For a change, I am actually liking this particular depiction of Karna. SPbharat made a bahu out of him imo. Aham Sharma elevated that linear characterization! And let us not even talk about SPK!
They're intensifying and fictionalizing Karna's birth tragedies in this version but I like how his character is also shown to be determined and hardworking. He is not just a depressing tragic figure but someone who is conscious and ambitious. For now, I like his stoic and calm demeanor, his determination to prove himself, his attempts to rise above his origins. I really hope they maintain this particular portrayal of Karna and not whitewash or darkwash him further to heighten the sense of pathos. I'd however like to see his parents soon, I am worried that this show will be unnecessarily Pandav-centric thanks to Uruvi's fictional ~closeness with the Pandavas and Kunti. That's gonna kill the show for me! I am watching this show to see Karna's personal life, not another odd narrative where he's randomly close to Pandavas, besties with Krishna etc. Give the viewers something new and don't commit the same mistakes as SPK! I accept this retelling as fiction but the Pandavas/Kunti centrism has to go! Show Karn's relationship with his adoptive parents instead! Also, can OTT scenes like Uruvi driving Arjun's chariot stop?! It's absurd!
Acting wise, I am not yet fully convinced by Aashim. He is extremely goodlooking but he needs to relax his body language. But I liked him in DSJZ and I know he can act, so I am prepared to give him more time to settle into the character. Finally, the love story between Karn/Uruvi is the main plot here so I hope it's done well, with slow pace and proper details.