Kurukshetra Review: An Absolute Visual And Storytelling Treat!

Kurukshetra Review: Kurukshetra is an ambitious animated retelling of the legendary Mahabharata, brought to life with a modern cinematic vision.

Kurukshetra Overview

Directed and written by Ujaan Ganguly, with co-writer Anu Sikka, this Netflix original series unfolds an epic 18-day battle through the unique perspectives of 18 warriors. Each episode dives deep into the characters’ inner conflicts, moral dilemmas, and ethical choices, offering a humanized portrayal of the ancient war between brothers.

Featuring voice performances by Vinod Sharma, Sahil Vaid, Saumya Daan, and Annamaya Verma, the series promises a rich emotional depth alongside grand war sequences. The creative team includes cinematographer Modhura Palit, costume designer Suchismita Dasgupta, and legendary lyricist Gulzar, whose contribution adds poetic gravitas to the storytelling.

Produced by Ajit Andhare, Alok Jain, and Anu Sikka under Tipping Point Films, Kurukshetra blends 3D animation with the tone of a war drama, crafting an epic saga that conveys one of India’s greatest tales for a new generation.

Kurukshetra Review

Hardly anyone is unaware of the story of the Mahabharata, which is why it’s crucial for any adaptation to present it in a fresh and satisfying way, and this animated series does exactly that. Even though this is a primarily known territory for viewers, the script is written in a way that it feels new, portraying the battle from a new perspective. The first episode sets up the premise, where we get a basic rundown of what has ultimately led to the battle of Kurukshetra. It very nicely summarises and points towards the brutality and futility of the upcoming war and foreshadows the bleak future ahead.

The storyline shifts back and forth between the present battle and flashbacks that explain the current situation through past events. But it does so in a very dramatic and engaging way that keeps the audience hooked. The cliffhangers are crafted exceptionally well, effectively teasing the next episode while concluding each episode with a memorable moment.

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From the second episode, the battle of Kurukshetra begins, and only the very fundamental segments get explored. For instance, we learn how Krishna joins the Pandava side and witness how he convinces Arjun to continue with his duty of being a warrior. Then the focus moves towards other significant warriors and their fate within the battle. Each episode is aptly titled to highlight the character it concentrates on and their contribution to the war.

The best aspect of this animated series is how it dives more into the political nature of the conflict rather than the fight itself. Yes, the 3D animated battle scenes are impressive enough, but the internal and psychological warfare that the characters go through is much more compelling.

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The segment of Abhimanyu and his fate after entering the Chakravyuh was especially noteworthy. This series opens with his marriage as the first significant event, and his destiny ultimately becomes the cornerstone of the war. His determination and tragic fate essentially serve as the emotional backbone. But apart from that, the music, the dialogues, and the conclusion of the first part come together to deliver a brilliantly executed epic experience.

Verdict

This reinterpretation does a wonderful job of simplifying the very complex storytelling of the Mahabharat, and lets even those who have no idea about the story enjoy the spectacle. The Indian animation scene is slowly reviving itself, and this is a pretty good example of it. I absolutely enjoyed each and every episode of the first part, and I am eagerly waiting for the next one.

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