Original subtitles

[opening theme song playing]

[song fades]

[dramatic music playing]

[Uttara panting]

[soft grunt]

Mother Draupadi! Mother… [pants]

[panting and grunting softly] Mother!

-[voice breaking] A messenger… -Huh?

-[Uttara] …from Kurukshetra… -Did something bad happen?

[uplifting music playing]

Go and prepare some sandalwood-infused water quickly.

And bring a few bowls of milk.

Pick the most fragrant flowers from the garden and make some garlands.

I want to adorn my daughter-in-law with my very own hands.

But what has happened, Mother? Will someone please tell me?

The penance of leaving your hair untied is over my child.

The vow that kept the fire of revenge burning inside you for 15 years

has at last been fulfilled.

[gasps]

So, is Dushasan…?

Yes.

My son, Bheem, has finally fulfilled his vow.

-[dejected sigh] -Oh, Lord, protect us!

This is not a war, this is a catastrophe.

-[man 1] That's totally brutal. -[man 2] I can't believe it.

If they can treat a prince in this manner,

what will they do to ordinary soldiers like us?

Who is going to protect us?

[soldiers talking indistinctly]

I cannot believe that a human being could do something like this.

[grunts] He is not human! He is a monster!

[breathing shakily]

He… [sobbing]

He smashed my brother's body as if it was a porcelain doll.

[man 3] Today he killed him this way, tomorrow it could be any of us.

[man 4] He was killed so brutally. Who does this? How cruel.

Stop your useless babbling!

Dushasan is dead but your crown prince, Duryodhan, is still alive.

Duryodhan's commander, Karn is still alive.

And with Karn,

the vision we've always had for Hastinapur is still alive.

The enemy did what they set out to do.

Now it is our turn.

They did not just kill Dushasan,

they challenged whatever we stand for.

They killed one, we will kill hundreds.

If this is what war means to them,

then they will face an opponent a hundred times more brutal.

From now on, my arrows will make no distinction

-between demon and god. -[man 5] Yes!

There will be only one god here in Kurukshetra…

-[man 6] Yes! -[Karn] …Duryodhan!

[all chanting] Duryodhan! Duryodhan!

[all chanting] Duryodhan! Duryodhan!

Who will slay the Pandavs? [screams]

[all chanting] Commander Karna! Commander Karna!

[all chanting] Commander Karna! Commander Karna!

Hmm!

[all chanting] Commander Karna! Commander Karna!

[grunts]

[theme song playing]

KURUKSHETRA

KARN

-[music fades] -Hmm?

[Duryodhan sobbing softly]

I had told Dushasan to stay close to me,

and he said, he would stick to me like my shadow.

And now look, he has left me all alone on the battlefield.

Do not say that, Duryodhan. I am still here with you.

[Duryodhan] Yes.

You are all I have left, Karn.

My friend. My brother.

My strength. Power.

The commander of my army. My only hope of victory.

My one path to the throne of Hastinapur,

and my only means of revenge for Dushasan's death.

Now, you're the only one, Karn.

That is my good fortune.

Because for me, my friend, comrade, brother and well-wisher

have always been only you, Duryodhan.

Only you.

[whooshing of arrows]

[Dronacharya] Excellent!

You have managed to strike your target five consecutive times, Arjun.

May you be victorious. [chuckles warmly]

[lively music playing]

[Karn grunts]

Look, Acharya Dron.

The second arrow to hit the mark is mine.

I have struck the target every time, just like Arjun.

Give me your blessings too.

You will not get my blessings just by asking, Karn.

-Keep practising your aim. -As you say, Guru Dron.

I want to receive knowledge of the Brahma weapon too

as a blessing from you, just like Arjun.

-Brahma weapon? -Hmm.

Knowledge of the Brahma weapon

can only be taught to Brahmins or Kshatriyas.

What are you, Karn?

-A… charioteer's son. -First, persevere for excellence, son.

[tense music playing]

[Duryodhan scoffs]

The Acharya only cares about one student, Karn. Arjun.

If you want to be his equal, then don't just match him.

Become a greater archer than him.

I will become a greater archer than Arjun someday.

I will acquire the knowledge of the Brahma weapon for sure,

whether it is from Guru Dron

or someone else.

So, for the sake of your Duryodhan,

will you give a fitting reply

for this barbaric murder of Dushasan, Karn?

I will give it everything I have, Duryodhan.

But will you give me your full support for this?

-Hmm? -Just say the word, Karn.

You are our commander.

My arsenal of weapons, my whole army

is ready to be deployed at your first command.

No, not weapons, my friend.

I already have the most powerful ones.

So? What is it that you want?

[suspenseful music playing]

[Karn] Hmm.

[Sanjay] What Karn asked of Duryodhan that day

surprised not only Duryodhan himself, it left everyone at Kurukshetra stunned.

Even Lord Krishn himself was astonished.

[Krishn] Hmm?

[Sanjay] Because Commander Karn's new charioteer

was the King of Madr, Shalya.

The brother of King Pandu's wife, Madri,

and the maternal uncle of Nakul and Sahdev.

Shalya, the illustrious King of Madr was now Karn's charioteer.

Everyone knew that Karn could not have found a better charioteer than him.

But why had Shalya agreed to this?

You, son of a charioteer,

just because your friend, Duryodhan, chose you to be commander,

you forgot where you come from?

Me? You turned me into a charioteer?

Huh! But just remember,

neither is this going to change your status, nor lineage.

So you want to talk about lineage, King Shalya? You?

[scoffs] You are fighting against your very own nephews,

and giving me a lesson on lineage?

It is actually your friend who has taught me a lesson.

He tricked me by using my promise to him.

First, he brought me to his side.

And now…

Now he has made me your charioteer.

[Shalya scoffs]

Do you even realise what you are asking me for?

The path to your victory.

Shalya's skills with the chariot, his control over horses,

his swiftness, his ability and his expertise.

I can't ask for a better charioteer, Duryodhan.

He is not just some charioteer. He is the King of Madr.

-And I am your commander. -[grunts]

Yes, but Karn, he's a Kshatriya. At least think about his dignity.

You worry about that, Duryodhan.

I am only thinking about the outcome of this war.

And in this war, Arjun's charioteer is none other than the King of Dwarka.

Krishn is also a Kshatriya, and the King of Dwarka as well.

If Krishn can be Arjun's charioteer, then why can't Shalya be mine?

If I am to fight Arjun at Kurukshetra,

then I do not just need weapons,

I need a charioteer as good as Krishn.

[soldiers' battle cry]

[soldiers groan]

[Sanjay] Karn was right.

With Shalya as his charioteer,

Karn's arrows had grown sharper and deadlier,

and his attacks more ferocious.

His command of the chariot was extraordinary.

[grunts and groans]

[dramatic music playing]

[battle cry]

[Sanjay] One wheel would be in the air

and one would be touching the ground.

Only Shalya could steer a chariot with such expertise.

Whichever direction Karn and Shalya went on the battlefield,

the enemy's morale would immediately collapse.

[groans and gasps]

[soldiers screaming]

[Sanjay] The Pandavs had only one answer to Karn and Shalya's rampage,

Arjun.

But Arjun had many other obstacles in his path.

[gasps]

[both grunts]

[dramatic music playing]

[whooshing of arrows]

-[Krishn grunts] -[horses neigh]

[sinister laughter]

Surprise! Look! Look who's here!

Your death has come to meet you, Arjun.

-Susharma. -[Arjun] Huh?

-But Keshav, wasn't he-- -You thought I was dead, but I survived.

And now, you will not survive!

[Susharma's battle cry]

[grunts]

Let us see who survives and who does not, Susharma.

Today, I will not rest until I have taken your life. [screams]

When will you understand, Parth?

This is not your goal. It's just a distraction.

Your purpose is much greater than this.

[both scream and grunts]

-[elephants trumpeting] -[Karn grunts]

[grunts]

[growls]

[dramatic music playing]

[Shalya grunts]

[Karn screams and grunts]

[elephant trumpeting]

-[grunts] Karn! -Oh, King Yudhishthir himself.

Do you see, King of Madr, how fortunate we are?

The most noble of all is here to fight us.

[clicks tongue]

Has he finally stooped to our level?

Oh, I almost forgot.

Thanks to your lies and deceit,

you are not flying high in your chariot anymore.

You are steeped in shame. [grunts]

[both grunting]

Why don't you worry about yourself, Karn?

[both grunting]

The friend whose support allows you to strut around

wearing that crown as the King of Anga,

will not survive for very long.

[both grunting]

-[grunts] -[horses neigh]

Nakul, Sahdev, stay away from here.

[both grunting]

I could cut your head off with a single strike,

and put an end to this war right now.

But I will not do that.

Because I had given my word to someone

that I would not kill any Pandav other than Arjun.

[groans in pain]

Nakul, Sahdev,

carry your brother away on your shoulders,

and let your mother know

that the generous Karn has once again spared the life of her beloved eldest son.

[Yudhishthir groans in pain]

-[music fades] -[groans]

[continues groaning]

[grunts]

[Yudhishthir groans]

-Brother, how are you? Are you-- -Huh? I'm alive, Arjun.

[sighs] Why are you saying this, Brother?

And why do you keep confronting that Karn all the time? Huh?

Because you will not fight him, Arjun.

Just taking an oath is simply not enough.

You have to fulfil that oath just like Bheem did.

Just like Shikhandi and Dhrishtadyumna did.

When will your oath be fulfilled, Arjun?

Karn is already wreaking havoc on our army.

And now, he has Uncle Shalya with him.

No matter where I look in Kurukshetra, all I see is Karn.

But where are you, Arjun?

Where is your Gandiva bow?

Why do we not see those sharp, piercing arrows flying at the enemy?

-Brother-- -Huh! Take away these medicines.

I don't want any treatment.

I have suffered more wounds on my soul than on my body.

That Karn defeats us over and over again,

and he keeps challenging you.

Does your blood not boil when he does that? Huh?

Brother, I was fighting Susharma and the Samsaptaks, and--

There you go with the same old tune of the Samsaptaks again!

These Samsaptaks are the very reason your Abhimanyu is dead.

[breathing heavily in anger]

Don't bring Abhimanyu into this, Brother.

Why should I not? Huh? Tell me why not?!

That poor boy fought while he waited for you inside the Chakravyuh, and you…

kept fighting the Samsaptaks.

You can blame us all you want for what happened,

or curse Jayadrath for what he did.

But the fact of the matter is that you are the reason

your son was killed by them.

You, your incompetence, and your Gandiva.

Throw away that bow of yours.

If it cannot put a stop to Karn,

it is of no use at all.

Brother Yudhishthir!

You should not have insulted my Gandiva bow! [grunts]

Arjun, what are you doing?!

I am doing my Kshatriya duty, Keshav. [pants]

I had taken an oath.

if anyone insulted my Gandiva bow,

I would separate their head from their body.

[gasps]

-[Krishn grunts] -[Arjun grunts]

[Arjun] What are you… [pants]

He is your eldest brother,

and also the future ruler of Hastinapur, Arjun.

But Keshav, I had taken this oath before Acharya Dron.

This is my duty as a Kshatriya.

I have no choice, but to kill Brother Yudhishthir.

No, you will do no such thing, Arjun.

Then I must take my own life.

My life in exchange for not fulfilling my oath.

This is my dharm, and you know that very well.

According to your dharm, you have already done both, Parth.

You have killed Brother Yudhishthir, and you have killed your own soul as well.

Huh? What do you mean?

Showing your eldest brother disrespect is equivalent to taking his life.

And for a warrior to be singing his own praises

is even worse than taking his own life.

[Krishn] Be humble, Arjun.

The more a tree is laden with fruit, the more it bends down.

What is your significance, your worth in the grand scheme of the universe?

You are just a tiny speck.

The universe existed before you

and will continue to exist after you are gone.

Neither are you dharm, nor are you its protector.

You are merely the means by which dharm is preserved.

And do not be proud about it. Be grateful instead.

Simply wielding a weapon does not make you a Kshatriya.

You must learn to control your weapons.

Use your wisdom, Arjun.

[sighs]

-[sombre music playing] -[gasps and groans]

[music fades]

Could you please forgive me, Brother Yudhishthir?

I was blinded by my rage.

When I see the state of our army as Karn destroys it,

I'm filled with hopelessness.

And in that hopelessness, I see you, Arjun.

The light that will guide us towards victory.

But I tend to forget that you are doing your best.

But it is not enough.

Now I will give it my all!

Try to rest, Brother.

Every wound inflicted on you will be healed very soon.

[dramatic music playing]

[Sanjay] The day had finally come

for the most ferocious battle at Kurukshetra.

A battle that would determine not just the fate of Kurukshetra,

but the future of all mankind.

A battle that pitted Duryodhan's greatest hope

against Yudhishthir's strongest faith.

This clash between the world's two greatest archers

was so tremendous that time stood still to watch,

the earth stopped moving, and even the gods became spectators.

[grunts]

[ominous music playing]

-[electric crackling] -[conch blows]

[Arjun grunts]

[whooshing of arrows]

[dramatic music playing]

[Karn] I cannot do anything in this haze.

Charioteer, get me out of here now. Hurry!

Arjun's arrows are causing this haze.

There is only one way that we can get through it,

by defeating Arjun.

And that is impossible.

Run that chariot, do not run your mouth. [grunts]

[blast]

[dramatic war music playing]

-[electric crackling] -[grunts]

-[grunts] -[blast echoes]

[Karn] What are you doing, King Shalya? We both could have died because of you.

Me? What am I doing?

I'm just the charioteer.

[Shalya] You are the warrior, Karn.

Do not hold me responsible for these failures of yours.

Just fight!

And if you are unable to, then give the order.

I will take you somewhere far away from him to a remote area,

where neither Arjun can reach you

nor his arrows.

-[flame whooshes] -[gasps]

[horses neigh]

[Arjun] I'm confused, Keshav.

Sometimes it feels like Karn will attack from here

-and sometimes there. -Patience, Parth.

You have to turn every adversity into an opportunity.

Just wait for Karn to make his next move.

Hmm?

[dust storm howling eerily]

[in Sanskrit] I summon the Nag Weapon.

[groans softly]

What? The Nag Weapon? In this haze?

[Shalya] Aim carefully. Or you will miss your target.

You are the charioteer, so ride.

I know how to shoot an arrow.

[tense music playing]

[Shalya chuckles]

Yes, of course, you do. But for how long?

Do you remember Guru Parshuram's curse?

He said you would forget all the knowledge he imparted to you

when you need it the most.

[music fades]

[light music playing]

[Parshuram grunts and gasps softly]

[Parshuram] Hmm?

Hmm?

-[grunts] -[Karn] Hmm?

Blood?

Your thigh is bleeding, Karn.

Have you been injured, my boy?

No, no, it's nothing at all. It's just a little insect, Acharya.

So much blood and you did not even flinch.

Not even a sound from you?

I did not want to disturb your sleep, Acharya.

No.

You cannot be a Brahmin.

A Brahmin would never be able to endure so much pain.

Tell me the truth!

I am no Brahmin, Acharya.

I am a charioteer's son.

Charioteer Adhirath and Radha's son, Karn.

You deliberately kept your teacher in the dark? Huh?

And I…

-I taught you everything there is to know. -Then punish me, Acharya.

-Give me the harshest punishment. -Hmm…

This knowledge you gained through deceit

will be of no use to you.

The very moment you feel the need of my teachings the most,

-you will forget them. -[sobbing]

[Parshuram] This curse will serve as your punishment.

Huh? Are you reminding me of that curse to scare me?

Watch me take Arjun's life this instant.

[grunts]

Watch out, Arjun!

-[energy pulse] -[Arjun grunts]

[Arjun gasps]

[gasps]

-[grunts] -[horses neigh]

-Hmm? -[grunts softly]

[horses neigh]

[Arjun] What sorcery is this, Keshav?

The serpent Ashwasen.

This is the Nag Weapon.

The deadliest weapon of revenge.

[ominous music playing]

[screeches]

[gasps]

[horses neigh]

[grunts]

[ominous music continues]

-[electric crackling] -[grunts]

[Sanjay] Everyone was stunned to witness the battle between Karn and Arjun.

[dramatic ominous music playing]

[both screeching]

[music intensifies]

[Sanjay] Attack, and retaliation.

The sky was so full of arrows that the sun was obscured.

[high-intensity dramatic music playing]

[groans]

[grunts]

-[Arjun grunts] -Be calm, Arjun, be calm.

Calm. Just like water.

[grunts]

-[Shalya] There he is! -[Arjun] Keshav!

They are charging straight towards us.

-What should we do-- -[Krishn] Let Karn make a mistake.

Why don't you give destiny a chance to play its part?

-[dramatic music playing] -[both grunting]

[Karn grunts]

[Karn groans]

-[grunts loudly] -[grunts]

[horses neigh]

Hmm.

[Karn grunting]

[Karn] What are you doing?

-Come on, Charioteer! Get us out of this! -[horses neigh]

[horses neigh]

-[Karn grunts] -[horses neigh]

[groans]

[grunts]

Wait, Arjun. I'm unarmed.

-[Karn grunts] -[horses neigh]

[grunts]

[grunts loudly]

What are you waiting for, Arjun?

Shoot your arrow. Go on and take Karn's life.

It is time to fulfil your vow.

But he is clearly unarmed, Keshav.

-[Arjun] How can I just-- -Abhimanyu was also unarmed.

And yet he kept fighting with just a chariot wheel.

He fought alone against seven accomplished warriors.

-[gasps] -And this Karn was one of them.

[grunting]

This is the only justice for the unrighteous.

Summon the Anjalika weapon, strike down this sinner, destroy him.

Put him to death.

[Karn panting]

[Karn] Come on!

[grunts]

[grunts and gasps]

[electric crackling]

[both gasps]

[Karn] What are you doing, Arjun?

Attacking a man who has no weapon or chariot?

Is this your idea of bravery?

-[Arjun grunts] -Is this righteousness?

History is never going to forgive you for this.

You stood by Duryodhan in every wicked decision he made.

Now that death is staring you in the face,

you start considering what is right or wrong? [scoffs]

Where was your sense of righteousness

when Dushasan was told to disrobe Panchali in open court?

And what happened to your idea of bravery,

when seven of you got together and killed my Abhimanyu mercilessly?

One of the fatal blows was yours, wasn't it, Karn?

As God is my witness,

I killed Abhimanyu

only because I wanted to release him from more pain and suffering.

[scoffs] I see.

Then let me go ahead and release you from your pain and suffering, Karn.

It's time to face my Anjalika weapon.

[grunts]

Arjun, do you really think you can frighten me with your weapon?

But remember, even I have learnt how to summon the Brahma weapon.

Be prepared to face my counterattack.

[fumbling the chant] Om…

Hmm? [gasps]

[tries to recite a chant in Sanskrit] Om… No…

[pants]

Huh?

What… What is happening to me?

Could it be that…

Guru Parshuram's curse is coming true? No.

[gasps]

-[electric crackling] -[Arjun grunts]

[music fades]

[Draupadi's light chuckle]

-[Draupadi chuckles lightly] -[soothing music playing]

[Kunti chuckles lightly]

[ominous music playing]

[Kunti grunts lightly]

[Kunti gasps]

[energy pulses]

Huh?!

-[arrow hits] -[Karn grunts]

[grunts in pain]

[exhales deeply]

[gasps]

-[Kunti] Huh?! -Mother Kunti!

-[Kunti sobs softly] -Are you alright?

-[tragic music playing] -[sobs softly]

-[Karn breathing heavily] -[Shalya] Karn?

-[Karn groans] -[Shalya] Karn!

[exhales deeply]

[tragic music continues]

[Duryodhan] Karn!

-[soldiers groan] -[soft sob]

[Kunti sobbing]

[tragic music continues]

[baby Karn cries]

[closing theme song playing]

[Krishn] All that is dark

The light you see

All illusion

Ends with me

Come forward, be one with me

The end is the destiny

This earth below, the stars above

This is Kurukshetra, this is Kurukshetra

[song fades]