Narasimha got successful. The roar reverberations had us on the edge of our seats. The box office made a bang—followed by a Netflix release that propelled equal noise amongst the home-cocooned introverts. The film was a big hit that escalated the animation sphere in India. Fast forward to that, and we now have Kurukshetra sprawling over the grounds. Kurukshetra lands as the first-ever Indian mythological retelling of the Mahabharata on Netflix.
This is no ordinary milestone. It’s a roaring declaration: Indian animation is no longer in its fledgling phase — it’s standing tall, flexing its muscles.
Launched with grandeur and applause, the series received the support of Bengali film icon Prosenjit Chatterjee. At 63, the Tollywood stalwart called the project a monumental achievement — not just for animation, but for storytelling in India. And it’s hard to argue with that. Behind the frames of Kurukshetra is the Kolkata-based Hi-Tech Animation Studio, a team of over 250 artists, animators, and technicians who invested nearly three years in sculpting this epic.
Created by Annu Sikka and written/directed by Ujaan Ganguly, the show isn’t your typical Mahabharata 101. It’s built as a two-part, 18-episode saga, with each episode narrating the war from the vantage point of a different warrior. That’s 18 unique perspectives. 18-character arcs. And 18 layers of emotional, moral, and philosophical introspection.
And here’s where it takes a step up.
The animation is expressive. A reframing. With Gulzar’s poetic verses woven through, the show crafts a rich, immersive world that feels both timeless and timely. It doesn’t merely replicate mythology — it reimagines it for a global audience, blending visual flair with emotional depth.
This isn’t just a win for Netflix’s catalogue — it’s a coming-of-age moment for Indian animation.
We’re no longer asking if Indian studios can deliver world-class content — we’re watching them do it. Right now. In high definition.
Subrata Roy, Managing Director of Hi-Tech, called Kurukshetra “a vision realised,” and perhaps that’s the most apt description. It reflects that of Kolkata’s creative strength and a nod to the future we’ve long been gearing up for — one where Indian animation doesn’t just follow trends, but sets them.
Hi-Tech Animation Studios began in 2012 in a small Kolkata flat, founded by Subrata Roy — a teacher with a vision to nurture Bengal’s creative talent for the global stage. Built on a unique academy-to-studio model, Hi-Tech blends training with production, empowering over 1,000 artists and 25,000 learners each year. From acclaimed Indian shows like Ekans – Snakes Awake to international projects, the studio has become a key player in animation and VFX. Its flagship series Kurukshetra, which reimagines the Mahabharata, premiered on Netflix in October 2025 and reached viewers in 190 countries. Rooted in Bengal’s artistic legacy, Hi-Tech stands as a proud symbol of how “Made in Bharat” can speak to the world.
So, if Narasimha was the spark, Kurukshetra is the full-blown ignition.
And the industry?
Well, it’s finally looking up.