DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4 (animation; dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name) is, as the title suggests, the fourth instalment in the Kung Fu Panda franchise. It is a martial arts comedy.
Po is helping his adoptive father, Mr. Ping, and biological father, Li Shan, open their new restaurant when Master Shifu tells him that he must advance to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace. Saddened that he will not be the Dragon Warrior anymore as he must find a suitable candidate to be his successor, Po struggles to choose candidates. He nabs a thief named Zhen, trying to steal ancient weapons, and sends her to prison. Po learns from some goats that Tai Lung has returned. He soon learns from Zhen that Tai Lung’s return was planned by the Chameleon, a powerful sorceress that can shape-shift into any animal of her choice. While initially reluctant to let Zhen help him, but wanting to go on one last adventure as Dragon Warrior, Po heads to Juniper City with Zhen. Mr. Ping and Li trail behind them as they fear for their son. At Juniper City, Po and Zhen are arrested, but escape to the Den of Thieves. Soon, Po and Zhen head to the Chameleon’s lair to take her down. However, once there, Zhen betrays Po’s trust when she gives Po’s staff, which has the power to bridge the gap through the Spirit Realm, to the Chameleon to play out her plan. Using the staff, the Chameleon creates a spiritual doorway to summon every martial arts master to steal their kung fu, including Tai Lung, Lord Shen and Kai. Realising her mistake, Zhen decides to leave the Chameleon for good.
Next, Po reunites with Zhen, but despite warnings from Zhen, he goes to face the Chameleon. Po tries to fight the Chameleon to get the staff back from her, and he is aided by Zhen. What happens thereafter?
Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger and Darren Lemke have written an interesting tale. Their screenplay, with additional screenplay by David Lindsay-Abaire and Lillian Yu, keeps the audience interest alive with all its turns and twists. The drama does stretch a bit but overall, it keeps the viewers entertained. The computer graphics and visual effects are so neat and colourful that the audience enjoy watching the drama unfold on the screen.
The voice acting of the animated characters is lovely.
Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Stine’s direction is appealing. Joshua Gunther’s cinematography is of a wonderful standard. Hans Zimmer and Steve Mazzaro’s background music is fantastic. Paul Duncan’s production designing is excellent. Computer graphics and visual effects are par excellence. Christopher Knights’ editing is sharp. Dubbing is superb.
On the whole, Kung Fu Panda 4 is an entertaining fare but it has its limitations for the Hindi-speaking audience who are not too fond of animation films.
Released on 15-3-’24 at Gemini (daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Warner Bros. Pictures (India) Pvt. Ltd. Publicity: so-so. Opening: ordinary. …….Also released all over. The original English version opened simultaneously and it is expected to fare much better than the dubbed Hindi version.