iWorld
Netflix battles boredom with Kurukshetra, Mahabharata comes alive in animation
MUMBAI: Forget history class, Netflix is taking viewers straight to the battlefield. The streaming giant, in collaboration with the GNCT of Delhi, hosted a special screening of Kurukshetra, its first animated mythology series, at the Delhi Secretariat Auditorium, blending epic storytelling with anime flair.
The event saw dignitaries including Kapil Mishra minister for art, culture & language, and Niharika Rai, IAS, managing director & CEO, Delhi Tourism, gracing the premiere. A fireside chat with series writer-director Ujaan Ganguly and Hitech Animation CEO Ashish Thapar offered insights into bringing India’s epic war to life for a modern audience.
Comprising 18 episodes, Kurukshetra revisits the Mahabharata through the eyes of 18 warriors over 18 fateful days, mixing poetry, anime, and music. With the legendary Gulzar lending his lyrical genius, the series balances reverence for the original epic while presenting it in a format that resonates with both younger and older audiences. The series launches on October 10, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
Shri Kapil Mishra praised the initiative, saying, “The history of the Mahabharata is an integral part of Delhi’s heritage, and Kurukshetra brings this to life in a way that is accessible to millions of future generations… I urge the creative community to continue sharing India’s real history hidden stories, tales of brave women, and examples of courage and sacrifice.”
Echoing this sentiment, Niharika Rai added, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to showcasing India’s cultural richness. Kurukshetra makes this timeless epic accessible to younger generations while honouring its legacy. Preserving our epics in modern formats is vital, and Delhi Tourism is proud to partner with Netflix for this screening.”
Netflix director of global affairs for India Mahima Kaul, highlighted the global reach: “Kurukshetra resonates with those who grew up with the Mahabharata and wish to share it with younger audiences in a fresh format. Available in multiple Indian and international languages, subtitled in 34 more, and inclusive with Hindi audio description, this epic can now be experienced by audiences everywhere.”
With Kurukshetra, Netflix cements its role as a storyteller rooted in India’s culture, bringing the country’s rich tapestry of narratives to screens worldwide, one warrior at a time.
e-commerce
ITC Sunfeast, Zepto host mango-themed experiential ‘Paglu Party’
Event blends Alphonso desserts, DIY sessions and interactive formats
MUMBAI: When mango season peaks, some savour it others go full ‘paglu’. ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations, in collaboration with Zepto, turned summer indulgence into an immersive brand experience with its ‘Mango Paglu Party’, a high-energy, mango-themed event designed to blur the line between dessert and discovery. Built around the brand’s ‘Mad Over Mangoes’ universe, the space leaned into a sensory overload bright, playful and unapologetically mango-drenched. From curated installations to social-first corners, every element was designed to be as shareable as it was experiential.
At the centre of the celebration was the fruit itself, elevated into a menu crafted using fresh, carbide-free Alphonso mangoes sourced by Zepto. The spread ranged from a flaky Mango Pista Kouign Aman to Mango Coconut Serradura Pudding and a Mango Mascarpone Cake, balancing indulgence with seasonal freshness.
But this was not a passive tasting affair. Guests were drawn into the experience through interactive formats, including a DIY dessert session led by the brand’s chef, where attendees created classics like Mango Tres Leches. Zepto chief business officer Chandan Mehndiratta also joined the session, adding a touch of brand personality to the proceedings.
A quirky highlight came in the form of the ‘Aam Paglu Prescription’, a playful, doctor-themed concept that positioned mango indulgence as the only “treatment” worth taking, turning a simple insight into a memorable activation.
The event built up to a theatrical finale, with the crowning of the ‘Aam Paglu of the Day’ followed by the cutting of an oversized mango-shaped Mango Mascarpone Cake, closing the experience on a high note.
More than just a seasonal showcase, the Mango Paglu Party reflects a broader shift in brand storytelling, where products are no longer just consumed, but experienced. For ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations and Zepto, mango season was not just about flavour, it was about creating a moment that audiences could step into, engage with and, quite literally, devour.
