Netflix’s Kurukshetra has been trending in the platform’s Top 10 since release, drawing praise for its fresh take on the Mahabharat. The show retells the epic war through the eyes of 18 warriors, offering a modern and cinematic approach that many viewers appreciate.
However, a new debate has erupted online after one viewer criticised the fifth episode for its portrayal of Abhimanyu. The user argued that the episode shows Abhimanyu as a “cute little boy” who rushed into battle and was killed by the Kaurava Maharathis, downplaying his true strength.
According to the user, ancient texts like Ved Vyas’s Mahabharat describe Abhimanyu as the second-best warrior on the battlefield, surpassed only by his father Arjun. The young warrior reportedly defeated Drona and Kripa twice each, knocked Karna unconscious, and dominated the early days of the war with unmatched skill.
Fans say Netflix’s emotional “poor Abhimanyu” portrayal ignores his legendary bravery and risks misleading audiences unfamiliar with the original text. As discussions grow online, viewers are urging the makers of Kurukshetra to balance cinematic drama with historical accuracy.
I was watching #KurukshetraOnNetFlix. The episode titled Abhimanyu falls back on the same tired trope.
The “cute little boy” Abhimanyu charges in, fights bravely, picks up a rath wheel, and then gets killed by the Kaurava Maharathis.
But according to Ved Vyas (not Reddit or… pic.twitter.com/jQ8YODZ7h1
— Atul Kumar Mishra (@TheAtulMishra) October 14, 2025
