Netflix India is making a groundbreaking move with its first Indian animated mythology series, Kurukshetra, an ambitious retelling of the Mahabharata, set to premiere on October 10. The series, which explores the moral conflicts of 18 warriors, marks a landmark venture into a genre with immense potential for both local and global audiences.
However, Kurukshetra’s release timing couldn’t be more unfortunate. According to multiple media outlets, War 2 is all set for its digital premiere on Netflix on October 9, just one day before Kurukshetra’s big debut.
If this does happen, it could be a serious blow to the animated series, as a large portion of viewers are eagerly awaiting the OTT release of the latest entry in the YRF Spy Universe, led by Hrithik Roshan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr.
Both stars bring massive box-office power, and this scenario will heavily favour War 2’s Netflix viewership, potentially drawing away a significant chunk of Kurukshetra’s audience.
On top of this clash, the arrival of high-profile international titles in October further complicates things. Releases like Genie: Make a Wish (Korean), Steve, The Woman in Cabin 10, the Victoria Beckham docuseries, Ballad of a Small Player, and more will test Kurukshetra’s ability to stand out in an already crowded month.
Genie: Make a Wish is poised to ride the unstoppable K-drama wave in India, while the Victoria Beckham docuseries will likely appeal to an urban, influential demographic.
Add to that Steve (starring Cillian Murphy), The Woman in Cabin 10 (with Keira Knightley), Ballad of a Small Player (featuring Colin Farrell), plus anticipated returns like The Diplomat Season 3 and The Witcher Season 4, and all of these titles contribute to a hyper-competitive viewing landscape.
Each of these releases, strategically scattered throughout October, could further dilute the spotlight for Netflix’s first-ever Indian animated project.
This challenge is particularly significant because Kurukshetra isn’t just another show; it represents a strategic investment from Netflix. It shows the platform’s willingness to support Indian-made animation at a premium, cinematic level.
But if the series’ viewership gets adversely impacted by all these competing releases, it risks sending a discouraging message about the future viability of ambitious, animated Indian originals.
In the end, it all comes down to Kurukshetra’s quality and its ability to connect with Indian OTT audiences. Can it rise above Bollywood blockbusters and global heavyweights? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for more updates.
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