Netflix's Official Poster for ‘Kurukshetra’ | Credit: Netflix
Netflix Bets on Indian Epic With Animated 'Kurukshetra' Series
Streaming giant's first mythological animation in India tests appetite for traditional stories in modern anime format
Highlights
- Netflix premieres Kurukshetra: The Great War of Mahabharata, its first Indian mythological series on Oct. 10.
- The 18-episode show retells the 18-day battle from 18 different warriors’ perspectives, blending tradition with modern anime-style storytelling.
- Beyond streaming, the series tests India’s mythological IP market potential, opening doors for spin-offs, games, and franchise opportunities.
Netflix is bringing one of India's oldest tales to the screen in a new format, premiering Kurukshetra: The Great War of Mahabharata on Oct. 10 in what the streaming service calls its first venture into mythological animation in the country.
The 18-episode series recounts the climactic battle from the Mahabharata, an ancient Sanskrit epic poem that's considered one of the oldest epics in world literature. Each episode presents the 18-day conflict through the perspective of a different warrior, according to Netflix.
Highlights
The company released the official trailer on Oct. 1, billing the show as a "groundbreaking new animated series." The series aims to make the epic accessible to contemporary audiences through modern storytelling techniques.
Kurukshetra Plot Details: Cast, Creators, and Production Team
Highlights
The trailer emphasizes moral ambiguity at the heart of the narrative, featuring the deity Krishna's advice: "Iss yuddh mein na koi mitra hai, na koi shatru" (Mahabharata's battlefield knows no friends or enemies).
"The battle of Kurukshetra is unforgettable and timeless—it is a collision of duty, destiny, and moral choices," said creator Anu Sikka, who produced the series under Tipping Point production house with Hitech Animation Studio.
Ujaan Ganguly wrote the screenplay and directed the series, his directorial debut. Netflix has rated it U/A 16+, indicating parental guidance for viewers under 16.
The voice cast includes Vinod Sharma, Sahil Vaid, Saumya Daan, Annamaya Verma, Manoj Pandey, Himanshu Rana, Neha Gargava, Neshma Chemburkar, Pawan Kalra and Krutarth Trivedi.
Indian Mythology IP: Market Potential and Franchise Opportunities
The series represents another test case for monetizing India's mythological intellectual property through contemporary media. Animation and interactive platforms have previously helped revive interest in Greek and Norse mythology globally.
The theatrical success of "Mahavatar Narasimha" has demonstrated the commercial viability of mythological animation in India. The film became the first Indian animated feature to cross the ₹100 crore domestic threshold within two weeks of release, ultimately earning over ₹320 crore world-wide. The performance outpaced imported animated films and drew strong numbers in overseas markets including North America.
If successful, "Kurukshetra" could benefit from Netflix's international distribution network for localization and licensing opportunities. The battle-focused narrative lends itself to potential spin-offs, video games, and augmented or virtual reality experiences.
As Netflix India's first mythological animation, the series also serves as a showcase for the country's animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics sectors.
Author
Kamalikaa Biswas is a content writer at Outlook Respawn specializing in pop culture. She holds a Master's in English Literature from University of Delhi and leverages her media industry experience to deliver insightful content on the latest youth culture trends.
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