Walt Disney Pictures’ Aladdin (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name) is a musical fantasy based on the eponymous folk tale from One Thousand And One Nights.
Aladdin (Mena Massoud) is a petty thief who falls in love with princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) of Agrabah. Jasmine, who likes to move among commoners, also loves Aladdin but her father (Navid Negahban), the Sultan of Agrabah, tells her that a princess cannot marry a commoner just as a lady cannot rule the Agrabah kingdom.
Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) is the Sultan’s chief advisor. He is also a nefarious sorceror and is eyeing the Sultan’s throne. To fulfil his dream, he hoodwinks Aladdin into getting him the magic lamp from a cave.
As luck would have it, Aladdin encounters the genie (Will Smith) when he and his monkey go to fetch the magic lamp, and are trapped inside the cave. The genie asks Aladdin to make three wishes, which is what he (genie) can grant him. Aladdin asks for his own freedom and also tells the genie that he be converted into a prince so that he can marry Jasmine. His wishes are granted.
Realising that Jafar is an evil man, Aladdin does not give him the magic lamp. But soon, Jafar lays his hands on the lamp and rubs it, making the genie appear in front of him. The genie grudgingly grants Jafar his wishes of becoming the Sultan of Agrabah and of making the current Sultan and Jasmine poor.
What happens thereafter?
The film has an interesting tale which will appeal to the children. The screenplay, written by John August and Guy Ritchie, is engaging and entertaining. Although the drama keeps the audience engrossed, it is a fact that it lacks novelty as it is a well-known story. Even if some may not know the story, it is a predictable tale.
Mena Massoud does a fine job in the title role. Naomi Scott is effective as Jasmine. Will Smith is very endearing as the genie. Marwan Kenzari lends nice support as Jafar. Navid Negahban makes his presence felt as the Sultan. Nasim Pedrad has her moments as Dalia.
Guy Ritchie’s direction is impressive. Alan Menken’s music is nice. Alan Stewart shines as cinematographer. Gemma Jackson’s production designing is of a very good standard. James Herbert’s editing is sharp. Dubbing is very good.
On the whole, Aladdin is a good entertainer but it is also a predictable fare. Collections will pick up due to positive mouth publicity. The original English version, released simultaneously, will fare much better.
Released on 24-5-’19 at Regal (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay by UTV Motion Pictures. Publicity: ordinary. Opening: below the mark. ……Also released all over. Opening was not upto the mark.