The timeless Indian epic enters the animation arena, offering a fresh, character-driven perspective on the great war.
In a bold move for Indian animation, Netflix has released Kurukshetra, an ambitious animated series that retells the story of the Mahabharata through the eyes of 18 key warriors on the battlefield. This isn’t the grand, sweeping narrative of the entire epic, but a focused, intimate look at the personal struggles, moral conflicts, and devastating costs of the 18-day war between the Pandavas and Kauravas.
With Part 1 now streaming, the series aims to make this ancient story accessible to a global audience, using the power of animation to visualize the scale and philosophy of one of history’s greatest epics in a way that feels fresh and compelling.
A Tale of 18 Warriors, Not Just Two Sides
The most striking aspect of Kurukshetra is its narrative structure. Instead of presenting a single, linear story, the series dedicates each episode to a different warrior’s perspective.
Part 1, consisting of nine episodes, covers the first nine days of the war, diving into the viewpoints of characters like Sanjay, Bhishma, Dronacharya, Arjun, and the tragic hero Abhimanyu. This approach moves beyond the simple dichotomy of good versus evil, revealing the “emotional intensity and moral complexity” faced by each character. We see Arjuna’s hesitation, Abhimanyu’s courage, and the internal conflicts of legendary teachers like Drona, making the ancient story a profound study of human frailty.
Groundbreaking Animation with a Human Touch
Conceptualized and created by Anu Sikka and brought to life by animation studio Hitech Animation, Kurukshetra is a significant technical achievement in Indian animation. The series is directed by Ujaan Ganguly, with celebrated poet Gulzar serving as the lyricist and narrator, whose voice provides a soulful and dignified anchor for the entire series.
The animation style aims for a grounded, earthy feel rather than a fantastical one. The battle scenes are dynamic, capturing video game-like thrills with warriors like Drona levitating at will and arrows generating dust storms on impact. The series also handles the epic’s iconic moments with visual flair, such as the formation of the deadly Chakravyuh and the revelation of the Bhagavad Gita’s wisdom in the Vishwaroop episode.
However, some reviews note that the animation, while competent, can be uneven. The character designs, particularly for secondary warriors, can sometimes be hard to distinguish, and the production doesn’t quite match the slick polish of global animated giants. Despite this, the larger set pieces and the earnest effort to visualize the epic’s grandeur largely hold the viewer’s attention.
A Respectful Yet Modern Retelling
The series has been largely praised for its respectful treatment of the source material while making it palatable for a new generation. By focusing tightly on the 18-day war and using flashbacks for context, the creators have distilled the massive epic into a focused, digestible format without losing its core themes of duty, destiny, and the futility of vengeance.
The critical reception for Kurukshetra has been generally positive, with many highlighting its ambitious premise and emotional depth.
| Publication | Rating & Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| Firstpost | 3/5 – “The series brings one of India’s greatest epics to the world in a format that feels fresh, dynamic, and palatable for a new generation.” |
| Moneycontrol | 3.5/5 – “A visually ambitious and narratively compact retelling… It captures the essence of human conflict and moral struggle, offering a fresh lens on a timeless tale.” |
| Koimoi | 3.5/5 – “It finally dissects Mahabharata at its basic – a war that needs to dissect its warriors… Gulzar’s narration single-handedly elevates the entire web series.” |
| Scroll.in | (No Rating) – “The ethical dilemmas faced by the humans of the Mahabharata come through despite flattened, attention-deficit storytelling.” |
A common critique among reviewers is the voice casting. Aside from Gulzar’s standout narration, some feel the other voice actors deliver performances that are “generic” and lack the star power needed to fully embody legendary figures like Krishna and Arjuna. The non-linear storytelling, while interesting, can also feel jumbled at times, potentially confusing viewers less familiar with the epic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many episodes of Kurukshetra are there on Netflix?
Part 1 of Kurukshetra is currently streaming on Netflix and consists of 9 episodes. The series is planned in two parts, with the second season expected to cover the remaining nine warriors and the final days of the war.
2. Is the Kurukshetra series suitable for children?
The series is rated 16+ on Netflix. While it is animated, the content deals with mature themes of war, moral dilemmas, and the emotional trauma of battle, making it more suitable for teenagers and adults.
3. In which languages is the series available?
Kurukshetra is available in Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, making it accessible to a wide audience across India and the world.
4. Who are the main creators behind this series?
The series is conceptualized and created by Anu Sikka, written and directed by Ujaan Ganguly, and features narration and lyrics by the legendary poet Gulzar.
The Final Verdict
Kurukshetra is not a perfect series, but it is a commendable and important one. It represents a significant step forward for Indian animation, proving that the medium is capable of handling complex, mythological narratives for an adult audience. While it stumbles occasionally with its voice work and pacing, its core ambition—to humanize the warriors of the Mahabharata and explore their inner battles—succeeds powerfully.
Kurukshetra Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the epic or a newcomer curious about this foundational story, the series offers a unique and compelling portal into the heart of the Kurukshetra war.
