warrior side through her unbound rage. She also gave confidence to other Devi's including Devi Lakshmi & Devi Saraswati & made them as warriors. Mahakali is able to overthrow Shumbha's tyrannical rule and destroy all his associates in the process. In years following her triumph, Shiva and Parvati expand their family to include their sons Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikkeya. Further stories highlight the success of the female endeavor against the patriarchal anarchy which manifests as threats like Banasura, Narakasura, Arunasura, Durgamasura, Andak and the like – all being formidable demons famously killed by the Goddess in various incarnations. The story also highlights the importance of family sticking up for each other, as the Kailash-Parivar face multiple social challenges and deconstruct many primitive thought processes. Other Shakta deities featured in the show as Parvati's incarnations are the 9 'Nava Durgas' and 7 of the 'Dus Maha Vidhyas'. Some other Goddess who manifest as Parvati's incarnations include Shakhambari, Satakshi, Sitala, Mhalsa, Kanya Kumari, Matsya, Sati and Brahmari. The Goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati too often make appearances as Vaishnavi, Narayani and Brahmani. They two often helped Mahakali in her war. The story ends with that Parvathi learns about the entire, that who is she. She finally creates the universe, & Vishnu & Shiva become proud of Mahakali, where again for a war the Tridevi in their warrior form goes on.
Cast
Main
Pooja Sharma as Goddess Parvati / Mahakali / Durga / Navadurga / Dus Mahavidya ; except Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi and Kamalatmika / Sati |Ambika, Matsya Parvati, Ardhanarishvara,Annapurna,Hinglaj mata, Kamakhya, Mahishasura Mardini,Bhramari, Shatakshi, Shakambhari, Bimala,Kanyakumari and other incarnations of Shakti.
Rohit Khurana as Shani ; son of Surya and Chaya ; step son of Sangya ; half brother of Yama,Yami, Ashvinikumar, brother of Tapati ; husband of Dhamini and Neela.
Actress Pooja Sharma also shared that it took nearly 3-4 hours for her to get painted in her Kali avatar. The set designs were different from other similar shows as the producer, Siddharth Tiwary, shared that he wanted the concept of the visualisation to be unique.
Reception
Ratings
The show opened up with 6507 impressions and was the third most watched urban television show in its debut week in India. The Times of India stated, "The show is a perfect blend of drama and mythology. Compared to the other shows, the VFX effects used in Mahakali are excellent and seeps one into the world of fantasy. Right from the backdrop setting to the costume drama, the make-believe looks convincing and draws you into its tale. The show has elaborate costumes and jewellery which make it furthermore engaging to watch."
Adaptation
It was dubbed in Tamil as Kaakum Deivam Kali on Colors Tamil.
