The film was shot in various locations, including Mysore and Rajasthan, and is notable for its elaborate sets and innovative production techniques, particularly for its time. Despite underperforming at the Telugu box office, Kurukshetram found success with its Hindi dubbed version. The film is recognized for its technical superiority and craftsmanship.[2]
Plot
The film depicts a series of key events from the Mahabharata, beginning with the division of the kingdom. It progresses through significant moments, including the marriage of Subhadra and Arjuna, the slaying of Jarasandha, the Rajasuya Yagna, the infamous dice game, the subsequent exile of the Pandavas, and culminates in the Kurukshetra War.
Kurukshetram and Daana Veera Soora Karna were produced around the same time. Krishna began the production of Kurukshetram in parallel with N. T. Rama Rao's Daana Veera Soora Karna.[3] He co-produced the film with A. S. R. Anjaneyulu, who had previously produced Pandava Vanavasam (1965). The film was directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao, with K. S. R. Das overseeing the war sequences. Samudrala Jr. wrote the screenplay, while Tripuraneni Maharadhi wrote the dialogues.[2] Despite being a long-time associate of N. T. Rama Rao, Kameswara Rao’s decision to direct Kurukshetram caused a strain in their relationship.[1]
Unlike Daana Veera Soora Karna, which was filmed entirely at Ramakrishna Cine Studios, Kurukshetram featured elaborate sets and was shot in various locations, including Mysore and Rajasthan, and Kurukshetra in Haryana. For the war scenes, Krishna took the crew along with elephants, horses, camels, and chariots to Kurukshetra. At a time when computer-generated graphics were not available, Krishna's innovative production techniques were considered groundbreaking in the Telugu film industry.[5]
Despite underperforming at the Telugu box office, Kurukshetram received some appreciation in Bangalore,[1] while its Hindi dubbed version achieved significant success.[2] The film is recognized for its technical superiority and innovative production techniques, showcasing Krishna's dedication.[5] However, critics felt that Krishna and Sobhan Babu's portrayals of Arjuna and Krishna did not resonate as strongly as N. T. Rama Rao's previous performances, which was seen as a disadvantage for Kurukshetram. In contrast, Satyanarayana's portrayal of Duryodhana received praise, reminiscent of S. V. Ranga Rao's powerful performances in similar roles. In retrospect, while Daana Veera Soora Karna became a blockbuster, Kurukshetram is noted for its ensemble cast and production quality.[2]
