Mufasa is the prequel to the Disney’s iconic film The Lion King. However, the film takes a different route than a typical prequel, we also get to see a follow-up plotline for Simba, Nala and their kids along with what’s going on at Pride Rock aka Milele. The Hindi Dub remains as close to the original names and essence of the characters while also adding a bit of a twist. While Simba and his family remain the prideful ruling family of Pride’s land, Timon, Pumbaa and some supporting characters get a twist with the Hindi Dub adding more comedy to the screenplay.
The film begins with Simba and Nala welcoming their second cub while asking Timon and Pumbaa to care for their elder daughter Kiara. Her troublemaking uncles hoped to tell her some stories of how they saved Pride Rock from Scar, and how her dad Simba is the real troublemaker. Rafiki walks in and puts things right, saving Kiara from Timon and Pumbaa. When the youngling talks about being scared of the thunder and the rain, Rafiki reveals that it is the right time to tell her the story about another young cub who was also afraid of the water but went on to rule everything as far as the light can see.
The story narrated by Rafiki reveals the back story of Mufasa, Scar, as well as Rafiki. Pride Rock is also known as Milele, introduced to Mufasa as a kid by his parents travelling through the drought season without a pack of their own. However, he quickly gets separated from them and swims out to a completely different place. While struggling in the water, he is saved by another young cub named Taka, the son of the King of the land. As they grow older and are forced to face the hardships of life, it becomes clear that just being of royal blood is not enough to stay one.
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One of the best parts of the film is the relationship developed between Taka and Mufasa. There are many great moments where Taka talks about wanting a brother and the chemistry for the rest of the run time adds an emotional element in the film. It also puts a new spin on Scar’s character and makes him redeemable despite the inevitable ending. Meanwhile, the dubbing in Hindi for the two brings out an easy chemistry between to brothers, making their parting ways more heartbreaking.
Timon and Pumbaa have limited screen time but the voice acting by Shreyas Talpade and Sanjay Mishra (respectively) adds great comic relief through out the runtime. Aryan and Abram also have limited screen time as Simba and young Mufasa, but undoubtedly have a lasting impression. But it is Shah Rukh Khan’s voice acting that is most moving, not only during fun moments but also the emotional moments with his adoptive mother Eshe voiced by Manini De.
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Meanwhile, Ashish Vidyarthi has voiced for Scar aka Taka making the character even more iconic. The character arc given by Barry Jenkins and Jeff Nathanson makes you want to root for him. The film leaves you wanting more for Scar, another way to redeem the character, as Taka’s past makes Scar’s end unacceptable in many ways. The songs in Hindi Dub aren’t the best, as compared to the original songs of the film, they aren’t as catchy nor as they
Overall, Mufasa The Lion King should be about Scar and Mufasa’s brotherhood and their friendship. It is a great watch for fans of the series, and the original films as it gives a great spin to an iconic character, but for fans of the OG musical it might not be the best sequel.
Cover artwork by Patrick Gawande/Mashable India
