Kurukshetra: Netflix’s Bold New Take on India’s Greatest Epic

By Ayush Sachan

Netflix’s Kurukshetra is an audacious endeavor to introduce one of India’s most revered mythological tales, the Mahabharata, into the streaming era. This animated series reimagines the 18-day war that epitomized dharma and destiny, presenting a visually ambitious yet uneven retelling of the epic that has profoundly influenced Indian philosophy and culture for centuries.

A War Told Through Many Eyes

Unlike previous adaptations that centered on the Pandavas or Krishna, Kurukshetra adopts a distinctive narrative structure. Each of its 18 episodes (nine of which have been released so far) delves into the inner conflicts of a different warrior. This approach results in an anthology-style portrayal of war, seamlessly transitioning between personal duty, political turmoil, and divine intervention.

From Bhishma’s unwavering honor to Karna’s tragic loyalty, each character serves as a prism through which viewers can perceive the intricate moral landscape of the battlefield. It transcends the simplistic dichotomy of good versus evil, delving into the profound cost of righteousness.

Visual Grandeur with Uneven Execution

Visually, Kurukshetra is one of India’s most ambitious animated projects to date. The war formations, celestial weapons, and sweeping battlefields showcase scale and imagination rarely seen in Indian animation. The series’ visual identity borrows from anime and modern 3D styles, blending traditional motifs with digital dynamism.

However, that same ambition sometimes falters. Critics and viewers alike have pointed out inconsistencies in animation quality — from stiff character movements to lacklustre facial expressions. The visual splendour doesn’t always match the emotional weight of the story it tells.

Voice, Verse, and Vision

The show’s greatest strength lies in its narration. Legendary poet and lyricist Gulzar lends his voice to the opening verses, providing the series with poetic gravitas and grounding it in a sense of reverence. His narration effectively bridges the gap between the mythic and the modern, a feat that the animation occasionally struggles to achieve.

While Gulzar’s voice is captivating, some performances fall short. Emotional scenes, especially those involving moral dilemmas, are sometimes underplayed, which diminishes the impact of the otherwise powerful writing.

A Philosophical Undertone

Kurukshetra masterfully captures the profound philosophical essence of the Mahabharata. It raises timeless questions that continue to resonate with profound relevance in our contemporary world: What are the consequences of adhering to duty? Can one maintain morality in an inherently immoral society? Is victory truly worth the devastation it engenders?

The series does not glorify war; instead, it exposes its futility. Through stylized depictions of battle and haunting silences between them, it reminds viewers that the greatest wars are fought not on the battlefield but within.

Verdict: A Brave but Imperfect Epic

Kurukshetra is not flawless — but it is fearless. Netflix deserves credit for investing in an Indian story of such scale and spiritual weight. For audiences familiar with the Mahabharata, it offers a fresh and introspective lens. For newcomers, it’s a dense yet rewarding watch — provided they can look past the occasional animation hiccups.

Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)

A bold, emotionally resonant retelling of the Mahabharata that stumbles in execution but triumphs in spirit.