Motu Patlu review: One-time watch for kids

Film: Motu Patlu: King Of Kings
Rating: 2.5/5

Animation cinema hasn’t really boomed in the Hindi arena. Despite some high-class technology and good storytellers at our disposal, this void hasn’t been filled yet. Director and writer Suhas D. Kadav’s Motu Patlu: King Of Kings shows some promise of being a fun animation ride only to end up being yet another passable film in the genre.

The film is based on the TV series, Motu Patlu. The characters have also been featuring in Lotpot comics for decades. Motu and Patlu are the best of friends living a carefree life in Furfuri Nagariya. They get the shock of their lives one day when a lion fiercely starts following them. They manage to get the animal caged. But later on, they realise that the lion, named Guddu, is a soft-hearted vegetarian, who works in the circus. Motu and Patlu decide to drop him off in the jungle after they realise he is fed up of the circus.

The jungle is ruled by the brave lion, Simha, who protects other animals at any cost. Things become serious for Simha and other animals when Narsimha, a human, decides to poach the jungle and loot the gold hidden deep inside. At the same time, Motu, Patlu and Guddu arrive in the jungle. Circumstances ensure that the responsibility of saving the jungle falls on the shoulders of the outsider trio. Will the soft-hearted Guddu wage a battle against Narsimha? 

The basic motto of such films is to provide a non-stop joyride without going into things like logic. Motu Patlu gets into the action mode right at the onset. Despite some ambiguity in the basic storyline, the aim of entertainment is fulfilled.

After the story is established, one expects such a film to get into the top gear. But this is where the film doesn’t score high. The second half has moments that are engaging, but not entertaining enough. At times, it seems they try too hard to induce humour. So, the end result turns out to be just a one-time watch and that too for kids.

There seems to be some confusion with respect to the central character. Guddu is shown as the main character initially, but he doesn’t get enough screen time as the film progresses.

With the world becoming a smaller place, it is vital for Indian animation to be of top-notch quality. Despite the animation over here not being bad whatsoever, it doesn’t complement today’s times. However, some 3D effects are amusing. The background score adds to the fun element. At times, it’s too loud. Despite the songs being composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, they don’t stay with you after the film. 

Coming to the voiceovers, Vinay Pathak stands out as Guddu. His voice might seem unusual for a lion. But Guddu’s not-so-heroic and immature nature demanded someone like him. Sourav Chakraborty had his task cut out as he has given voices for five characters — Motu, Patlu, Dr Jhatka, Chingam and Ghaseta. There is no similarity in any of the voices. This only means that he has carried out his task with precision. Chingam, a spoof of Singham, doesn’t get much to do, though. 

Overall, Motu Patlu: King Of Kings doesn’t rise up to the potential of being an impressive fun ride, although it can be seen once by its target audience. 

Director: Suhas D. Kadav
Producers: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Maya Animation 
Writers: Niraj Vikram, Suhas Kadav and Dheeraj Berry
Cast: Vinay Pathak, Sourav Chakraborty 
Music: Vishal Bhardwaj
Genre: Animation
Runtime: 109 minutes