The stories of Mahabali Bhokal have always been a wonderful blend of bravery, magic, and mythological secrets. “Dharanidhar” holds a specialMaharavan – The Grand Finale | Bhokal’s Ultimate Test and Victory place in this episode as it sets up an enemy before Bhokal who is not only equal to him in power, but whose purpose is also sacred (in his own eyes). This story is a story of conflict between ‘misunderstanding’ and ‘ego’. When two great warriors face each other, doomsday is certain. The cover page of this comics itself is very impressive, where the conflict between Bhokal and Dharanidhar is shown, which immediately attracts the readers. This comics comes after a huge event—where Bhokal ended ‘Maharavan’, the incarnation of sin.
Usually, the villain in superhero comics aims to destroy the world, but the beauty of this comics is that its ‘antagonist’ does not want to destroy the world, but wants to ‘save’ and ‘unite’ it, though in his old and untimely ways. Author Sanjay Gupta has woven a fine web of psychological and physical conflict here.
Disruption to the joy of victory
The story begins with a historic moment for Vikas Nagar. Mahabali Bhokal, who has returned after fighting one of the toughest wars of his life, Maharavan, is returning with his wives (Rupsi and Saloni) and children in the chariot of Devraj Indra. There is a Diwali-like atmosphere in Vikas Nagar. The people are standing with their eyes closed to welcome their protector. Only cheers of “Bhokal” are echoing in the atmosphere.
But, “time never remains the same.” At the very moment when the joy was at its peak, there is a terrible vibration in the earth. This was not an ordinary earthquake. A great man wakes up from a huge cave located in the forest. This great man—Dharanidhar.
Introduction to Dharanidhar:
Dharanidhar is not a demon. He is a warrior of ancient times who was sleeping for thousands of years. His physical strength can be gauged from the fact that he removes the huge rock placed at the mouth of his cave like a straw. He speaks in pure Sanskrit language, which is proof of his antiquity.
Cause of collision:
Bhokal’s chariot gets stuck in a pit due to the earthquake. The soldiers and Bhokal himself try to take it out, but then Dharanidhar reaches there and picks up the heavy chariot (on which Indra’s throne is placed) with one hand. Here is an interesting scene where Dharanidhar reads the mind of the other person with his ‘mental power’ and learns their language (Hindi).
Dharanidhar declares himself a “world savior”. He feels that he is still in his own era. He considers Indra’s throne suitable for him and starts taking it away. It is from here that the conflict between Bhokal and Dharanidhar begins. Bhokal stops him, but Dharanidhar, who considers himself the sole master of this entire earth, attacks Bhokal, thinking him to be an insignificant child.
Bhokal’s defeat:
The most shocking part of this comics is where Bhokal, who has just killed a demon like Maharavan, appears helpless in front of Dharanidhar.
Bhokal’s ‘shield’, which used to stop big weapons, could not bear the force of Dharanidhar’s punch.
Bhokal’s ‘cataclysmic sword’, which cuts iron like butter, cannot even scratch Dharanidhar’s skin.
Bhokal’s physical strength proves to be negligible in front of Dharanidhar.
Eventually, Dharanidhar knocks Bhokal unconscious with a mental blow and leaves with the throne.
Character analysis
Mahabali Bhokal:
Bhokal is shown in a different situation in this comics. He is full of confidence as he has just returned from a big win. But his quick defeat at the hands of Dharanidhar shatters his ego (or self-confidence). It shows that there is always someone in this universe who can be more powerful than you. Bhokal struggles here as a warrior and not as an invincible god.
Dharanidhar:
This is the most complex and interesting character in this story. He is not cruel, but self-respecting and arrogant. He does not consider himself ‘evil’. His purpose is to ‘protect the world’. Dharanidhar is struck by ‘Samay’ (Time). He awakens in an age (Kalyuga) where the earth is divided into boundaries and countries. His dream is of “unbroken earth”, which sounds good, but in the present reality it makes him look like a dictator.
In the flashback it is revealed that he has the blessings of Lord Parashurama. Parashurama gave him his ‘firearm axe’ and his ‘anger’ so that he could protect the earth. This backstory makes Dharanidhar an ‘anti-hero’ or ‘deviant hero’ instead of a villain.
Main points and themes of the plot
Era change and the flow of time:
In the middle part of the comics, the author presents a philosophical approach. It has been described how civilizations change over time—Satyayuga, Tretayuga, Dwaparayuga and now Kaliyuga. Yug-men like Ram, Krishna, and the Pandavas came and went. Dharanidhar was unaware of this change. When he wakes up and sees that the earth has been torn into thousands of pieces (countries), he is deeply traumatized. This part makes the comics a little thoughtful by elevating them above simple action.
War of Misunderstandings:
The battle between Bhokal and Dharanidhar is not a battle of ‘good versus evil’, but a misunderstanding between two right people. Dharanidhar feels that Bhokal is an ordinary king coming in his way, while Bhokal feels that Dharanidhar is a robber or demon stealing the throne.
Power versus pride:
Dharanidhar has immense power, but he lacks ‘conscience’. He feels that he alone can control the entire world. Parashurama’s anger is making him blind. Bhokal, even after his defeat, does not accept defeat and is ready to protect his subjects.
Drawing and Art
The work of Kadam Studio was the hallmark of Raj Comics of that period. The war between Bhokal and Dharanidhar is very dynamic. When Dharanidhar defeats Bhokal, the impact readers feel. The blowing and falling of Bhokal in the air is very well depicted.
The use of colors in the pages of communication between Parashuram and Dharanidhar is excellent. The kind of costumes and backgrounds used to show the mythological period are commendable. The artists have beautifully depicted both the ego on Dharanidhar’s face and the anger and sorrow that arise after seeing the situation of Kaliyuga.
Dialogue and Writing
Sanjay Gupta’s writing is well done. Dharanidhar speaking Sanskrit in the beginning and then using complex Hindi makes his character heavy and ancient.
Like—”We’ve woken up from Mahanidra… We’re world saviors Dharanidhar.”
“The more time I give to it, the more destruction it will cause here.” — This shows Bhokal’s devotion to duty.
The transformation of time and eras is very impressive. It takes readers deeper into the story.
Drawbacks
Although it is a great comic, there are some drawbacks:
Bhokal’s fans may be upset that the hero who defeated the gods and demons lost so easily to a human with physical strength. The neutralization of his sword and shield seems a bit unbelievable. Dharanidhar slept for thousands of years, but his cave was so close to Vikas Nagar and no one came to know? It sounds a little strange.
This comics is the first part of a series. The story continues in “Vishwa Rakshak” (World Defender). The rocks falling at the end are a cliffhanger, which makes the reader buy the next comics, but as an independent story it seems incomplete.
Conclusions and final decisions
“Dharanidhar” is a dazzling star from the golden age of Raj Comics. This is not a test of Bhokal’s power, but of his patience and struggle. These comics teach us that muscle power is not everything; time and circumstances are the strongest.
Dharanidhar is a villain you can’t hate. His purpose is great (the unification of the earth), but the method is wrong. His association with Parashurama connects the story to Indian mythology, which has always been the strength of Raj Comics.
Who should read?
If you are a fan of Bhokal. If you like stories with mythological references. If you want to see what happens when an invincible hero collides with someone who is even stronger than him.
Rating: 4/5
Last word:
This comics is a great ‘set-up’. It lays the foundation of the coming great war. When Dharanidhar’s ego and Bhokal’s resolve collide in the next part, it will be interesting to see the results. This is definitely a collectible comics. In the next comics “Vishwa Rakshak”, it will be exciting to see how Bhokal defeats this ‘mountain-like’ enemy.
