Meta Description: Looking for the complete Mahabharat 2013 series? Dive into our ultimate guide covering all 268 episodes, resolution formats (720p/1080p), where to watch, episode breakdown, and why this Star Plus rendition remains the definitive modern retelling of the ancient epic.
It isn't without flaws.
The 2013 Mahabharat television series, produced by Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Swastik Productions, remains a monumental achievement in Indian television. Spanning a total of 268 episodes, this adaptation of the ancient Sanskrit epic brought the complex world of the Kuru dynasty to a new generation with cinematic visuals and a deeply emotional narrative. A Modern Vision of a Classic Epic
While many grew up with the 1988 BR Chopra version, the 2013 series distinguished itself by utilizing high-end VFX, elaborate set designs, and a faster-paced storytelling style. It wasn't just a retelling; it was a re-imagining that focused heavily on the internal conflicts of its characters, making the millennia-old dilemmas feel surprisingly modern. Key Highlights of the 268-Episode Journey
The series meticulously covers the entire saga, from the roots of the Kuru clan to the devastating aftermath of the Kurukshetra War:
The Foundation: The early episodes set the stage with the story of Bhishma’s vow and the birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas.
The Conflict: Central to the plot is the escalating tension between the brothers, highlighted by the infamous Dice Game and the exile of the Pandavas.
The Bhagavad Gita: One of the most acclaimed segments of the show is the discourse between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield, which was presented with philosophical depth and stunning visual metaphors.
The Great War: The final stretch of the 268 episodes depicts the 18-day war, focusing on the fall of legendary warriors like Drona, Karna, and eventually Duryodhana. The Soul of the Show: Cast and Music
Much of the show's success can be attributed to the stellar casting. Saurabh Raaj Jain’s portrayal of Lord Krishna became iconic, characterized by a calm demeanor and a mischievous smile. Similarly, Shaheer Sheikh (Arjuna) and Pooja Sharma (Draupadi) delivered performances that anchored the show's emotional core.
The soundtrack, composed by Ajay-Atul and Ismail Darbar, added a layer of grandeur. The powerful title track and the specific character themes (leitmotifs) helped viewers instantly connect with the mood of each scene. Legacy and Global Reach
Even years after its original broadcast on Star Plus, the series continues to be a top draw on streaming platforms like Disney+ Hotstar. It has been dubbed into numerous languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and even international languages like Indonesian, proving that the themes of Dharma and righteousness are truly universal.
Whether you are a student of mythology or a fan of high-stakes drama, the complete 268-episode run offers a comprehensive look at one of the greatest stories ever told.
The 2013 Mahabharat is not a replacement for the 1988 version—it is a companion. Where the older series was restrained, theatrical, and reverential, the 2013 version is operatic, visceral, and emotionally raw. Its 268-episode length, once seen as excessive, now stands as a testament to the epic’s immensity. Mahabharat -2013- - Complete - 268 Episodes - 7...
For anyone wanting to experience the Mahabharata as a story of flawed humans, divine interventions, and moral ambiguity—without skipping the forest parables or the post-war laments—this is the definitive modern adaptation.
“Jo hota hai, woh achhe ke liye hota hai. Jo ho raha hai, woh bhi achhe ke liye hai. Jo hoga, woh bhi achhe ke liye hoga.”
— Lord Krishna (2013 Mahabharat)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Watch it for: The scale, the performances, and the courage to tell the whole story.
Mahabharat television series is a grand reimagining of the ancient Sanskrit epic, produced by Swastik Productions
and aired on Star Plus from September 2013 to August 2014. Spanning 267 episodes, this high-budget production became a milestone in Indian television for its modern visual scale and philosophical depth. Production Highlights Budget & Marketing
: At the time of its release, it was India's most expensive TV series with a total project cost of approximately ₹5.1 billion (US$60 million). Extensive Research : The creators, led by Siddharth Kumar Tewary
, spent four years on research and brainstorming. Costume designer Nidhi Yasha and consultant Bhanu Athaiya referred to over 450 books to perfect the period textiles and jewellery. Visual Grandeur
: The main set, covering 10 acres in Umargam, Gujarat, was designed by art director Omung Kumar. Filming also occurred in diverse locations like Jaisalmer, Kashmir, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Technological Shift
: The series utilised advanced VFX (winning an ITA Award for Best Visual Effects) to bring mythical settings and divine weapons to life for a 21st-century audience. Key Cast and Characters
The series features an ensemble cast noted for their physical embodiment of these legendary figures: Saurabh Raj Jain (Shri Krishna)
: Portrayed as a mentor and philosopher; his "Krishna Ki Seekh" segments at the end of episodes provided moral and philosophical insights. Shaheer Sheikh (Arjuna)
: Focused on the master archer's internal conflicts and devotion. Pooja Sharma (Draupadi)
: Noted for her portrayal of a strong, dignified woman; her "Cheer Haran" episode was a central emotional catalyst. Arav Chowdhary (Bhishma) : Focused on the emotional toll of his lifelong vows. Arpit Ranka (Duryodhana) Praneet Bhat (Shakuni) Mahabharat (2013) – The Complete 268 Episodes: A
: Provided a nuanced, often villainous perspective, with Bhat's distinctive mannerisms shaping a unique version of the Gandhara prince. Aham Sharma (Karna)
: Portrayed as a resilient figure struggling against social rejection and loyalty. Thematic Approach
The 2013 adaptation was designed to appeal to a younger, modern audience. While some purists criticized the series for narrative distortions and "melodrama," many appreciated its focus on: Dharma vs. Adharma
: Emphasising righteous choices even in impossible situations. Humanization
: Effort was made to add emotional depth and complex motivations to characters like Satyavati and Dhritarashtra. Modern Relevance : Mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik
served as a consultant, helping to interpret ancient themes for contemporary social contexts. or more details on the VFX and costume design
Mahabharat (TV Series 2013–2014) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
Mahabharat (2013) television series, produced by Swastik Productions and aired on Star Plus, is an ambitious modern retelling of the ancient Indian epic. Spanning 268 episodes
, it was marketed as India's most expensive TV series at the time, with a budget of approximately ₹5.1 billion ($60 million). Key Highlights & Successes
This report summarizes the 2013 Indian mythological television series Mahabharat
, produced by Swastik Productions, which is widely considered one of the most successful modern adaptations of the epic. Production Overview Release Date: August 16, 2014 Star Plus (Digital: Disney+ Hotstar) 267/268 episodes (extended from an original plan of 128) Creator/Producer: Siddharth Kumar Tewary (Swastik Productions) Key Consultants: Devdutt Pattanaik (Chief Consultant), Salim Khan
Reported 9 crore per episode at its peak (high production cost) Cast and Characters
The series was acclaimed for its casting, which emphasized a younger, modern aesthetic while maintaining mythological depth: Saurabh Raj Jain as Krishna / Vishnu (narrator) Shaheer Sheikh Pooja Sharma as Draupadi Aham Sharma Arpit Ranka as Duryodhan Arav Chowdharry as Bhishma Pitamah Praneet Bhatt as Shakuni Key Aspects of the 2013 Adaptation Modern Retelling: Sound Design: In earlier episodes, the background score
The focus was on character psychology, motivation, and the emotional complexities of the relationships, rather than just the action. Visual Effects (VFX):
The show featured extensive use of CGI, with around 200 people working on graphics. Narrative Focus:
Krishna's narration and his role as a guide were central to the series, offering philosophical lessons. Detailed Storytelling:
The "Draupadi Cheer Haran" (disrobing) sequence alone took 20 days to shoot, highlighting the effort put into crucial scenes. Unique Perspective:
Devdutt Pattanaik’s involvement added a nuanced understanding of the narrative, addressing many questions unanswered in older adaptations. Critical Reception and Impact
It garnered massive popularity among the youth and family audience, leading to an extension of over 100 episodes from its original plan.
It is widely considered a successful, high-quality alternative to the 1988 B.R. Chopra series.
Due to popularity, it was re-run on Star Bharat starting May 14, 2018.
Note: While some Bengali serial dubbed versions or online compilations might label content as "Episode 268", the canonical Star Plus release is widely recognized as 267 episodes. Full Story | Mahabharat | Episode 268 | Part D
Full Story | Mahabharat | Episode 268 | Part D. 3.2K views · 1 year ago. #মহাভারত #mahabharat #bengaliserial Star Jalsha
You seem to be referring to the 2013 TV series adaptation of the Mahabharat, a significant Hindu epic. This series, produced by Siddharth Kumar Tewary and directed by Gautam Vasudev Menon, among others, is a comprehensive rendition of the epic tale, spanning 268 episodes over several seasons. Here’s a structured guide to navigating and understanding this monumental series:
Focus: The great war, the Bhagavad Gita, the fall of warriors, and the end of an era. Key moments: Krishna’s peace mission, Karna’s death, Gandhari’s curse, and Yudhishthir’s final test.