Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Fiction, Semi-mythological, Spoof
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Banner: Percept Picture Company
Hanuman Returns, the sequel to Hanuman – which its producers refuse to call as a sequel, hit the theaters on 27th December. However, the movie fails to create the charm that it once did in Hanuman, released almost two years earlier. Or, was it that we expected too much? Whatever be the reason, Hanuman Returns tries hard to impress, but fails miserably. This movie is an attempt to blend mythology with the present day world and to make the kids see that ultimately, good prevails over evil and saves the day!
The problem with Hanuman Returns is that it tries to be too many things - enlightening, engaging, naughty, cool and hilarious, all at the same time. Alas, in the end, it turns out to be none. Here, we see Hanuman, who has come to earth in the form of a small boy, trying to save the world from Rahu and Ketu - Shukracharya's half serpent, half-human immortal creations. In the meantime, he saves a boy from bullies and fights bandits too. The film has tried to raise a very important topic, of the devastation being caused by increasing pollution levels.However, the whole depiction, including that of the role man has played in bringing about the degradation of his own self and the world, fails to create much impact. What could have been an excellent medium to create awareness in children over environmental issues becomes a mere predecessor to the climax. Even the relation between Lord Indra and Menaka, the apsara, has been given detestable overtones. Somewhere in the middle, we even have a bandit modeled on Sholay's Gabbar Singh and a gorilla modeled around Shahrukh.
Even the climax, which comprises of a celestial battle and unnecessary volcanic eruption, seems to be stretched on for too long. Though the animation and artwork are good, we could not see any improvement over what was already seen in Hanuman. Small kids might find the movie entertaining. But, we, as adults, failed to digest Kashyap's take on mythology or the conversations of Gods in Hinglish. In short, the magic that we could feel while watching Hanuman seems to be missing in ‘Hanuman Returns’. Hanuman Returns Pre release Review
The adorable animated character Hanuman, who amused and entertained the audience in the movie “Hanuman”, is all set to make a comeback. The sequel (Hanuman returns) of the highly successful movie “Hanuman” is ready to be released by December end, this year. According to sources, a hint about Hanuman’s role in this sequel has been revealed and it has nothing to do with the epic Ramayana. Hanuman was a big hit when it was released in 2006 and was loved by everyone irrespective of their age.
In the sequel “Hanuman Returns”, the plot is supposed to have been conceived keeping in mind the contemporary world. Hanuman is born in the present times and helps save the world from destruction. He apparently wears a uniform unlike his avatar form. The story and treatment of the character is very fresh and new and will definitely kindle the imagination of all those who want to see a superman to save the planet in modern times. Hanuman Returns is an answer to all those who wait for miracles in this age of disbelief.
The movie is precisely a 2-D animated movie that has a lot of special effects. The script has been written and directed by renowned director, Anurag Kashyap. Plans are to release the movie overseas if it does well in India. To attract the general mass, the movie will be released in different languages like English, Bhojpuri, Tamil and Telugu. One has to just wait and watch the magic take over, again!
