Kurukshetra Episodes 10-18 Review: An Animated Epic Dive into Mahabharata on Telugu OTT
Following up on the review of the first nine episodes of Kurukshetra, we now delve into the recently released Episodes 10 to 18. This animated series is currently streaming on Telugu platforms. After watching these concluding episodes, some viewers might find the last two, Episode 17 and Episode 18, to be a bit slow. However, they are well-crafted, focusing on the narratives that unfold after the war concludes.
Overall Impressions of the Series
The remaining seven episodes, specifically from 9 to 16, are exceptionally well-executed. In these particular episodes, Sri Krishna, Karna, and Ashwatthama emerge as the undeniable highlights. Unlike the initial nine episodes, which were heavily focused on battle, these later episodes feature significantly less direct warfare. Instead, they emphasize crucial backstories and the events that transpire once the war has ended.
Some viewers might notice what they perceive as mistakes or wish that certain characters were portrayed more powerfully or given extended screen time to showcase their strengths. However, such an approach would have made it impossible to conclude the epic within 18 episodes. The creators have commendably managed the vast storyline, pre-planning each episode to present the narrative effectively without any unnecessary content. The entire Kurukshetra series, spanning 18 episodes, is executed precisely and on point, with every detail feeling essential.
The animation and music in these episodes show marked improvement, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The storytelling, in particular, stands out as excellent. Watching this series evokes a feeling that if a film like “Kochadaiiyaan,” released a decade ago, had been presented with this level of quality animation and released on an OTT platform, its outcome might have been significantly better.
Episode-wise Breakdown
Episode 10: Krupacharya
This episode features a standout scene where Lord Narayana himself intervenes to stop Ashwatthama’s Astra. It also showcases a compelling fight between Karna and Ashwatthama as they vie for the position of the next army chief, with Karna receiving significant screen time here.
Episode 11: Karna’s Backstory
This entire episode is dedicated to Karna’s poignant backstory. It reveals his true identity when his mother approaches him, making it an interesting episode with impressive visuals.
Episode 12: Dushasana
A powerful episode that covers Draupadi’s infamous Vastraharan scene. It climaxes with Bheema’s intense revenge against Dushasana, making it an action-packed and thrilling episode.
Episode 13: Dharna
Set on the 17th day of the war, this episode depicts the epic battle between Karna and Arjuna. It marks the concluding point for Karna’s character in the series.
Episode 14: Duryodhana
This episode ends with a dramatic declaration, “The Final Battle Begins.” Dharmaraja eliminates another Kaurava, leaving only Duryodhana remaining. The reviewer expressed curiosity about what could possibly be shown in the final four episodes, given the impending climax.
Episode 15: Bheem
A fierce battle unfolds between Bheema and Duryodhana. The episode explores the circumstances under which the Pandavas confronted Duryodhana and how Sri Krishna guided them to victory.
Episode 16: Ashwatthama
An excellent episode where Sri Krishna is prominently highlighted. It showcases Ashwatthama committing a terrible act, driven by the dying words of Duryodhana. This includes Ashwatthama using the Brahmastra and Sri Krishna subsequently cursing him, marking a pivotal new turn in the narrative.
Episode 17: Stree Parvam
This is an emotionally charged and very special episode. While most discussions revolve around the war or specific characters, this episode poignantly portrays the aftermath of the war, showing the lifeless bodies and the extensive loss of life on the battlefield. It also features Gandhari’s curse upon Sri Krishna, and Sri Krishna himself notes that viewers will undoubtedly have many questions after watching this story.
Episode 18: Krishna
The final episode introduces Lord Ganesha, who is seen writing the Mahabharata. Sri Krishna concludes the series by speaking about the Kali Yuga. This episode also depicts Dharmaraja’s ascension as the King of Hastinapura, explaining why he is the rightful heir, and Sri Krishna elaborates on Gandhari’s curse.
Final Verdict and Rating
For those who are familiar with the Mahabharata through other adaptations or readings, some discrepancies might be noticeable in this series. However, overall, by the end of the series, a strong feeling emerges that “everyone must watch this history.” It evokes multiple realizations, such as “So many died? Such a big war occurred? Sri Krishna is truly great!” This series is unequivocally a must-watch.
Based on personal opinion, the series receives a rating of 3.5/5.
If you enjoyed this review and wish to see more, please consider subscribing to our channel. Thank you!
