Kurukshetra Part 2 Review: Netflix Raises The Bar For Mythological Storytelling – A Masterclass In Emotion, Morality & Epic Drama!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Platform: Netflix
Language: Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada
Creator: Anu Sikka
Directors: Kaushik Ganguly, Ujaan Ganguly
Cast: Vinod Sharma, Sahil Vaid, Saumya Daan, Annamaya Verma, Manoj Pandey, Himanshu Rana, Neha Gargava, Neshma Chemburkar, Pawan Kalra, Krutarth Trivedi
Total Episodes: 9 (Part 2) | 9 (Part 1) | ~30 mins each
Introduction: A Mythological Drama With Modern Soul
Netflix’s Kurukshetra Part 2 is not just another mythological retelling — it’s an emotional, psychological and moral exploration of the Mahabharata war, told with sensitivity, cinematic brilliance and spiritual depth.
Where most shows turn mythology into a visual spectacle, Kurukshetra does something rare: it focuses on the grey shades of every character, making you question what is truly right or wrong.
The show begins with one of the most dramatic and ethically complex moments in the Mahabharata — Ashwatthama Hatohathah!
Yudishthir’s half-truth, “Ashwatthama mara gaya, lekin nar nahi kunjar,” becomes the starting point for this powerful exploration of betrayal, faith and consequence.
With Kurukshetra Part 2, creators Kaushik Ganguly and Ujaan Ganguly have crafted something that goes beyond storytelling — this is a moral reflection of humanity, set against the grandest battlefield in history.
Story: The Final Four Days Of The War
If Kurukshetra Part 1 depicted the initial chaos of war, Part 2 brings the final four days of destruction, where victory and defeat lose meaning.
The 9 episodes of Part 2 focus on the last phase of the 18-day Mahabharata war, highlighting the perspectives of Yudishthir, Kripacharya, Kunti, Dushasan, Karna, Duryodhana, Bheem, Ashwatthama, Stree Parv, and Krishna.
Unlike most retellings that glorify heroes and demonize villains, Kurukshetra Part 2 does neither.
It shows how each warrior fights his own moral battle, and how even the so-called “Dharma” gets questioned on this battlefield.
The biggest win of the writing is its neutrality — no side is shown as entirely right or wrong.
Kauravas and Pandavas both grieve, both suffer, and both commit acts they’re not proud of.
As Krishna himself says, “Kurukshetra ka yuddh Kshatriyata ka utsav nahi, balki Rajneeti ki haar hai.”
What Works: The Writing & The Depth
1. Balanced Perspective
The screenplay doesn’t romanticize the Pandavas nor vilify the Kauravas.
Krishna, though divine, is shown strategically human — making hard, manipulative decisions in the name of Dharma.
Even his “adharma” moments are questioned, and that gives the story a rare honesty.
2. Character Depth & Grey Morality
Every character’s pain and dilemma are given space.
- Karna’s loyalty and curse,
- Arjun’s guilt,
- Bheem’s rage,
- Duryodhan’s pride,
- Kripacharya’s helpless wisdom,
- and Ashwatthama’s vengeance — all come alive beautifully.
Especially Karna’s arc is heart-shattering. His loyalty to Duryodhana is heroic yet tragic. His final duel with Arjuna gives goosebumps, not because of action, but because of the moral conflict behind every strike.
3. Philosophical Narration by Gulzar Sahab
Having Gulzar Saab as the narrator is a masterstroke.
His poetic voice bridges mythology with emotion.
Every verse and commentary feels like a modern-day reflection of timeless wisdom — deep, emotional and unforgettable.
Performances: Everyone Shines!
Vinod Sharma as Karna
Outstanding! His pain, pride, and silent acceptance of fate create a spellbinding performance. When Karna finally faces Arjuna, you feel both his glory and tragedy.
He’s the emotional spine of Part 2.
Sahil Vaid as Arjuna
Sahil brings vulnerability to a warrior’s mind. His breakdowns after Abhimanyu’s death and his internal war of conscience are performed with maturity.
Manoj Pandey as Krishna
Perhaps one of the most grounded portrayals of Lord Krishna on screen.
He’s not a god with miracles here — he’s a strategist, philosopher, and sometimes even manipulator. Yet, you never stop feeling his compassion.
Supporting Cast
Neha Gargava, Neshma Chemburkar, and Pawan Kalra all deliver fine performances. Each episode feels like a short story from a grand epic — personal yet universal.
Direction & Cinematography: Grand Yet Grounded
Directors Kaushik Ganguly and Ujaan Ganguly deserve full marks for the show’s tone and treatment.
They avoid the typical loud, glittering mythological presentation — instead, Kurukshetra is shot like a philosophical war poem.
The lighting, color palette, and camera angles are earthy, not flashy. The battlefield looks raw, dusty, and human — not like a CGI spectacle.
Each episode uses symbolism and silence effectively.
When characters pause or look at the aftermath of a war, you feel the weight of their decisions.
The background score is minimal but powerful — sometimes a flute, sometimes drums, sometimes just silence.
That silence speaks volumes.
Writing & Dialogues: Deep, Reflective, Timeless
The dialogues are pure gold.
Lines like:
“Jhooth se kahin zyada ghaatak hota hai ardhasatya.”
This single line defines the series. The idea that half-truths destroy more than lies is hauntingly relevant even today.
Krishna’s words to Arjuna, Duryodhana’s defiance, Karna’s loyalty — every moment feels philosophically loaded yet emotionally relatable.
What Doesn’t Work: A Bit Rushed At Times
If Part 1 had a slow, immersive storytelling pace, Part 2 sometimes feels rushed, especially in the later episodes.
There are too many emotional beats packed close together — making it slightly hard to digest everything.
Some episodes, especially around Kunti and Stree Parv, could’ve used more breathing space to let emotions sink in.
Still, even with that flaw, the writing remains sharp, the performances gripping, and the themes timeless.
Highlights & Must-Watch Moments
- Karna vs Arjuna Duel – Emotion, philosophy, and raw human tragedy collide in this brilliant episode.
- Krishna’s Dilemma – His divine strategy meets moral questioning.
- Duryodhana’s Fall – Painful, poetic, and powerful.
- Ashwatthama’s Curse – A chilling reminder that even immortality can be a punishment.
- Stree Parv – The women’s silent perspective on war; haunting and unforgettable.
Symbolism & Deeper Meaning
At its heart, Kurukshetra Part 2 is not about victory. It’s about the price of victory.
It asks one haunting question:
“When Dharma and Adharma both start bleeding, who really wins?”
Every frame echoes the emotional toll of war.
The battlefield becomes a metaphor for the human mind — full of confusion, ego, guilt, and redemption.
By the end, you realize Kurukshetra is not just a place — it’s within all of us.
Every decision, every moral compromise, every battle between right and wrong is our personal Kurukshetra.
Climax & Final Verdict
The finale leaves you stunned and thoughtful.
Krishna’s final verdict sums up the entire journey beautifully:
“Kurukshetra ka yuddh, Kshatriyata ka utsav nahi, balki Rajneeti ki haar hai.”
It’s not just a story about war — it’s a mirror showing how power, politics, and pride can destroy even the most righteous souls.
The ending is not heroic but haunting. You don’t celebrate; you reflect.
And that’s what makes Kurukshetra Part 2 an extraordinary experience.
Technical Brilliance
- Editing: Crisp and rhythmic, perfectly balancing action with silence.
- Sound Design: Uses natural war ambience and poetic narration effectively.
- VFX: Minimal but tasteful.
- Costume Design: Authentic yet cinematic, giving a realistic ancient-war vibe.
Final Words: Why You Should Watch Kurukshetra Part 2
Netflix’s Kurukshetra Part 2 is more than a mythological series — it’s a moral commentary on humanity itself.
If you love stories that make you think, reflect, and feel goosebumps without flashy visual effects — this one’s for you.
It’s a show that redefines how Indian mythology can be presented — not as a fantasy, but as philosophical realism.
Hopefully, future mythological adaptations — especially Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming “Ramayana” — take inspiration from this benchmark.
Because Kurukshetra proves that ancient stories can feel modern, relevant, and emotionally epic — when told with honesty.
Verdict: 4/5 – A Must-Watch!
Kurukshetra Part 2 is poetic, painful, powerful, and profound.
It’s not about who wins the war — it’s about what humanity loses in it.
Watch it not for entertainment, but for enlightenment.
Because, as the series beautifully shows,
“Yudh ke baad jeetne wale bhi haar jaate hain — insaniyat se.”
