Disney Plans Series on ‘Mahabharata’

ANAHEIM, CA (IANS) – ‘Mahabharata’, which a generation of Indians grew up seeing on Doordarshan, will be back with a contemporary look and on a global platform – this time on Disney+ Hotstar.

It was among the three Indian titles that were revealed at the media giant’s three-day D23 extravaganza event at the Anaheim Convention Center, held here.

‘Mahabharata’ is being produced by Madhu Mantena, Ram Gopal Verma’s nephew and Anurag Kashyap’s former associate, Mythoversestudios and Allu Entertainment.

Mantena told ‘Variety’ “For centuries Indian epics have captured the imagination of billions around the world. These epics are deeply woven into the very fabric of our nation. The ‘Mahabharata’ — one of the oldest epics in India, despite being as old as time, is still relevant today for the many lessons and words of wisdom hidden within its ancient verses.”

Disney+ Hotstar India’s Head of Content Gaurav Banerjee said: “Over the last several years, India has emerged as a content powerhouse, pushing the envelope with stories that transcend language and cultural boundaries.”

Release of the series is expected in 2024.

The other announcements made included the return of Karan Johar’s celebrity chat show ‘Koffee with Karan’ for Season 8, after a hugely successful ongoing Season 7. It is produced by Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Anisha Baig for Dharmatic Entertainment Production.

Johar, Mehta and Somen Mishra are also producing Bollywood-set drama series ‘Showtime’, which, according to the Dharmatic boss, “will lift the curtain on India’s entertainment industry’s biggest trade secrets”.