The Mahabharata
Series Overview
The Mahabharata is a 1989 film version of the Indian epic based on the history of India, Mahabharata directed by Peter Brook. Brook's original 1985 stage play was 9 hours long, and toured around the world for four years. In 1989, it was reduced to under 6 hours for television. Later it was also reduced to about 3 hours for theatrical and DVD release. The screenplay was the result of eight years' work by Peter Brook, Jean-Claude Carrière and Marie-Hélène Estienne. For the casting an international selection of actors was intentionally chosen, to show that the nature of the Indian epic is the story of all humanity.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
Broadcast Syndication
1 Season • 3 Episodes
104 min per episode
1990 – 1990
Premiered: Sat, Mar 10, 1990
Peter BrookLatest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 3: “War”
The war has started and so far things have not been going well for the Pandava's. Bhisma is invincible and as long as he is alive there will be no victory. Torn by his feeling for both sides, Bhisma seeks a solution.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
Erika Alexander
Madri / Hidimbi
Urs Bihler
Dushassana
Ryszard Cieślak
Dhritharashtra
Georges Corraface
Duryodhana
Jean-Paul Denizon
Nakula
Mamadou Dioumé
Bhima
Miriam Goldschmidt
Kunti
Corinne Jaber
Amba / Sikhandin
Jeffery Kissoon
Karna
Sotigui Kouyaté
Bhisma / Parashurama
Robert Langdon Lloyd
Vyasa
Vittorio Mezzogiorno
Arjuna
Bruce Myers
Ganesha / Krishna
Yoshi Oida
Drona
Hélène Patarot
Gandhari
Bakary Sangaré
The Sun / Rakshasa / Ghatotkatcha
Mallika Sarabhai
Draupadi
Andrzej Seweryn
Yudhishthira
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Peter Brook
Jean-Claude Carrière, Marie-Hélène Estienne, Peter Brook
Djamchid Chemirani, Kim Menzer, Kudsi Erguner, Mahmoud Tabrizi-Zadeh, Toshi Tsuchitori
William Lubtchansky
Nicolas Gaster
Michael Birkett, Harvey Lichtenstein, Michael Kustow, Michel Propper
Department Leadership Roster
Jean-Claude Carrière
Writer
Marie-Hélène Estienne
Writer
Peter Brook
Writer
Peter Brook
Director
Djamchid Chemirani
Original Music Composer
Kim Menzer
Original Music Composer
Kudsi Erguner
Original Music Composer
Mahmoud Tabrizi-Zadeh
Original Music Composer
Toshi Tsuchitori
Original Music Composer
Michel Propper
Producer
Nicolas Gaster
Editor
Chloe Obolensky
Production Design
Chloe Obolensky
Costume Design
William Lubtchansky
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Mahabharata.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Mahabharata
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is The Mahabharata about?
The Mahabharata is a 1989 film version of the Indian epic based on the history of India, Mahabharata directed by Peter Brook. Brook's original 1985 stage play was 9 hours long, and toured around the world for four years. In 1989, it was reduced to under 6 hours for television. Later it was also reduced to about 3 hours for theatrical and DVD release. The screenplay was the result of eight years' work by Peter Brook, Jean-Claude Carrière and Marie-Hélène Estienne. For the casting an international selection of actors was intentionally chosen, to show that the nature of the Indian epic is the story of all humanity.
How many seasons does The Mahabharata have?
The Mahabharata comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in The Mahabharata?
Key cast members in The Mahabharata include Erika Alexander, Urs Bihler, Ryszard Cieślak, Georges Corraface, Jean-Paul Denizon.
Who created or directed The Mahabharata?
The Mahabharata was developed and directed by Peter Brook.