When it aired, critics praised the production design (sets by Omung Kumar) and costume design (by Nidhi Yasha). However, some purists criticized the slow-motion fight sequences and overuse of CGI arrows. Over time, these criticisms have faded.
The show’s real legacy is cultural. It introduced the epic to millennials who grew up on Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. Dialogues like Krishna’s “Samay se pehle aur kismat se zyada, kisi ko kuch nahi milta” (No one gets anything before time or beyond fate) became social media quotes.
| Aspect | 2013 Series Strength | |--------|----------------------| | VFX | For TV, the divyastra (celestial weapons) and Krishna’s Vishwaroopa were groundbreaking. | | Casting | Saurav Gurjar (Bheem) actually looks like a Vayu-putra. Pooja Sharma (Draupadi) captures fiery dignity. | | Music | Ajay-Atul’s background score (e.g., “Hai Katha Sangram Ki”) became an anthem. | | Grey Shades | Karna is shown as tragic, not just villainous. Duryodhana gets a logical (though flawed) motivation. |
One of the most common search queries is the exact number of episodes. The Mahabharat 2013 TV series all episodes count 267 in total.
Here is the breakdown:
This makes it one of the longest mythological series in Indian television history, second only to the 2018 RadhaKrishn.
The success of the 2013 series rests on its impeccable casting.
Episode 25: Draupadi’s Swayamvara
Episode 100: The Dice Game Aftermath
Episode 200: Kurukshetra Begins
Episode 267 (Finale): Aftermath and Dharma Restored
Finding all 267 episodes can be challenging due to licensing shifts. As of 2025, here are the reliable platforms: mahabharat+2013+tv+series+all+episodes
Warning: Avoid third-party “free” torrent sites. Many claiming to offer Mahabharat 2013 TV series all episodes for download contain malware or poor-quality VHS recordings from television broadcasts.
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Your Turn: Which episode of Mahabharat 2013 made you cry or rage the most? The dice game? Abhimanyu’s last stand? Or Karna’s farewell to Kunti? Share below.
Dharma vs. Adharma. Family vs. Duty. Watch the war that never ends.
The 2013 TV series Mahabharat, produced by Swastik Productions and aired on Star Plus, is widely regarded as one of the most high-budget and visually stunning retellings of the ancient Sanskrit epic. Spanning 267 episodes, the series originally aired from September 16, 2013, to August 16, 2014. It successfully introduced the complex themes of dharma, kinship, and justice to a younger generation using modern CGI and elaborate production design. Cast and Iconic Performances
The series is often praised for its "impeccable" casting, with actors embodying their legendary characters with deep emotional resonance.
Saurabh Raj Jain as Shri Krishna: Serving as the series' narrator and moral compass, Jain’s portrayal is noted for its calmness and divine aura. He provided philosophical insights at the end of each episode to relate the epic's events to daily life.
Shaheer Sheikh as Arjuna: Sheikh underwent significant physical and mental preparation to portray the master archer, describing the role as "emotionally draining" but transformative.
Pooja Sharma as Draupadi: Sharma’s performance was hailed for its strength and dignity, particularly in the pivotal "Cheer Haran" (disrobing) sequence, which took 20 days to shoot.
Aham Sharma as Karna: His portrayal of the tragic hero earned him an Indian Telly Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. When it aired, critics praised the production design
Praneet Bhat as Shakuni: Bhat brought a unique, cunning interpretation to the strategist of Gandhara, winning the Indian Telly Award for Actor in a Negative Role. Production and Visual Splendor
Marketed as India’s most expensive TV series at the time, Star Plus spent approximately ₹5.1 billion ($72 million) on the project.
Grand Sets: The primary sets covered 10 acres in Umargam, Gujarat, designed by art director Omung Kumar. Filming also took place in exotic locations like Kashmir, Jaisalmer, and Sri Lanka.
Costumes and Jewelry: Designer Nidhi Yasha and consultant Bhanu Athaiya studied over 450 books to create historically inspired, intricate looks for the characters.
Visual Effects: A team of over 200 people worked on graphics to bring the supernatural elements of the epic to life. Episode Guide and Streaming
The Mahabharat (2013) TV series, which aired on Star Plus, is a visually stunning 267-episode adaptation of the ancient Indian epic. It is often distinguished from the 1988 classic by its high-production values, featuring a budget of approximately ₹100 crore—the highest for an Indian television series at that time. Key Highlights of the 2013 Adaptation
Mahabharat (2013) television series is widely regarded as one of the most visually spectacular and emotionally resonant modern adaptations of the Indian epic. Produced by Swastik Productions , the show originally aired on from September 2013 to August 2014. Series Overview Total Episodes : 267 episodes. : 1 single continuous season. : Mythological Drama. Production Value
: With a massive budget of ₹100 crore, it was the most expensive Indian TV show at the time of its release. Where to Watch All Episodes
You can stream the complete series online through official platforms: Disney+ Hotstar
: The primary home for the series, offering all 267 episodes in High Definition. Hulu (International)
: Often carries Disney+ content for viewers outside India, including this series. This makes it one of the longest mythological
: Select regional dubbed versions (such as Kannada) are available on official channels like Star Suvarna Main Cast & Key Characters
The series is praised for its powerful casting and character portrayals:
The Mahabharat (2013) television series, produced by Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Swastik Productions, remains a landmark in Indian television for its high production values and modern storytelling of the ancient epic. Series Overview Original Run: August 16, 2014. Total Episodes: 267 episodes.
Network: Originally aired on StarPlus; currently available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Budget: Noted as one of the costliest Indian TV series at the time, with a budget exceeding ₹100 crores. Key Cast & Characters
Sourabh Raaj Jain as Shri Krishna (also served as the series narrator). Shaheer Sheikh as Arjuna. Pooja Sharma as Draupadi. Aham Sharma as Karna. Arpit Ranka as Duryodhana. Production Highlights
Visual Effects: The series heavily utilized CGI for grand battle sequences and divine interventions.
Costumes & Jewelry: Designed by Bhanu Athaiya (Academy Award winner) and Nidhi Yasha to give each character a distinct, regal identity.
Music: The title track and character themes were composed by Ajay-Atul and Ismail Darbar, becoming widely popular during its run. Reception & Impact
Ratings: The show consistently topped TRP charts, peaking with a high viewership that rivaled modern reality hits.
Global Reach: It was dubbed into multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and even international languages like Indonesian, where it gained a massive following.