Dharmakshetra

I was sick and tired of the pathetic attempts at Mahabharat by Ekta Kapoor and her ilk. But this show comes as a unique take on the scripture. The strength of the show is the amazing script and dialogues, and how they bring out the unknown and not so popular stories from the epic. I had so many questions after watching BR Chopra's Mahabharat (which I consider at par with Lord of the Rings). Why did Krishna not stop the war, why did Yudhistir bet his brothers and wife in the gamble, was Duryodhan a selfish friend who used Karna for his own good, etc etc. The show answers all these questions basis actual stories from the scripture. An absolute must watch for all. Another show I would recommend is Upanishad Ganga from Doordarshan (now on Youtube)

Dharmakshetra Netflix series: I am glad I've accidentally came across this show on Netflix.

Though skipped it a couple of times thinking "why watch a mythological show that had been packaged many times by many", I am glad I took a chance to watch one episode and it just went on until I finished the whole series. Not disappointed at all.

Truly this is refreshingly different from the Mahabharat extravaganzas any of us had ever watched.

No extravagant ostentatious sets, No heavy makeup, No gaudy jewellery - not even those huge gems studded golden crowns. No vigorously imaginative artistic style. No exuberance what so ever at all. - Probably because the souls need none of these.

It just had one purgatory set and perhaps just one additional room which was altered for some flashback scenes of various key incidents.

Very simple clothes and easily understandable shuddh Hindi. The flashbacks and war scenes were to the point carefully crafted.

It's not a stereotyped linear narrative. It's a hybrid narrative which is non-linear, quest centric, view point oriented.

All episodes happen on a purgatory set where the main characters (both protagonists and antagonists) of Mahabharata blame, accuse with allegations, provide counter allegations which are further brainstormed in the court of Chitragupta (the Angel / Demi God who keeps records of the deeds of all human beings)

Each character was put on trial in the Dharmakshetra, the 'court of righteousness'. Everyone's inner mind and thoughts were exposed as they were allowed to openly and freely speak their mind and heart.

Every character has shades of grey and supporting reasons rather justifications. Each character is crafted in a way that nothing beyond human emotions are reason for the great battle of Kurukshetra.

Good screenplay - In some episodes it appears to be little stretched and repetitive but given that point of view (Why a particular individual character did what he or she did on earth) has to be explained in a plausible manner, it's worth that stretch.

Almost all the actors are from the small screen. Watching 'Crime Petrol' actors in the mythological characters was initially hilarious but because of the seriousness of the subject itself slowly I came out of that cynical mindset and appreciated each actor's effort. No doubt every actor proved their mettle.

Recommend this series for those who appreciate philosophical thought process, and logic seekers from the great text 'Mahabharata'.

The plot of this series is a courtroom drama between the characters when they meet in the afterlife. The content is engaging as all clever and cunning acts done by every major character of Mahabharath is discussed in the form of courtroom drama with Chitragupta being the judge. The series identifies the grey parts of the epic and gives better answers to the sinful acts committed by the characters (includes even Nakul, Sahadev, Dushashan, Vidur). Every episode is the allegations faced and justifications told by the characters and helps to view the epic from their point of view. One of the best and interesting adaptations of the Mahabharath Epic. A worthy watch on Netflix!!!

Loved the concept and unique take on Mahabharat. People criticising for small details should consider the bigger picture and message the entire concept is trying to convey. Hats off to the writer for brilliant concept!!!

I have learnt that, our actions do have a reaction and you have to face the consequences of it if not in this birth but in the forthcoming births. You cannot escape it. This was clear through the narratives.

The arguments and counter arguments are convincing and appear reality. They clear lot of our doubts as well.

Actors have also done a great job. Direction screenplay verything is to the point.

What a brilliant show, watch it and you will understand entire Mahabharat saga.