The storyline begins with Arjun as a nine-year-old boy and follows him till he grows into the warrior that the world knows him as. It explores his life with his brothers in Hastinapur, his training and education and his ultimate discovery of the warrior within himself.
... Read moreThe storyline begins with Arjun as a nine-year-old boy and follows him till he grows into the warrior that the world knows him as. It explores his life with his brothers in Hastinapur, his training and education and his ultimate discovery of the warrior within himself.
The titular hero is a figure from the epic Mahabharata, one of the Pandavas. As expected, Arjun: The Warrior Prince seeks to tell the story of the mythological hero, Arjun known to be the most courageous.
Plot
“Arjun, tumhe kya najar aa raha hai?” (“Arjun, what can you see?”) asks Dronacharya. Arjun immediately responds, “Keval uss pakshi ki aankh…” (“Only the eye of the bird”) that is Arjun for us; a dedicated, unwavering archer with the brilliance and bravery to become one of the greatest warriors, history has ever witnessed.
With four real brothers and a hundred cousins, the prince Arjun starts his training under Guru Dronacharya. As the days pass, the rivalry among the Pandavas and the Kauravas also intensifies and soon it translates into such hatred that drives the Pandavas out of their kingdom Hastinapur. Duryodhan, the eldest of the Kauravas is spiteful and decides to finish-off the Pandavas. The Pandavas return after a miraculous escape with Princess Draupadi as Arjun’s wife, after a stunning and a very “real” Swayamwar.
Soon the scene shifts to Virat, where the Pandavas are serving their 13 year exile. While you await the Great War to erupt between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, the story comes to an end with Arjun showcasing that he is a real Warrior and a True Prince.
What Worked
Arnab Chaudhuri’s direction is superior, so is the detailing in the quality of animation. It makes a mark with respect to storytelling and technical elegance. We may not be at the level of the Ups and Toy Storys yet, but the progress is pleasant. Vishal-Shekhar’s music sets the tone right for the battle hero and his brothers.
The story will have an instant connect with the older audience. Chaudhuri cleverly uses action sequences to keep one gripped. He takes a mythological story and presents it as an all out action flick, which is educational and enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Yudhveer Bakoliya lends his voice to Arjun, while Vijay Kashyap’s Shakuni Mama is less scheming and adds comic relief.
What Didn't
The director unnecessarily punctures the narrative with Bollywood style songs.
Overall
Arjun is India's best animation film. Let your kids absorb the story, while you can marvel at this step forward for the Indian animation film industry. It’s a great way to have fun while you learn.