B.R. Chopra's Mahabharat or Sony Suryaputra Karn Serial: Which One Is the Best?

When discussing the epic tale of Mahabharat, many factors come into play, including the story's integrity, the depiction of characters, and the overall presentation. Two adaptations stand out: B.R. Chopra's theatrical epic and the Sony Suryaputra Karn serial. Here, we will explore why Mahabharat adapts billed as the superior choice and why B.R. Chopra's adaptation is far more faithful to the original story.

Why Mahabharat Is Better than Suryaputra Karn

Choosing between B.R. Chopra's adaptation and the Sony Suryaputra Karn serial is akin to picking between Kans and Jarasandh or between Ravan and Narkasur. Both characters are formidable, but their motivations and actions are fundamentally different. The same goes for Karna and Arjuna; in the original, Karna's ultimate allegiance was with the side of Adharma (unrighteousness), whereas Arjuna stood with Lord Krishna, symbolizing righteousness.

B.R. Chopra's adaptation, while also flawed, remains a magnificent cinematic undertaking. It was released during the lockdown and captivated audiences with its epic storyline and remarkable performances. The series is a testament to the storytelling prowess of the B. R. Chopra production house, showcasing a high level of production quality and narrative depth.

The Sahara Sony Suryaputra Karn Serial: A Turbid Stream

Comparing the Sahara Sony Suryaputra Karn serial to B.R. Chopra's adaptation is like comparing garbage heaps. The serial's version is rife with inaccuracies and distortions that detract from the original story. For instance, the serial introduced the "Suryaputra Karn" term, a misnomer that refers to the Sun God's son instead of the Pandava prince.

Key inaccuracies in the Sahara version include:

Karna's victory over Indra: While Karna's courage is commendable, his victory over Indra is an embellishment. In the original, Karna's insults to the gods were met with divine retribution. Creation of divine weapons: The serial introduces non-existent weapons like Sambhava Astra, Brahmand Astra, and Chandrahas, which were fabricated to increase the drama and appeal of the serial. These do not exist in the original epic. Manipulation of Karna's deeds: The serial distorts Karna's numerous actions, including his efforts to protect the Pandavas, to create a narrative that misrepresents the character's true motives. Arrogance of Draupadi and Krishna's Scolding: The serial depicts Draupadi as arrogant and Lord Krishna as scolding Arjuna and Draupadi, which is entirely at odds with the humble and devoted nature of their characters.

These distortions and inaccuracies make the Sahara Sony Suryaputra Karn serial a King of Garbage (KOG), a term used to describe content that is filled with falsehoods and has no foundation in the original epic.

Conclusion: B.R. Chopra Still Reigns Supreme

While B.R. Chopra's adaptation is not without its flaws, it remains a more faithful and respectful rendition of the epic. It captures the essence of the characters and the story in a way that the Sahara Sony Suryaputra Karn serial fails to do. Although the B.R. Chopra version is based on the BORI CE Mahabharata, which contains deviations from the original, it still provides a more accurate portrayal than the heavily distorted Sahara version.

For those seeking to understand and appreciate the essence of Mahabharat, it is highly recommended to read the epic as a primary source and not rely on KOG serials that do a disservice to the original work.