Collective Media Network’s Historyverse has released the first trailer for its artificial intelligence-powered version of the “Mahabharata,” giving viewers an initial glimpse at a technologically-driven retelling of the ancient Indian epic.
The preview of the series, titled “Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh,” highlights the production’s approach to merging classical narrative with contemporary tools. The project engaged Collective Artists Network’s Galleri5 studio, where creative teams used AI technology to construct the epic’s world and dramatize its legendary conflicts and ethical questions.
The revered text, which follows a devastating family feud and explores profound philosophical and spiritual ideas, has had numerous film and TV adaptations, including an immensely popular one on Indian state broadcasting channel Doordarshan and one by Peter Brook, which was recently restored. An animated retelling is due on Netflix.
“For many of us, watching the ‘Mahabharat’ on TV was part of our childhood. Those Sunday mornings meant something special,” said Vijay Subramaniam, founder and group CEO of Collective Artists Network. “With ‘Mahabharat’ enabled by AI, we wanted to bring that memory back, but make it feel fresh, relevant, and made for this time. The trailer is only a small taste of what’s coming. It’s emotional, it’s big, and it’s built with care. We’ve tried to keep what made the story timeless while letting technology open new doors for how it can be told.”
The venture pairs Collective’s Historyverse unit with Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcasting service, in what both parties describe as an unprecedented partnership between established media infrastructure and emerging production methods.
Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, said: “At Prasar Bharati, we’ve always believed in the power of stories that bring people together. The ‘Mahabharat’ enabled by AI is a wonderful example of how tradition and technology can work hand in hand. It’s exciting to see an epic like this being retold for the digital age while staying true to its roots. This is exactly the kind of innovation that keeps our cultural legacy alive for generations to come.”
The series represents a test case for India’s digital production capabilities, aligning with government initiatives promoting local technology development.
Distribution will split across two platforms with different formats. WAVES OTT will stream the series starting Oct. 25, in short-form episodes running 3-4 minutes each, totaling around 600 installments.
Doordarshan will air longer 22-minute episodes beginning Nov. 2, in its Sunday 11am slot, with approximately 250 episodes planned.
WAVES, which operates as Prasar Bharati’s streaming service, has built its audience through family-oriented programming across multiple Indian languages and now extends its reach internationally.
Watch the trailer here:
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