Jungle Book movie review

Some films have the power in it to mesmerise us and have an ability to transport the audience to another world. Gravity in the recent past was one such film that transported us to a virtual space. The Jungle Book also has a similar feel where the viewers are taken not to space but to a deep and dense forest. Simply put its an awesome film with unbelievable visual beauty in it giving a brilliant feel waving an air of magic all around.
A kid who has grown up in the 90's would be eager to watch The Jungle Book. Having seen the animated version in DD in those days, the question in my mind was whether it has matched up to the hype and to my expectation. Well its a big yes and more than that.
On a bigger canvas with the aid of technology coming to its side in the form of CGI and Motion Capture, the film is a top class one suitable for people of all ages. Add to these the voices given by some of the best in business helping the film to make it one of the best in this genre.
So we have Mowgli an orphan found out as an infant by the the black panther Bageera who entrust him to the Wolves. He grow up under the care of Raksha and Akela. Situation reach a stage where Sher Khan the Tiger wants him dead as for him man is forbidden in his world. Thus goes the story and the journey of Mowgli to the man village that ends up Mowgli coming back to where he grew up.
The Jungle Book is a visually appealing fantasy adventure in every sense that has matched upto its hype in almost every department. The pace is quick with some edge of the scenes making your viewing experience highly engaging and rewarding.
Now to Neel Sethi, the twelve year old boy enacting the role of Mowgli. He fitted into that character with lot of ease and never would one feel that he was acting. So natural that his effort needs to be appreciated in a big way.
The voices to the characters from some top class actors complimented the boy's effort with such perfection. Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Ben Kingsley, Scarlett Johansson lending their voices for Baloo, Sher Kan, Bhageera and Kaa the snake respectively gave the film additional flavour. Technically excellent CGI work overall with some of the scenes having a mind blowing feel.
There are scary scenes too giving the film a dark tone to it. So in my opinion the censor board giving a U/A certificate for the film was apt as the those scenes demands children to view The Jungle Book with their parents by their side.
The final conclusion from me is that with its nostalgic value, impressive visual effects and stellar voices this movie matches the best of the league. Go and grab your tickets for this must watch film to make this weekend extra special. I am going with four out of five for Jon Favreau's The Jungle Book which was a pure delight with its execution and stunning visual effects.
Rating - 4 / 5