Director: Siavash Zarin Abadi
Cast: Ali Hemmat Momivand, Shahrooz Malek-Arayi, Siamak Atlasi, Hamid Reza Ashtianipoor
Pahlevanan 1402 is a 2023 Iranian animated family-history series directed by Siavash Zarin Abadi, following the legendary figure Pouriya-ye Vali and his young students as they guard their zurkhaneh traditions against the scheming city constable Eskandar. A wholesome blend of Persian martial heritage and comedic adventure.
What is Pahlevanan 1402 about?
In an ancient Persian city, the revered master Pouriya-ye Vali runs a zurkhaneh — a traditional gymnasium of honor — where he trains a spirited group of young wrestlers. He also works as the town's blacksmith, keeping a humble and honorable life among ordinary people. Trouble arrives in the form of Eskandar, the arrogant city constable who harbors deep resentment toward the popular pahlevan and continually plots to undermine him. With quick wits and the loyal teamwork of his three prized students — Pahlevan Yavar, Pahlevan Safi, and Pahlevan Mofrad — Pouriya-ye Vali outmaneuvers every scheme Eskandar devises, turning each confrontation into a lesson in courage, solidarity, and the enduring power of righteous character.
The K-Time take
Pahlevanan 1402 earns its strong 8.4 rating by rooting its comedy firmly in classical Persian culture rather than borrowed tropes. The animation captures the rhythm of zurkhaneh ritual with genuine affection, and the writing keeps its moral lessons light enough that children absorb them without feeling lectured. It is the rare children's series that resonates equally with adult diaspora viewers hungry for authentic Persian visual storytelling.
Cast & crew
Director Siavash Zarin Abadi leads a voice ensemble anchored by Ali Hemmat Momivand and Shahrooz Malek-Arayi. Siamak Atlasi and Hamid Reza Ashtianipoor round out the principal cast, lending distinct vocal personalities to the student pahlevans and bringing warmth and comic timing to the ensemble without overshadowing the cultural material.
Context & significance
For Iranian diaspora families, Pahlevanan 1402 fills a genuine gap: a children's animated series built entirely around Persian martial tradition and pre-modern social life rather than imported Western formats. The zurkhaneh — UNESCO-recognized since 2010 — sits at the center of the story, giving younger viewers abroad a living connection to a practice their grandparents knew firsthand. The series invites parents and children to watch together, sparking conversations about chivalry (javanmardi), communal loyalty, and the long lineage of Persian heroic culture. Its gentle humor and episodic structure make it equally accessible for diaspora kids still building their Farsi vocabulary.
Where & how to watch
Pahlevanan 1402 is available on K-Time with original Persian audio. Stream it on the web, on your TV, or on your phone — no VPN needed, no geo-blocking, and no extra download required. Sign up once and cancel anytime.