The trailer for SonyLIV’s new series, Maharani, is out. Created by Subhash Kapoor and directed by Karan Sharma, the 8-episode series is a political drama set in Bihar. It stars Huma Qureshi as a housewife who’s made the Chief Minister of the state. 

The trailer opens with an assembly session in chaos. Everyone is shocked at Rani Bharti, a demure, illiterate housewife, being made the new CM. Rani is staunchly reluctant herself, refusing to leave home and lord over a male-dominated system. But as bullets fly and a widespread corruption scandal breaks, she gradually takes on the role.

The fictionalised series is seemingly inspired by Rabri Devi, the three-time former Chief Minister of Bihar. Like Huma’s character, Rabri Devi had unexpectedly come to power when her husband, Lalu Prasad Yadav, was named in the Fodder Scam and had to quit. Subhash Kapoor’s last feature, Madam Chief Minister, also followed an ascendant female politician in North India. The film was reportedly inspired by Mayawati. 

Maharani also stars Sohum Shah (as Rani Bharti’s husband), Amit Sial, Kani Kusruti and Pramod Pathak. The series will stream on SonyLIV from May 28.