I felt there was alot of "waste" scenes that add no value to the characterisation of the protagonists, or to the pace of the story. The whole Bhishma admonishing the Sun God scene was unnecessary, and made him seem desperate rather than sagacious. It was also uncharacteristic - Bhishma would be the one suggesting Niyoga - instead we have a passionate Bhishma threatening Suryanarayan while Satyavati (who wasnt brought up in royalty, nor had the advantage of being educated by great Rishis) coming up with the Niyoga suggestion.
Let me not even get to the Amba-dragging bits. I know Amba's story is important - but at times it seems the screenplay is just trying to give Ratan Rajput a meatier role. So we get to undure here for 4-5 episodes, while Samir's matured Shantanu was unceremoniously dismissed in an episode and a bit.
This screenplay, dialogue and direction really suck - I have no issues with the casting otherwise.