So I'm looking for a screen version of the Mahabharata, because I loved the book so much (though I have a feeling I'd have gotten a bit more out of it if I knew Sanskrit and could read the original!!), so I was wondering, for those of you who have seen both: would you recommend the long European mini-series, or the LOOOOOOONG Indian series version of it? Maybe I'll just end getting both, I don't know...~sigh~ Any advice, anyone?
shareIf you haven't made up your mind yet, go for the Indian one. Since you know the book, the ideal would be to pick them both and decide. The Indian one has very bad production, as you'll have probably read, and not all actors play well. As a European, I got shocked when I first saw it. But one has to understand that it was made in conditions in which we are not used in the West. If you can bypass those (and every serious filmlover should be able to do so), you will find that it is actually quite close to the book. I understood how good it was only after I saw the Peter Brook version. Much better production as you can imagine, good actors in general, but such a failure to grasp the spirit of the book... Whatever you pick, enjoy!
shareMahabharat film announced!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ltd/1159352.cms
check it out
I don't think production values is a measure of any interest when deciding which version ought to be better. The Indian version is definitely well cast and well acted by everyone involved and it is an exhaustive translation of the story on film. It has its flaws, yes - there is at times large doses of emphasis placed on melodrama, but in the overall sense this version cannot be topped by anything else. It is Mahabharat.
sharethis version cannot be topped by anything elseagree share
Forget everything except B.R. Chopra's version of the Mahabharat. It is the best thing to grace the TV screen. The masterpiece cannot be better. The script, acting, and direction is flawless. The production is excellent for the time it was made. People criticizing the series because of the production probably lack the depth to penetrate the depths of the epic. This is not a hollywood epic with a hundred million dollar production budget. Nonetheless, it cannot be more beautiful.
One thing to note, however, is that the English subtitles contain grossly inaccurate translations. That is the only flaw I find.
absolutely true and well said sms235. i completely agree with u. i just finished watching Mahabarath and i felt as if i was inside the TV watching the Mahabharath without being noticed by the actors. the environment, and the acting the respect is absolutely a ditto of the ancient time. WELL DONE MR. CHOPRA. now i want to see his Vishnu Puran
sharewhat european series.i didn't knew.can you provide me a link
share