Mahabharata, the epic returns—this time reborn through artificial intelligence. Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh, streaming on JioHotstar and airing on Star Plus, is India’s first major AI-powered mythological series, and it’s nothing short of groundbreaking. The creators at JioStar and Collective Media Network deserve credit for daring to blend ancient storytelling with technology.
From the very first episode, it’s clear that this is a visual feast. From the grandeur of the epic to the intricate costumes—all recreated with AI—look stunning on screen. The world feels vast, majestic, and full of life. Every frame glows with colour and detail, making it a treat for the eyes. You can sense the team’s ambition.
That said, the AI-driven format comes with its own set of hiccups. The characters’ faces occasionally slip into the uncanny valley—their mouths move awkwardly, and their expressions sometimes fail to match the emotions of the dialogue. Those human subtleties—the flicker in the eye, the tremor in a voice—are missing. The result is that some deeply emotional moments feel oddly hollow, as if the story’s soul is trying to escape its digital shell.
Fair to say that it is a novel way of going back to our ancient and profound tales, showcasing that technology can be a means to keep the cultural heritage alive for the new generation. The images are eye-catching, the narrative has a majestic feeling, and the motivation for the project is praiseworthy.
However, the series might not have the warmth of human performance yet, but it opens the door to a new era of storytelling—one where tradition and technology walk hand in hand. For that vision alone, Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh deserves applause.
