Walt Disney Pictures’ The Lion King (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name) is an animation film about the animal kingdom in the Pride Lands of Africa. It is the story of Simba (voice of Aryan Khan) who is declared as the king of the jungle even while he is still a cub.
Simba’s father, Mufasa (voice of Shah Rukh Khan), announces that Simba would be the future king even while Simba is a cub. This doesn’t go down well with Scar (voice of Ashish Vidyarthi), brother of Mufasa. Scar had wanted to be crowned king but he realises that Simba’s presence would ensure that his dream would remain just that. Simba is very friendly to Nala (voice of Neha Gargava). Zazu (voice of Asrani) is very fond of Simba and takes care of him.
Scar now hatches devious plans to oust Simba but before that, he has to do something to get Mufasa out of his way. He joins forces with the hyenas to get Simba out of his way. But Mufasa saves Simba in the nick of time. However, Mufasa himself is not as lucky and he dies.
Simba leaves the Pride Lands of Africa and meets Timon (voice of Shreyas Talpade) and Pumbaa (voice of Sanjay Mishra) in another jungle. Simba grows up with the two animal-friends and other animals. Years later, Simba meets Nala. Nala tells him that in Pride Lands of Africa, Scar has made life hell for the other lions.
Simba now returns to Pride Lands of Africa with Nala, Timon and Pumbaa. He eliminates Scar, much to the joy of the lions and others.
Brenda Chapman’s story is interesting and it keeps the audience engaged right from the start till the end. (But for those who’ve seen the cartoon film of the same name, there’s no novelty in the story as this film has the same story.) Jeff Nathanson’s screenplay is fast-paced and doesn’t give a single dull moment to the viewers. Rather, there are several exciting moments which will elicit claps from the audience. Mayur Puri’s dialogues are praiseworthy.
Voice acting of all the actors is fabulous. Shah Rukh Khan is wonderful as the voice of Mufasa. Aryan Khan is very good as Simba’s voice. Ashish Vidyarthi is superb as the voice of Scar. Asrani makes the character of Zazu come superbly alive with his lovely dubbing. Shreyas Talpade evokes a lot of laughter with his witty dialogues as Timon. Sanjay Mishra is also brilliant as the voice of Pumbaa. Achint Kaur leaves a fine mark as hyena Shenzi. Neha Gargava is good as Nala. Shiv Subrahmanyam (as Rafiki), Shernaz Patel (as Simba’s mother, Sarabi), Meena Nahta (as Nala’s mother, Sarfina), Arush Nand (as young Simba) and Bliss Blaise Pereira (as young Nala) lend tremendous support.
Jon Favreau’s direction is brilliant. Animation and computer graphics are superb. Caleb Deschanel’s cinematography is lovely. Music (of songs) is appealing. Lyrics (Mayur Puri) are nice. Hans Zimmer’s background music is terrific. James Chindlund’s production designing is of a high standard. Editing (by Adam Gerstel and Mark Livolsi) is sharp.
On the whole, The Lion King is a surefire hit. The original English version, also released simultaneously, will also prove to be a big hit.
Released on 19-7-’19 at Regal (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay by UTV Software Communications Ltd. Publicity & opening: excellent. …….Also released all over. Opening was superb everywhere despite the film being an animation one.