Daana Veera Soora Karna 1977

Karna's birth and adoption

A baby is discovered floating in the Ganga and rescued by the charioteer Adhiratha. He adopts the child and names him Karna. The early life of an outsider fuels his ambition and sense of destiny.

Witnessing Ekalavya and the vow to surpass Arjuna

Karna witnesses Dronacharya sever Ekalavya's thumb to deny him the best archer's rank. The act solidifies Karna's resentment toward the societal order. He vows that someday he will surpass Arjuna in skill.

Parasurama training and Indra's bite

Karna becomes a student of Parasurama to master archery. While Parasurama sleeps, Indra, disguised as an insect, bites Karna and he endures the pain to avoid waking his guru. Parasurama curses Karna that his skills will fail him when he needs them most.

Earthly disturbance and a fateful curse

During travels, Karna disturbs the earth to squeeze ghee from the soil so he can help a distressed girl. Bhudevi curses that his chariot wheel will get stuck at a critical moment in battle.

Archery contest in Hastinapura and Duryodhana's crowning

Karna arrives at a grand archery competition in Hastinapura and is insulted for his low birth. Duryodhana defends him and crowns him king of Anga, forging a close alliance between them. Karna pledges his loyalty to Duryodhana.

Exile of the Pandavas

Dharmaja loses the dice game to Sakuni and the Pandavas are forced into exile. Karna remains loyal to Duryodhana as the conflict intensifies during their absence. The stage is set for Kurukshetra War.

Krishna reveals Karna's true parentage

As war approaches, Krishna reveals that Karna is Kunti's firstborn and the elder Pandava. Despite this revelation, Karna stays loyal to Duryodhana, complicating his sense of duty.

Bhishma's ban and Karna's vow

Bhishma refuses to let Karna fight, labeling him Ardharatha, a sign of his disputed status. Karna swears he will not engage in battle until Bhishma is incapacitated.

Bhishma falls and Karna enters the war

With Bhishma's fall, Karna receives his blessing and joins the war on the Kaurava side. He fights with renewed purpose, facing Pandavas across the battlefield.

Karna vs Abhimanyu and the young warrior's death

Karna is ordered to destroy Abhimanyu's bow, leading to Abhimanyu's death in the melee. Karna mourns the brave young fighter and the cost of the war.

Kunti's plea and Karna's pledge to spare Pandavas

Kunti pleads with Karna to join or spare the Pandavas. Karna agrees not to kill any of the Pandavas except Arjuna, promising that Kunti will still have five sons.

Indra's deception and the Vasavi Shakti

Indra, disguised as a Brahmin, tricks Karna into surrendering his Kavacha and Kundala for the Vasavi Shakti. Karna hopes to use the weapon against Arjuna but must deploy it during a night assault, losing his defensive edge.

Final day: chariot wheel and Krishna's urging

Salya serves as Karna's charioteer, and Krishna’s plan sows demoralization. Karna's chariot wheel gets stuck at a critical moment, and Arjuna is urged to strike, aided by Krishna's guidance.

Karna's death and posthumous revelations

Arjuna kills Karna with Krishna's counsel after a long duel. Afterwards, Krishna explains Karna's sacrifices and valor, and Kunti reveals Karna's true identity to the Pandavas. Karna's soul ascends to Surya, the Sun God.