Netflix India is charting new territory in mythological storytelling with its upcoming animated series Kurukshetra, inspired by the epic Mahabharata. Set to premiere October 10, 2025, the project will be released in two installments, each comprising nine episodes, that promise a visually immersive retelling of one of India’s most enduring narratives.
A Bold Narrative Through 18 Perspectives
Rather than retelling the story through a single protagonist, Kurukshetra takes a bold approach, presenting the 18-day war through the eyes of 18 pivotal warriors. These characters navigate moral dilemmas, internal conflicts, and loyalties tested by the devastating war that turned brothers against each other.
Creative Vision and Production Team
The series bears the creative imprint of Anu Sikka, who conceptualized and created the show and has taken on producing duties alongside Alok Jain and Ajit Andhare under the Tipping Point banner.
Ujaan Ganguly serves as both writer and director, entrusted with weaving the intricate emotional threads of the tale into an animated format that balances tradition with modern sensibilities.
Lending poetic depth to the experience is Gulzar, who has been brought on as the series’ official lyricist, a move that adds cultural gravitas and lyrical elegance to the production.
A New Era for Mythological Anime in India
Netflix India’s Tanya Bami, Series Head, underscores the cultural and contemporary significance of Kurukshetra:
“Kurukshetra is the first mythological anime from Netflix India and a truly novel take on the Mahabharata… a mirror to our choices and dilemmas, as relevant today as it was centuries ago.”
The platform hopes the series will resonate with both Indian and global audiences, reframing the epic not merely as a tale of gods and kingdoms but as a universal exploration of duty, destiny, and human conflict.
Creative Commentary: Exploring Duty, Destiny, and Storytelling
Anu Sikka reflects on the enduring power of Kurukshetra’s battlefield:
“The battle of Kurukshetra is unforgettable and timeless — it is a collision of duty, destiny, and moral choices. Through this animated series, we explore the 18 days of Kurukshetra with its distinct perspectives, blending eternal wisdom with the power of visual storytelling… making this epic story accessible to Indian and global audiences in a visually stunning rich new format.”
Release Date and Streaming Plans
Kurukshetra will debut in two parts, each containing nine episodes, and begins streaming on October 10, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
Significance and Anticipation
This ambitious endeavour marks Netflix India’s entrance into animated mythology, offering a fresh and visually compelling format for one of India’s greatest epics. With its ensemble of creative voices like Anu Sikka’s vision, Ujaan Ganguly’s direction, Gulzar’s lyrical artistry, and Tanya Bami’s leadership at Netflix, the series aims to bring ancient storytelling into the present with resonance and emotional depth.
As the release approaches, industry watchers and viewers alike are eager to discover how this reinvention of the Mahabharata will speak to a modern audience attuned to both tradition and innovation.
By – Sonali