7.8
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The Mahabharata
1990·Show
·3Episodes in1Season·NR·
The Mahabharata fingerprint
Masterful craft, high energy.
Energy
Spectacular and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Spectacle8
- Tension7
- Violence7
Heart
Deeply moving and cathartic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
- Catharsis8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy0
World
History, war, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction9
- Acting9
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and score
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Music Composition8
Energy
HighSpectacular and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Mahabharata is spectacular, tense, and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare9Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and cathartic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighHistory, war, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history, war, and family. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Warfare9Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and score
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
The Mahabharata is a 1989 film version of the Indian epic based on the history of India, Mahabharata directed by Peter Brook. Brook's original 1985 stage play was 9 hours long, and toured around the world for four years. In 1989, it was reduced to under 6 hours for television. Later it was also reduced to about 3 hours for theatrical and DVD release. The screenplay was the result of eight years' work by Peter Brook, Jean-Claude Carrière and Marie-Hélène Estienne. For the casting an international selection of actors was intentionally chosen, to show that the nature of the Indian epic is the story of all humanity.
Epic Historical DramaPhilosophical ExplorationSpiritual WarfareAncient Indian SagaGrand Scale NarrativeComplex Family FeudMoral DilemmasUniversal ThemesRich DialogueCultural Landmark
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Mahabharata
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Mahabharata worth watching?
69
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 7.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Mahabharata rated?
NRViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does The Mahabharata have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 3 episodes of about 104 minutes each.
When did The Mahabharata air?
S1
It ran from 1990 to 1990 and has ended.
What language is The Mahabharata in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in France, United Kingdom.