Chengdu Coco Cartoon, Beijing Enlight Media, Beijing Enlight Pictures, Chengdu Zizai Jingjie Culture Media and Beijing Coloroom Technology’s Ne Zha 2 (animation; dubbed from the Mandarin film of the same name; UA) is the story of Ne Zha. It is the sequel to Ne Zha.
After Ne Zha and Ao Bing are struck by heavenly lightning together, their physical bodies are destroyed. Master Taiyi Zhenren exhausts his sacred lotus to regenerate their physical bodies. Ao Bing’s father, Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea, orders an attack on Chentang Pass which Ao Bing defends. Exertion leads to disintegration of Ao Bing’s body. Ao Guang now makes a ceasefire deal under which Ao Bing and Ne Zha will complete three trials to become immortal and win a potion which can restore the sacred lotus and create a new body for Ao Bing. The trials are set by Wuliang, the immortal leader of the heavenly Chan sect. Ne Zha and Ao Bing complete two trials. Before the third trial, Ne Zha learns that his parents and all the other inhabitants of Chentang Pass have been annihilated. He now completes the third trial without Ao Bing’s help, defeating Shi Ji, a stone monster, becoming immortal and obtaining the potion.
Soon, Ne Zha learns of Wuliang’s reality and sets out to destroy him and expose him.
Based on Chinese novel Investiture Of The Gods by Xu Zhonglin, the screenplay by Jiaozi is confusing for the Indian audience. There are too many characters and too many tracks, which add to the confusion. However, the animation is so outstanding that it does quite often make up for the confusing drama. It would not be wrong to say that the animation is of the kind which the audience has never seen in the past; it’s a veritable visual treat.
Voice acting of the animated characters is outstanding. Jiaozi’s direction is lovely. Shi Chaoqun’s cinematography is extraordinary. Lin Qiuying’s editing is crisp. Dubbing is wonderful.
On the whole, Ne Zha 2 is like a typical Bollywood masala film but its drama is very confusing. The Hindi dialogues are also often difficult to understand. On the other hand, its animation is of unprecedented quality and makes the film a visual treat. Notwithstanding the box-office limitations of animation films in India, it would’ve done reasonable business but the lack of face value (for Indian audience) and poor promotion will greatly tell on its box-office business.
Released on 25-4-’25 at Metro Inox (daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Warner Bros. Pictures (India) Pvt. Ltd. Publicity & opening: poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was weak everywhere.
