The Mahabharat — one of India’s most revered epics — is returning to television and digital screens, but this time, it’s unlike anything audiences have ever seen. In a groundbreaking initiative, Collective Media Network has unveiled an AI-driven reimagination of the legendary tale, blending cutting-edge technology with India’s cultural heritage.

The series will premiere exclusively on WAVES OTT on October 25, 2025, before making its television debut on Doordarshan (DD National) every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. starting November 2, 2025.

This collaboration represents the perfect harmony between India’s public broadcaster’s vast reach and the creative innovation of a next-generation media network. Through advanced artificial intelligence, the project reconstructs the sprawling universe of Mahabharat — from its legendary characters and epic battlefields to its emotional and moral conflicts — with stunning cinematic realism and immersive storytelling.

A First-of-Its-Kind Fusion of Heritage and Technology

This AI-powered retelling of Mahabharat marks a historic first in Indian entertainment. It’s not just a remake — it’s a technological resurrection of an age-old story, envisioned through the lens of digital innovation.

The project stands as a proud symbol of “Make in India” and “Digital India”, showing how tradition and technology can advance hand-in-hand to keep timeless stories alive for new generations. By using AI to recreate authentic environments, emotional expressions, and even historical textures, the makers are taking storytelling into a new era — one where Virasat (heritage) meets Vikas (progress).

Prasar Bharati: Bringing Culture Home Once Again

For Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, this project continues its long-standing mission to bring stories of national and cultural significance into every Indian home.

Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying,

“Prasar Bharati has always brought stories of national and cultural significance to every Indian home. The re-telecast of the original Mahabharat during the lockdown reminded us how deeply these narratives bind families and generations together. Partnering on this AI-led reimagining allows audiences to experience one of India’s greatest epics anew, honouring tradition while embracing cutting-edge technology in storytelling. It is an expression of Vikas and Virasat coming together in modern broadcasting.”

Dwivedi’s words echo the national sentiment — during the pandemic lockdowns, millions across India reconnected with the classic Mahabharat, reigniting collective nostalgia. Now, this new adaptation promises to rekindle that same unity, but through next-gen visuals and AI-powered realism.

Collective Media Network: Tradition Meets Tech

The creative force behind this ambitious revival, Collective Media Network, envisions Mahabharat not merely as a mythological retelling, but as a modern storytelling experience that resonates emotionally and visually with today’s audience.

Vijay Subramaniam, Founder and Group CEO of Collective Artists Network, shared his personal connection to the project, saying,

“Like millions of Indians, I grew up watching the classic Mahabharat every Sunday. It was an experience that shaped my imagination and connection to our culture. With this reimagined version, we hope to give today’s generation a similar experience that feels immersive and unifying, but told through the possibilities of modern technology. This is about bhakti and pragati walking together to create something both rooted in tradition and boldly forward-looking.”

Subramaniam’s statement captures the essence of the project — the union of devotion and development, of reverence and reinvention. The aim isn’t to replace the old Mahabharat, but to extend its life through the tools of the future.

AI in Storytelling: Rebuilding the World of Mahabharat

The creative team’s approach to this AI-led project goes far beyond digital enhancement. Using advanced AI and CGI tools, the series reconstructs the epic scale and emotional complexity of Mahabharat — bringing viewers closer to the humanity and moral dilemmas of its characters.

From the grandeur of Kurukshetra’s battlefield to the intimacy of Palaces of Hastinapur, every frame has been digitally crafted with historical precision and emotional resonance. The result is a cinematic realism rarely seen in Indian television, one that bridges the gap between ancient myth and modern sensibility.

By integrating machine learning algorithms, digital rendering, and high-definition 3D environments, the creators have achieved what they describe as “living mythology” — where divine legends breathe again through technology.

A Modern Collaboration for a Timeless Story

This collaboration between Prasar Bharati and Collective Media Network is more than a content partnership — it’s a statement of India’s evolving creative ecosystem. The union of a public broadcaster known for its trust and reach with a private network known for innovation symbolizes how heritage institutions and modern enterprises can co-create future-ready content.

Together, they aim to deliver Mahabharat not just as a story, but as an experience — one that’s accessible to digital viewers globally through WAVES OTT and to traditional audiences through Doordarshan.

WAVES OTT: Bridging Legacy with Digital Storytelling

At the center of this grand reimagining stands WAVES, Prasar Bharati’s official OTT platform. In just a short time, WAVES has built a strong base of millions of users across India and abroad, offering a multilingual mix of news, culture, and entertainment.

With this new Mahabharat project, WAVES strengthens its position as India’s digital storytelling hub — a place where the old meets the new, and technology meets tradition.

WAVES offers video-on-demand, live events, TV channels, radio, audio, and magazine content, all under one roof. Its vision is grounded in three key pillars: inclusivity, innovation, and heritage. By bringing AI-powered Mahabharat to its global platform, it continues to bridge India’s timeless cultural legacy with the dynamism of the digital age.

The collaboration reflects WAVES’ broader goal — to create a digital ecosystem that celebrates Indian values while embracing global storytelling standards.

A National Milestone in Modern Broadcasting

The reimagined Mahabharat is more than a television event — it’s a national milestone in how India preserves, modernizes, and shares its cultural epics. It demonstrates how AI can serve as a creative ally in storytelling, not just a technological tool.

By breathing new life into India’s most celebrated tale, this project also underscores a profound message — that India’s spiritual and moral heritage continues to evolve, adapting gracefully to every new era.

As Vijay Subramaniam put it, “This is about bhakti and pragati walking together.” The statement perfectly sums up the heart of this endeavor — where devotion (bhakti) to our roots coexists with the progress (pragati) of technology.

When and Where to Watch

Audiences can begin their journey with this reimagined epic starting October 25, 2025, when it premieres digitally on WAVES OTT, accessible to viewers across India and worldwide. The series will then air on Doordarshan every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. beginning November 2, 2025 — bringing families together once more for a shared cultural experience, much like the golden days of Sunday television.

A Cultural Renaissance: Vikas and Virasat in Harmony

The return of Mahabharat in an AI-driven form symbolizes a cultural renaissance for India’s media landscape. It represents how Vikas (progress) and Virasat (heritage) can exist in perfect harmony — a reminder that technology, when used with respect and creativity, can preserve history while shaping the future.

As millions await this digital rebirth of an ancient saga, one thing is clear — the Mahabharat’s timeless wisdom, its moral complexities, and its portrayal of humanity’s eternal struggle between dharma and desire will once again bind families, generations, and emotions together.

And this time, the story will unfold not just on the screen, but through the limitless canvas of artificial intelligence, digital artistry, and human imagination.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Vygr Media.