Title: Appu
Directors: Prosenjit Ganguly, Ajay Velu, Archisman Kar
Voice Cast: Jasleen Singh, Arjun Bajwa, Snigdha Sharma, Aarash Diwan, Rupa Bhimani, Sabina Malik, Samay Thakkar, Manish Bhawan, Anamaya Verma, Trilok Patel
Where: In theatres near you.
Rating: **1/2
Visually, this animated film in 4K is at par with any other such films from Hollywood. Its vibrant and lively frames are enchanted with innocence and delight, drawing viewers into a mesmerizing world.
Narrated in a captivating, non-linear fashion the film pays homage to endangered elephants, highlighting the plight of these majestic creatures. At the outset of the film a slide informs us, ‘When hope begins to wane, an elephant calf stomps up to face injustice! That’s Appu – a little elephant with big courage.’
Presented as a road film- this heartwarming cinematic voyage transports audiences into the enchanting realm of Appu, the spirited elephant calf. Through his playful escapades and daring demeanour, Appu, voiced by Jasleen Singh, effortlessly enthralls viewers of every generation. However, the narrative takes a bittersweet turn as tragedy strikes, thrusting Appu into a world fraught with ruthless mercenaries testing his courage and resolve like never before.
The narrative unfolds with Appu's father Kannan, voiced by Samay Thakkar, falling victim to merciless poachers, setting the stage for Appu's daring pursuit. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with Tiger, voiced by Prosenjit Ganguly, a wandering dog who pledges to aid in his quest.
As we delve into Appu's world, encountering his companions, relatives, and adversaries, the potential for this action-packed movie becomes apparent. Regrettably, the narrative falls short in complexity, feeling more akin to a simplistic children's tale rather than a fully immersive adventure.
Everything used in the creation of this animated world has been sourced from the natural surroundings that elephants inhabit. There are plenty of ogling images with a vast array of colours that would mesmerise you.
The characters, anthropomorphised with precision, breathe life into the story, while the seamless integration of colour palettes enhances the mood of each scene, creating an unforgettable visual experience.
While the plot may lean towards simplicity, it is adorned with poignant lessons of longing, loyalty, and repentance, making it an ideal choice for young audiences. However, some aspects of the narrative may feel outdated for today's more inquisitive children.
While the script meanders in the first half with repeated scenes, the second half is a bit exciting as the narrative takes off with cinematic liberties and cardboard-thin stereotypical characters mouthing quirky dialogues.
The songs penned by Aishwarya Kumaresh are unpretentious, lilting, and lyrical. They add zing to the telling. The song- “Sibbaba Shibi…” stands out from the rest.
Music director Dipanker Chaki’s original background score is lively and infectious. It elevates the viewing experience.
Overall, the film offers a delightful escape into a world of adventure and wonder but will appeal to only kindergartens.
