Arjun: The Warrior Prince 2012: Movie Review

Thank God! This is one swayamvar that rightly doesn't have the scandal, sleaze and controversy that ups channel TRPs. And we love our Gods for this very reason; even the powers that be turns into colour-coordinated animated stars for our delight. This one is the original; the rest is a mish-mashed concoction of unimaginative minds. Hey bhagwan!

The epic story comes stunningly alive on the canvas of Panchala, where Arjun participates in Draupadi's swayamvar, and quite breathtakingly spears the fish's eye with his dhanush. This scene is spectacular and sets the mood for the film, even makes you hopeful about India's animation industry, struggling to grab attention. The almost 3D-like dive, an underwater sequence and the detailing - superbly impressive.
The story then meanders to Virat, where the Pandavas are in agyaatvaas (unidentifiable avatars) while in exile, and the Kauravas are on a mission to unmask the brothers-in-arms, who are quietly prepping for a blood bath to avenge Draupadi's public humiliation. Lord Krishna also appears at some point, silently supporting the paanch brothers, and resolving their inner battles (read: conscience), with his divine disposition.

When you think Arjun, you think Mahabharata, but this animated story is actually a prequel to the legendary battle of Kurukshetra - a lost chapter from the pages of history that some televised adaptations must have breezed through in half an episode. The frames are so grandiosely designed that you want to soak into this experience, and watch Arjun display his bravado on-field, vanquish the villains, and honour his vow to Draupadi, but alas ... it all ends where the real heroes, all armed and sword-proofed, are ready for the mega dharm yudh.

If you've watched animated films like 'Bal Krishna', 'Ghatothkach', 'Hanuman Returns', this one's a far 'sketch', on a different canvas altogether. Directed (by Arnab Chaudhari) using 2G animation, the look is classic and superior by usual standards in Indian animation. Apart from the swayamvarscene, there's forest-fire, a battle sequence, martial arts, and a 'dicey' game of chaupat that leave you spellbound. Even though it's laced with dialogues that are heavy-weight (like adharm, kartavya, kuruvansh ka sarvanash), the narration of the multi-layered complex saga, laden with countless characters, is easy to comprehend. This journey of a superhero is more for adults than kids on their summer holiday.

Of all the amateurish animation films we've seen, this one's a 'God-sent'.