Mufasa: The Lion King (Tamil) Review: Taka's transformation to Scar takes precedence in this tale about Mufasa's glory

3/5

Mufasa: The Lion King story:

In the typical Timon and Pumbaa style of rants and all things comical, the beloved Lion King characters tell the tale of Mufasa, a lion cub, who once separated from his parents, rises to become a leader of the pack with Taka by his side, to young cub Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala. Interspersed with instances from the past, and how Kiara is kept engrossed by the antics of Timon and Pumba, Mufasa: The Lion King goes on to tell the tale of Taka and Mufasa, the ones who went from being inseparable to miserable foes.

(this review is based on the Tamil dubbed version of Mufasa: The Lion King)

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Mufasa: The Lion King review

Often, they say super villains are not born, but made. But what about those who were made to be the villain, and if they once had a soft heart that got blindsided by emotions, scarring them as evil for once for all? Mufasa: The Lion King subtly delves into this, and as much as you think it is about the titular lion, it is so much more about Taka (Ashok Selvan) who grows to adopt the name Scar for his wrongdoings.

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For those who have grown up watching Lion King as part of their childhood, Scar has always been that treacherous step-brother that caused the death of Mufasa (Arjun Das), a scene that evidently caused tears to roll down the cheeks. But how was Scar known to be called that, and if indeed it was the work of Mufasa to create the wound that left a mark on him forever? All those who think Mufasa: The Lion King would tell the brave acts of Mufasa are in for a surprise, when the feature takes an elaborate two hours to narrate the tale of transformation from Taka to Scar.

Without delving into the story too much, let's say Mufasa: The Lion King becomes a playground for the dialogue writers in Tamil, who find the right timing to insert "inga enna soludhu" to a young Rafiki, voiced by VTV Ganesh. Right from its denial of being called a baboon, to Timon (Singampuli) and Pumba (Robo Shankar) banter that gives you enough quips, Mufasa: The Lion King tries to keep a balance between the origin story of a majestic king and rise of a villainy one. When Arjun Das roars as a Mufasa in all might of his base voice, the cherry on the cake ultimately goes to Ashok Selvan, whose Taka gets so much to express and emote.

The Barry Jenkins directorial might be of Hollywood origin, but Lion King has resonated with kids of that generation across the world, that perhaps which has lent the Tamil version closer to local likings, still brings a smile across one’s face. The making is fantastic, but what serves as the highlights are those little tidbits which reminds you of the animated version. For example, the creation of Pride Rock was not just a natural phenomenon, but that of a process that displayed courage and bravery, and why Taka takes the name of Scar, offers several nostalgic values for the film which you first witnessed.

But on the other hand, do we really get to know who Mufasa is, and what makes him that lion whose roar can command the attention of all its jungle mates? Is Mufasa undergoing the rollercoaster of emotions enough that he claims the throne to being the titular character? Mufasa: The Lion King may offer you answers that can leave you disappointed. But what it amply provides is a story that you haven’t asked for, but do not regret watching it either.

Mufasa: The Lion King verdict

The Tamil version of Mufasa: The Lion King is something you would not regret watching. There is an origin story, some laughs and local references that keeps you related. But when you turn up as a true blue Lion King franchise fan, you can’t help from missing the glory of the film it had been all this while.