Coincidentally, both historical dramas ? Bharat Ka Veer Putra ? Maharana Pratap and Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat are poised for a power struggle. Before his death, Udai Singh had written his last will and testament; as was certain Kunwar Pratap would succeed him as Maharana. But on Udai Singh?s death, when the Rana?s trusted aide Chundwatji read the last will, he, Acharya and all present are shocked at Kunwar Jagmal being named as the new Maharana. A clever attempt at manipulating the truth by Dheerbaiji, Udai Singh?s pretty, but Machiavellian wife. Pratap, Ajabde, Maharani Jaiwantabai and their entourage are shown the door. All subjects are warned of consequences if they are found sheltering the fugitives. When Jagmal is being crowned, the courtiers and those present are forced to hail the new king, or else?. The leader of the Bhils, Pratap?s long term ally gives them refuge. The new heir to the throne and Dheerbaiji evict the pro-Pratap courtiers. Who soon reinstate Pratap as the new Maharana. Dheerbaiji and Jagmal would have turned Mewar and Rajputana over to Akbar. In fact, they even had the Mughal flag unfurl atop, higher than their own standard. Dheerbaiji isn?t one to face defeat lying down. She?s busy plotting the deaths of Maharana Pratap and his family. She had the audacity to want to perform Pratap?s Raj Tilak when the latter stops her and exposes her scheming ways in front of the courtiers. In Chakravartin Ashok Samrat, the revelation that Ashok is Bindusara?s son by Dharma, yanks the rug from under the feet of Bindusara?s eldest son Sushim and his mother Charumitra. Ashok had already endeared himself to the king with his wisdom and bravery. That was enough cause for Sushim to hate the young Ashok, who he called a slave. Now as a?sibling and a rival for the throne of Magadh, Sushim doesn?t take the competition from the contender lightly. He is of course aided and abetted by his mother, a few courtiers and the Queen Mother Lady Helena. In a show of skill, strength and wisdom between the two princes, Sushim steals a march, with a little connivance. When Bindusara has the travel to Ujjain, he appoints Sushim as the acting King. Power hungry, reckless and cruel Sushim commits violence on the subjects, steals their lands and indulges in other malpractices. When Ashok tries to defend the poor villagers and pleads their case in court, he is humiliated and divested of all his princely rights. Not even 20, Sumedh Mudgalkar who plays Sushim Maurya is arguably among the best performances in a negative role, and the youngest to play a negative role. The young actor simply oozes with arrogance and nastiness, with glowering eyes and curling lips. Sushim wasn?t at all popular in the corridors of power in Bindusara?s palace. Siddharth Nigam as Ashoka matched Sushim with an earnest freshness and taciturn approach. Though Sushim is the heir to Magadh?s throne, Ashok has the laudable support of the courtiers and subjects. In both shows, although we know the final outcome, yet the excitement holds the viewer and has him wonder about the next step. The lives of both Ashok and Pratap are being threatened with the placement of the deadly Vishkanya and other lethal dangers in their proximity. Chakravartin Ashok Samrat has a mysterious messiah running Sushim?s best laid devious plans amuck. The makers Contiloe Entertainment and their creative teams for both shows deserve plaudits, at being able to sustain viewers? interest in both historical dramas. The weekend now belongs to the Saturday night telecast of Quantico. The thrill is even more heightened as viewers in USA and Canada too?are watching it at the same time as India. As a viewer from Canada what?s Apped: ?Quantico has got good reviews?.excellent role for Priyanka for her US debut on TV.? Priyanka Chopra has certainly landed a plum role. PC is now a global star. More power to Priyanka Chopra.