Review: Jungle Book is an exceptionally beautiful film which takes you back to your childhood

Kids of 80s and 90s would still remember the television show- Jungle Book for Mowgli, Bagheera, Bhaloo and the famous song- ‘Jungle Jungle baat chali hai pata chala hai, chadi pehen ke phool khila hai, phool khila hai’.

To refresh your memory, the Jungle Book is Rudyard Kipling’s most revered work about an orphaned boy who is raised in the jungle by a pack of wolves, a bear and a black panther. Coming to the movie, the Jungle Book (2016) is an American fantasy adventure film directed by Jon Favreau, written by Justin Marks, and produced by Walt Disney Pictures. Based on Rudyard Kipling's eponymous collective works, the film is a live-action/CGI reimagining of Walt Disney's 1967 animated film of the same name.

'The Jungle Book' starts with a castle and quickly takes us into wilderness with lots of wild animals and a human child Mowgli (Neel Sethi). The tiger Shere Khan is against the human child. But, the wolves, the Bear (Bhaloo) and the Black Panther have vowed to protect him. Mowgli is beating all odds by surviving amongst the toughest creatures. The storyline is a bit predictable. But, the execution is so good that the predictability is turned to awe.

The film is backed by an ace vocal star cast. Amidst all the star-studded action, Irrfan's voice-over for Bhaloo steals the thunder from everything else in the film. Sher Khan (Nana Patekar) as the villain is pretty impressive. There were scenes when you really felt his anger and aggression. Kaa (Priyanka Chopra) hypnotises you with her charm even though you hear her only for a few minutes. The other notable character in the film is King Louie. Neel Sethi, as Mowgli is energetic, looks like a jungle kid and is as emphatic as he needs to be.

Director Jon Favreau has successfully managed to portray animal emotions and make the audience connect with them. Mowgli's battle to find himself amongst the wilderness is touching. The movie also makes us reflect on how humans are potentially capable of destroying the natural habitat of animals.

Favreau and cinematographer Bill Pope keep the camera moving and the visual effects team led by Robert Legato and Adam Valdez has created larger than life visuals that look better than many computer graphics presented in a film involving humans and animals. The only thing that could have been better (though not absolutely necessary) is the transition from the jungle to the village. There is a stark contrast which disrupts continuity in this otherwise marvellous film.

The beautiful and realistic visuals in this kid-pic will win hearts of even adult audiences making it a film for all audiences.

Take a break from your mundane activities, watch this kid-pic and cherish your childhood.

Reviewed by- Dolly Bolly