In the expansive digital cosmos of streaming entertainment, Netflix has meticulously carved out a unique territory with its stunning portfolio of animated series, moving far beyond generic cartoons to present narratives of profound complexity. The platform offers everything from the existential dread mixed with psychedelic humor in The Midnight Gospel to the vibrant, mythology-infused action of Castlevania. As viewers delve into this rich selection, a singular new entry is sparking intense curiosity: Kurukshetra.   

What is this series called Kurukshetra, and why are audiences flocking to witness this grand ancient Indian mythological epic? The appeal of this animated epic lies in its fresh lens on an age-old narrative.

Kurukshetra plunges directly into the eighteen-day dynastic war that defines the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. The Mahabharata is a colossal ancient Indian Sanskrit epic that narrates the dynastic struggle and ultimate, devastating Kurukshetra War between two branches of a single family, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Uniquely structured, the series unfolds across its two parts, each consisting of nine episodes with every instalment dedicated to the inner world and viewpoint of a different key warrior, from Arjuna's moral crisis to Duryodhana's tragic fate.

The series is a landmark production conceptualized and created by Anu Sikka, a significant voice in Indian animation. Produced by Tipping Point, with Ujaan Ganguly serving as the writer and director, the project is elevated by the involvement of legendary poet and lyricist Gulzar. The animation, handled by Hitech Animation Studio, took nearly three years and involved a vast team of artists, making it accessible to a global audience.

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While figures like Krishna, Arjuna, and Karna command much of the screen time, the true strength and intrigue of Kurukshetra lie in its willingness to explore the less-discussed characters.

The series, which premiered in two parts on Netflix starting October 10, 2025, presents the perspectives of 18 key warriors, including Ashwatthama, the warrior, and Vidura, the wise elder, who are each given distinct episodes to explore their moral choices and emotional struggles. Their personal grief, compromised morality, and sense of duty are examined in detail, demonstrating that no one emerged from the war unscathed. Similarly, the series provides a renewed focus on characters like Sanjay, the one who witnessed the whole battle.

By dedicating time to these secondary characters, the animated series transforms the battlefield into a mirror that reflects the complexity of the human conscience. Viewers are shown how characters like Shakuni, the master manipulator, and Kunti, the mother bearing silent burdens, navigated the ethical grey zones of the war. These perspectives challenge traditional characterizations, presenting a narrative in which every participant, whether king or counselor, grappled with their individual dharma and destiny. This layered storytelling is what truly makes the epic an appealing and must-watch contemporary animation.

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Have you watched Kurukshetra? Let us know in the comments below.