Columbia Pictures and Fully Formed Entertainment’s Anaconda (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; UA) is the story of four friends who set out to remake the 1977 film, Anaconda.
Griff (Paul Rudd), Doug (Jack Black), Kenny (Steve Zahn) and Claire (Thandiwe Newton) are four friends. Griff lies to the other three that he has the remaking rights of Sony’s Anaconda. Since Griff is an actor, and Doug is a videographer, the four friends decide to remake the film with Griff and Claire in the leading roles. It is also decided that Doug would direct the film while Kenny would shoot it. Hence they go to the Amazon Rainforest with a pet Anaconda belonging to Santiago Braga (Selton Mello) who also accompanies them. Ana (Daniela Melchior) also joins the five persons because she volunteers to ride the boat.
As bad luck would have it, the pet Anaconda dies in an accident before the shooting can be completed. Worse still, a real Anaconda kills Santiago. How the four friends and Ana complete the shooting with a real Anaconda is what the latter part of the drama is all about. Is the film then released?
Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten’s story is based on the earlier (1977) film written by Hans Bauer, Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr. The story may not be plausible but the light moments serve to enhance the duo’s screenplay. The proceedings keep the audience engaged for a good part. The climax is not very fulfilling.
Paul Rudd is good as Griff. Jack Black is very nice as Doug. Steve Zahn does well as Kenny. Thandiwe Newton performs ably as Claire. Daniela Melchior is okay as Ana. Selton Mello does a fair job as Santiago Braga. Ione Skye is so-so in a brief role as Doug’s wife, Malie. Rui Ricardo Diaz and John Billingsley provide average support. Ice Cube makes his mark in a cameo appearance as himself.
Tom Gormican’s direction is quite nice. David Fleming’s background music is reasonably effective. Nigel Bluck does a fine job of the cinematography. Steven Jones-Evans’ production designing is proper. Editing (by Craig Alpert and Gregory Plotkin) is sharp. Dubbing is of a fine standard.
On the whole, Anaconda is an average fare with some good thrills.
Released on 25-12-’25 at Gemini (1 show; in daily 5 shows from 26-12-’25) and other cinemas of Bombay by Sony Pictures Films India Pvt. Ltd. Publicity & opening: dull. …….Also released all over. Opening was weak everywhere.