The Mahabharata unfolds in an ancient time in India, then known as Bharatavarsha. Two groups of cousins from the same royal family, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, vie for control of the Kingdom. The cousins’ rivalry leads to death and destruction and jeopardises the very fabric of the universe.
Directed by Peter Brook, this monumental work explores the entanglements between war, ethics and power. The Mahabharata is an epic that transcends time and space, exposing the dilemmas and devastating consequences resulting from man’s choices.
Episodes
Part 1: The Game of Dice
Part 2: Exile in the Forest
Part 3: War
Extras
Newly restored in 4K and presented in High Definition
Interview with Simon Brook (2026, 35 mins): the son of the film’s director calls on his unique position during the making of The Mahabharata to recall the production, the cultural positioning of the film and his father's legacy
Brook by Brook (2002, 75 mins): an intimate portrait of director Peter Brook by his son, Simon Brook
Making The Mahabharata (1989, 55 mins)
Pageant of the Sun-god (1934, 9 mins): a gem from the BFI National Archive - a travelogue of the extravagant celebration of The Maharajah of Udaipur
Trailers
Includes optional English descriptive subtitles
**FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet including a new essay by Miriam Fernandes of the Why Not Theatre and archive pieces by Jean-Claude Carrièr and Peter Brook