Netflix Unveils Motion Poster for ‘Kurukshetra’: First Animated Mahabharata Series Premieres October 10
On September 10, 2025, Netflix India marked its entry into the animated mythology genre with the announcement of Kurukshetra, an epic animated series inspired by the Mahabharata. The streamer released the first-look motion poster across social media platforms, offering a glimpse into the visually stunning retelling of the iconic 18-day war between the Pandavas and Kauravas. The series is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on October 10, 2025, promising to blend timeless wisdom with modern visual storytelling for audiences in India and beyond.
The Motion Poster and Teaser Glimpse
The motion poster, shared on Instagram and other platforms, features dramatic visuals of Lord Krishna, the Pandavas, and other legendary figures from the epic, set against the backdrop of the battlefield. Accompanied by a caption in Hindi—”Shankhnaad ke sath arambh hoga dharm aur adharm ka mahayudh” (The conch shell will herald the great war between righteousness and unrighteousness)—it teases the emotional and moral intensity of the narrative. The post ends with: “Watch Kurukshetra, out 10 October, only on Netflix.” Fans have flooded the comments with excitement, with reactions like “Omgggg Finallyyyyy” and “Waiting,” highlighting the buzz around this fresh take on a cultural cornerstone.
Series Overview and Creative Team
Conceptualized and created by Anu Sikka, Kurukshetra is produced by Tipping Point, with Alok Jain, Anu Sikka, and Ajit Andhare at the helm. The series is written and directed by Ujaan Ganguly (also spelled Ujjan Ganguly in some reports), who brings a layered perspective to the Mahabharata by exploring the viewpoints of 18 key warriors. Each episode delves into their internal conflicts, personal vendettas, and the devastating human cost of a war that divides brothers, making it a mirror to contemporary dilemmas of duty, destiny, and morality.
Adding poetic depth, legendary lyricist Gulzar contributes the lyrics, infusing the project with gravitas and emotional resonance. As Anu Sikka stated, “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.”
Tanya Bami, Series Head at Netflix India, emphasized the project’s significance: “Kurukshetra is the first mythological anime from Netflix India and a truly novel take on the Mahabharata. It brings together everything that we look for in great storytelling. The Mahabharat has always been more than an epic; it’s a mirror to our choices and dilemmas, as relevant today as it was centuries ago.”
Netflix’s Foray into Indian Animated Mythology
This marks Netflix India’s debut in animated mythological content, expanding its slate of original Indian productions that celebrate cultural heritage. The series aims to make the Mahabharata accessible to global viewers through immersive animation, similar to how previous adaptations like Dharmakshetra (2014) explored post-war trials, but with a fresh, warrior-focused lens on the battle itself. Unlike live-action films such as the 2019 Kannada epic Kurukshetra (starring Darshan as Duryodhana) or the 2000 Hindi action-drama, this animated version focuses on emotional and philosophical depth rather than historical reinterpretations.
The announcement aligns with Netflix’s growing investment in Indian content, following successes in diverse genres, and positions Kurukshetra as a bridge between ancient lore and modern audiences. With its release just a month away, anticipation is building for what could become a landmark in Indian animated storytelling.