| Genre: | Mythology Drama |
| Based On: | Devi Mahatmya Kalika Purana Devi-Bhagavata Purana |
| Creative Director: | Nitin Mathura Gupta |
| Creator: | Siddharth Kumar Tewary |
| Story: | Siddharth Kumar Tewary Utkarsh Naithani |
| Screenplay: | Utkarsh Naithani |
| Starring: | Pooja Sharma Saurabh Raj Jain Meghan Jadhav Kanan Malhotra Nikita Sharma |
| Opentheme: | Kram Kreem Hum Hreem Kalikaye Hum Phat |
| Country: | India |
| Language: | Hindi |
| Num Seasons: | 1 |
| Num Episodes: | 95 |
| Producer: | Gayatri Gil Tewary Rahul Kumar Tewary |
| Cinematography: | Anshumann Mandlay |
| Editor: | Paresh Shah Madan Mishra |
| Camera: | Multi-camera |
| Runtime: | 45 minutes |
| Company: | Swastik Productions |
| Network: | Colors TV |
Mahakaali — Anth Hi Aarambh Hai (English: Mahakali — The end marks the beginning) is an Indian (Hindi language) television series that premiered on 22 July 2017 on Colors TV.[1] The show traced the epic story of Goddess Parvati’s metamorphosis into Mahakali.[2] Produced by Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Swastik Productions, it starred Pooja Sharma in the title role of Goddess Mahakali, Sourabh Raj Jain as Lord Mahadev and Kanan Malhotra as Lord Vishnu.[3]
The show's plot revolves around the much-adored tale of Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva (sister of Lord Vishnu) and her alter-ego, Mahakali.
Adi Parashakti, the supreme Goddess of the Universe (according to the Shakta faith) 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 (of which 107th birth was of Sati). So, Adi Parashakti 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 marriage is threatened when the demon king Shumbha (along with his brother Nishumbha) expresses his desire to marry Parvati and wages war against Shiva. 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. Her rampage inspires other goddesses like Lakshmi, Saraswati and Indrani to bring forth their inner warriors and fight alongside Kali.
Mahakali is able to overthrow Shumbha's tyrannical rule and slay all his associates (including famed demons like Mahishasura, Bhandasura, Tarakasura, Nishumbha, Raktabija and Chanda and Munda) in the process.
In years following her triumph, Shiva and Parvati expand their family to include their sons Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. Further stories highlight annihilation of threats like Banasura, Narakasura, Arunasura, Durgamasura, Andhak and the like – all being formidable demons famously killed by the Goddess in various incarnations. The show 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.
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, and that the story would be blend of some fiction and stories from different Puranas.[5]
The show opened up with 6507 impressions and was the third most watched urban television show in its debut week in India.[6]
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."[7]