India’s timeless epic Mahabharat is set to return to the small screen in a never-before-seen avatar. Collective Media Network has announced an AI-driven reimagination of the classic, which will premiere digitally on WAVES OTT on October 25, followed by its television telecast on Doordarshan every Sunday at 11 a.m. starting November 2.
The collaboration brings together the nationwide reach of India’s public broadcaster and the creative innovation of a new-age media network. Using advanced AI technology, the series rebuilds the vast world of Mahabharat—from its characters and battlefields to its moral dilemmas—with striking cinematic realism.
The project reflects the spirit of Make in India and Digital India, showcasing how heritage and innovation can move forward together through modern storytelling.
Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, said, “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.”
Vijay Subramaniam, Founder and Group CEO of Collective Artists Network, shared, “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.”
WAVES, Prasar Bharati’s official OTT platform, has quickly built a wide audience with its multilingual mix of news, culture, and entertainment content.