Kurukshetra Part 2 review: Karna's truth and Draupadi's pain anchor a compelling, dramatic climax to the war

Kurukshetra: Part 2 is a morally gray finale where the Pandavas' 'victory' feels hollow. It delves into the weighty secrets of Karna and Krishna's strategic manipulations.

Kurukshetra: Part 2 review

Kurukshetra: Part 2 story:

Continuing where Part 1 left off, Kurukshetra: Part 2 continues to explore the tense and decisive last four days of the 18-day Kurukshetra War, the epic Mahabharata animation series's last instalment. Crucial events, including the inevitable combat between Arjuna and Karna, Bhima's vindictive confrontations, and Duryodhana's last, predetermined demise, take place in this last section, which propels the massive war to its harsh and dramatic finale. In this visually stunning and profoundly introspective finale to the age-old saga, the show stays true to its roots by examining the mental and ethical toll of the conflict and how each soldier faces the results of their decisions as allegiances fall apart and dharma (righteousness) is put to the test.

Kurukshetra: Part 2 review:

Karn, one of the most enigmatic characters in Mahabharata unexpectedly finds himself amidst the Pandavas and Kauravas, but with a purpose. The suspense surrounding his true identity – whether he is a Brahmin or a Kshatriya – has always been a topic of interest throughout the narrative. Ultimately, he comes to know he is the illegitimate child of Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. In the second part of Kurukshetra, we explore the final days of the war, which ultimately leads to a victory for the Pandavas, achieved through dubious means and questionable righteousness.

Lord Krishna's manipulation and his desire for his brothers to win the war remain constant amidst all the chaos. Since the beginning, Keshav demonstrates that every problem has a solution, fully aware of the consequences and the impact on the world. In the first part, I found the pace problematic because the narrative felt rushed in its portrayal of how other characters faced their fates, leading to a sense of lost humanity throughout the process.

ALSO READ: Kurukshetra review: Rushed, yet nostalgic animated journey back to the Mahabharata

The first part gave us glimpses of Draupadi's Vastraharan, or the process of disrobing. Finally, the incident is depicted more clearly, and what I appreciated most about this sequence is the explicit details about Panchali's menstruation during the time Dushasan dragged her to the royal court to disrobe her in front of her five husbands. Nothing can ever bring justice for what happened to her, so the story frequently references the moment that triggered the war.

Regardless, the suspense intensifies as the war nears its conclusion. Thankfully, the story does not end with the Pandavas winning the war and Yudhishthir ascending to the throne of Hastinapura. Not many people are aware of the aftermath of the war. I appreciated the numerous analogies that surfaced, many of which still hold true today. For example, we have often heard that women can never keep secrets. The series explains that the belief originated from mythology, specifically when Yudhishthir cursed women after discovering that his mother, Kunti, had concealed the truth that Karn was her son and the elder brother of the Pandavas.

On one hand, the series depicts the Kauravas as demonic figures who showed no remorse for their actions, believing themselves to be superior to the Pandavas even before the war began. However, even as Duryodhan approaches death, we see his human side; it is equally important to recognise that his upbringing and Shakuni's manipulation shaped who he became.

One gripe I still have with Kurukshetra is that it still tries to be a starter pack or a beginner's guide to Mahabharata. But in the process, the series makes an easier watch for people who are aware of the mythology and its characters. To be honest, after a long time, ambient viewing is not suitable for viewers. The series makes a concerted effort to capture viewers' attention and achieves significant success in doing so.

If watched at a stretch, the 18 episodes do take the right journey from the beginning till the end of getting to know basic but in-depth knowledge about the Kurukshetra war and how it changed the course of the world. So many aspects have been taken with relatability context so as for people to know how it stays relevant in today's times.

In a time when popular culture has explored the Ramayana extensively, Kurukshetra offers a refreshing perspective on a story that provides deeper insights into human nature, which transcends mere righteousness.

Kurukshetra: Part 2 verdict:

Kurukshetra: Part 2 is a decisive and deeply introspective conclusion. It’s an epic that proves victory isn't always right when it’s achieved through dubious dharma. The series successfully unveils the heavy, human toll of the final battles, ensuring the legacy of the Pandavas is forever marked by the grey areas of war. The series is a powerful watch that manages to be a starter for some but a finisher for the soul.

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