Please don't watch. Terrible. Destroyed and manipulated mythology with pathetic language.
### Title: Hanuman Da' Damdaar (2017) - A Disappointing Dive into Mythology
"Hanuman Da' Damdaar," released in 2017, promised to be a fun, family-friendly animated film aimed at introducing the younger generation to the adventures of the beloved Hindu deity, Hanuman. However, what it delivered was a disappointing, watered-down version of mythology, plagued by poor storytelling, lackluster animation, and a misguided attempt at modernizing ancient tales with subpar humor and language.
#### Plot and Script
The film centers around young Hanuman, who is depicted as a carefree, playful child. In an attempt to make the narrative relatable to children, the story veers away from traditional mythology, incorporating modern elements and colloquial language that feel out of place. The plot follows Hanuman as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure, learning valuable lessons along the way.
Unfortunately, the script fails to capture the essence of the rich and profound mythology it draws from. The dialogue is filled with contemporary slang and humor that, rather than making the story more engaging, detracts from the timelessness and spiritual depth of Hanuman's legend. Important mythological events are glossed over or trivialized, stripping the narrative of its grandeur and significance.
#### Characterization and Voice Acting
Hanuman, one of the most revered and powerful deities in Hindu mythology, is reduced to a caricature of his true self. While it's understandable that the filmmakers aimed to present a child-friendly version of Hanuman, the character lacks the depth and heroism that make him an iconic figure. His journey feels superficial, and his character development is minimal.
The supporting characters, including other deities and mythological figures, are similarly one-dimensional. They are portrayed in a way that makes them feel more like cartoonish sidekicks rather than the powerful and wise beings they are in the original texts.
The voice acting is a mixed bag. While some actors put in a decent effort, others sound uninspired and detached, further diminishing the impact of the characters they portray. The use of contemporary slang and forced humor in the dialogue makes the voice acting feel even more out of place.
#### Animation and Visuals
For an animated film, "Hanuman Da' Damdaar" falls short in the visual department. The animation quality is subpar, with stiff character movements and poorly rendered backgrounds. The film's color palette is vibrant, but the overall execution lacks the polish and fluidity that one would expect from a modern animated feature.
The character designs are also problematic. While an attempt is made to make Hanuman and other mythological figures look appealing to children, the designs come off as overly simplistic and lack the awe-inspiring qualities that should be associated with divine beings. The visual representation of mythological events and locations is uninspired, failing to transport the audience to the majestic world of ancient Hindu epics.
#### Direction and Pacing
The film's direction is another area where it falters. The pacing is erratic, with scenes dragging on unnecessarily or being cut abruptly, leading to a disjointed viewing experience. Important plot points and character moments are rushed, while inconsequential scenes are given undue attention. This uneven pacing makes it difficult to stay engaged with the story.
The director's attempt to balance humor, adventure, and mythology is poorly executed. The film's tone fluctuates awkwardly between lighthearted comedy and moments that are supposed to be serious and profound. This tonal inconsistency further hampers the film's ability to deliver a cohesive and impactful narrative.
#### Cultural and Mythological Respect
One of the most significant issues with "Hanuman Da' Damdaar" is its lack of respect for the source material. The film distorts and simplifies complex mythological narratives to fit a modern, child-friendly mold, but in doing so, it loses the essence of what makes these stories enduring and meaningful. Sacred myths are turned into mere entertainment, with little regard for their spiritual and cultural significance.
The film's attempt to modernize mythology with contemporary language and humor feels misguided and disrespectful. Instead of honoring the depth and wisdom of the original tales, "Hanuman Da' Damdaar" opts for a shallow and trivialized version that is likely to disappoint and alienate those familiar with and appreciative of the rich traditions of Hindu mythology.
#### Conclusion
"Hanuman Da' Damdaar" is a missed opportunity to introduce young audiences to the rich and inspiring world of Hindu mythology. Its flawed script, lackluster animation, and disrespectful treatment of sacred stories make it a disappointing watch. Rather than being a fun and educational experience, the film turns into a frustrating and unsatisfying journey that fails to do justice to the legendary hero Hanuman. Parents and children alike would be better served by exploring the original tales or more faithful adaptations that honor the spirit and significance of these timeless stories.
