Kurukshetra Animation Series Review: A Super Series on the Mahabharata
The "Kurukshetra" animation series has been described as a "super series," captivating viewers with its engaging portrayal of the Mahabharata. Though the extent of changes and additions from the original story is unknown, watching two episodes daily maintained interest throughout. The creators have painstakingly brought this immense epic to life with stunning animation, ensuring each episode is engaging. The advanced design and vision, conceived even before animation began, demonstrate excellent work.
Unparalleled Animation and Vision
The series showcases amazing grand animation, with a level of detail that makes one wonder how many years were spent on its creation. The animation quality is consistently praised, from character expressions and hand movements to action scene effects and the Telugu dubbing. The screenplay and storytelling are considered "cinema-level," providing a feeling of following the Bhagavad Gita's shlokas through characters like Sanjay and Arjuna. Even acting, managed through animation, contributes significantly to the overall experience. The third episode, depicting the slaying of Bhishma, stands out as "excellent."
Streaming Details: Where and How to Watch Kurukshetra
Currently, nine episodes of "Kurukshetra" are streaming in Telugu. Each episode runs for 25 to 30 minutes, which shortens to about 20 minutes if the last five minutes of end credits are removed. Viewers expressed astonishment at the quality of production. There are nine upcoming episodes, bringing the total to 18 episodes, which are expected to be released soon.
Strengths of the Kurukshetra Animation Series
The series focuses on key aspects of the war without lengthy introductions, making it feel like Rajamouli himself might need at least 10 movies to cover such an extensive narrative. The series offers valuable information if depicted genuinely, especially for those familiar with the Mahabharata. The animation is a major highlight, with expressions, hand movements, action scene effects, and Telugu dubbing all receiving high praise.
Areas for Improvement in Kurukshetra
While generally positive, some points were noted as areas for improvement. With the vast number of characters in the Mahabharata—including the Pandavas, the 100 Kauravas, and many others—a prior understanding of the characters is beneficial. In the initial three episodes, distinguishing characters was challenging. The narrative structure, which names each episode after a character and provides an immediate backstory, sometimes requires viewers to have an existing familiarity. Additionally, Lord Krishna, despite being Arjuna's charioteer, did not appear to be significantly highlighted, though it's speculated this might change in the next nine episodes. Those who have thoroughly read the Bhagavad Gita might be hurt or unable to accept any alterations to the story.
Episode-by-Episode Breakdown of Kurukshetra
The series offers a detailed journey through key events of the Mahabharata war:
Episode 1: Sanjay – The Prelude to War
Running for 25 minutes, this episode begins with the wedding of Uttara and Abhimanyu. Sanjay serves as a key point, witnessing the 18-day war and initiating its prelude. It swiftly covers events like Draupadi's disrobing and introduces numerous characters through a fast-paced montage, concluding with the declaration "Ready for Kurukshetra." While well-paced, having some prior knowledge of Mahabharata characters is suggested for better understanding.
Episode 2: Vishwaroop – Krishna's Divine Conviction
This episode features a highlight scene where Arjuna expresses reluctance to fight his gurus. Lord Krishna convinces him, declaring "It's all me," and reveals his Vishwaroopam. Each scene is designed to convey the meaning of a specific shloka. The episode ends with Lord Krishna confronting Bhishma, marking the completion of the first three days of the war.
Episode 3: Bhishma Pitamaha – An Excellent Account
Deemed so excellent that "even cinema might not be enough," this episode delves into the backstories of Sri Karni and Bhishma Pitamaha. It vividly portrays how Lord Krishna, with the help of Amba Devi, defeats Bhishma.
Episode 4: Dronacharya – A Glimpse of War
This segment explores why Dronacharya taught martial arts. While the episode's pace "went down a bit here," the war animation in between was described as enjoyable. Elements like Bhima getting injured and an elephant being killed are well-portrayed, indicating that many days have passed within the war.
Episode 5: Abhimanyu – A Heart-Wrenching Heroism
This episode is hailed as "not boring at all." It powerfully depicts Abhimanyu's heroic valor and emotional journey, culminating in his cruel death within the Chakravyuh. The action sequences are notably well-executed.
Episode 6: Jayadratha – A Twist of Fate
Rated as "just okay," this episode covers Jayadratha's attempt to abduct Panchali, the Pandavas' intervention, and Jayadratha's subsequent humiliation. The episode sets the stage for future events, maintaining amazing animation quality.
Episode 7: Arjun – The Fulfilled Challenge
This episode focuses on Jayadratha's death at Arjuna's hands, fulfilling a challenge. The depiction of the Padma Vyoha through animation is highly effective and perhaps better than what could be achieved in live-action. While a good episode, the scene of the head falling precisely into the father's lap was noted as slightly unbelievable.
Episode 8: Ghatotkacha – A Grand Battle
A huge war unfolds between Ghatotkacha and the Kauravas. The episode details the birth of Ghatotkacha, who is half-human and half-demon, his death in battle, and the significant loss it causes Karna. This is all presented through a grand fight sequence.
Episode 9: Yudhishthira – The Turning Point
This episode features the famous "Ashwatthama Hatah Kunjara" event, depicting Lord Krishna's strategic game with Yudhishthira. This pivotal moment is described as a "turning point" in the Kurukshetra war. The episode concludes by offering a glimpse of the next nine episodes, leaving viewers with the feeling that "there's still a lot" more to come.
Final Verdict: Is Kurukshetra a Must-Watch?
"Kurukshetra" is highly recommended as a "must-watch good series." The reviewer expressed a strong liking for it, questioning if human actors could convey the vastness of the battlefield, the intricate setup, and numerous characters as effectively as this animation. The series is presented as something that "only good if done like this." With a rating of 3.5, it's advised, "Don't miss it."
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