Netflix's 'Kurukshetra Part 1' Web-series Review: The epic telling of Mahabharata sweeps you with its grandeur and imagination

Cast: Vinod Sharma, Sahil Vaid, Saumya Daan, Annamaya Verma

Director: Ujaan Ganguly

Language: Hindi

Mahabharata is easily one of the grandest battles ever fought in Indian history. And many filmmakers in India have made attempts to recreate this sweeping saga that envelopes all possible emotions into one gargantuan tale. This has been Aamir Khan’s dream project, and SS Rajamouli also has his eyes to tell this story his style. Now coming to the animation prospects and standards in India, this is something that hasn’t been paid much attention to. But Netflix, the streaming giant, has taken one of the plunges. And guess what, they attempt none other than the tale of Mahabharata itself, and they have called it Kurukshetra.  

First, let’s talk about what Mahabharata says. It’s about the Pandavas and the Kauravas. It’s a battle of five against a battle of 100. It’s about Lord Arjuna and his invincibility, about his inspiring vision. Who can forget the ‘Machli Ki Aankh’ references that continue to stand the test of time? Who has not been inspired by the Bhagavata Geeta and Lord Krishna’s deep and piercing words of wisdom that neatly describe the sheer beast that life can be? Who can forget what Draupadi went through and fought for her honour? This is the ultimate battle waiting for celluloid adaptation.

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The series whose part one is now streaming on Netflix is conceptualised and created by Anu Sikka, and the animation is handled by Hitech Animation. And major props to them for creating something so magnificent with fruitful results. But when you try animation, what matters apart from the visuals and effects is the right choice of actors that can do justice to the motivations and nature of the characters. And Kurukshetra scores here as well. The name itself is intriguing. The makers didn’t go for the title Mahabharata. They opted for a name that summarizes the battle.

But as stated above, this is only part one. We have to witness a lot more. It’s nearly impossible to get all the conflicts of Mahabharata so soon. But once you get into the world the makers have created, you are bound to get swayed, and inspired. 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. It’s a story rooted in Indian culture, reimagined to travel across borders. It brings the timeless saga of the Mahabharata to life from the perspective of 18 warriors, each wrestling with moral dilemmas, decisions and destinies that forever changed the course of history. Now on to part two.

Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)

‘Kurukshetra Part 1’ is now streaming on Netflix