New Delhi: Netflix announced its first-ever foray into mythological anime with Kurukshetra, based on the Mahabharata. The lyricist for the immersive animated retelling is Gulzar. The series has been conceptualised and created by Anu Sikka, and it is produced by Alok Jain, Anu Sikka, and Ajit Andhare. Kurukshetra is written and directed by Ujaan Ganguly.
The series will deal with the perspectives of 18 key warriors, each navigating their inner dilemmas, vendettas, and the devastating cost of the war that pitted brothers against each other. The show will be launched in two parts of nine episodes each, with the first installment releasing on 10 October.
“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 eternally timeless wisdom with the power of visual storytelling” said Anu Sikka, creator of the show.
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Mythology in trend
The Netflix series comes at a time when there is an increased spotlight on mythological stories, with the upcoming film Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, among others. The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, will also be a two-part venture, with the first one releasing on Diwali next year.
In August this year, a Mumbai-based studio, Cinefai, announced an adaptation of Ramayana using next-generation generative AI tools. The studio also unveiled the trailer of its episodic series on YouTube, along with the release of the first episode.
Netflix is looking to expand its original content slate in India.
“With its distinctive storytelling lens, layered characters, and a moving background score, this series reimagines a story we’ve all grown up with in a way that speaks to today’s generation. It’s an invitation for newer audiences to discover its timeless themes through a format that feels fresh, contemporary, and compelling,” said Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India.
(Edited by Ratan Priya)