The Jungle book is back!

“What is meant to be, will be.”

As Raksha speaks these lines to man-cub, Mowgli, nothing has ever, in a long time, sent my heart and mind in a race of flashing childhood memories. I feel it was reason enough for many others to get up so early on a Sunday morning to catch the latest version of the classic children’s story, The Jungle Book, leaving the theatre hall houseful.

And to know that it is doing so good for itself even after facing fierce competition from the much anticipated SRK starrer film, Fan, reinstills my hope and admiration for well-made movies. Kudos, to the entire team!

This story is so special; it has taught me serious life lessons. This evergreen tale by Rudyard Kipling puts across the simplest but crucial lessons of survival in the most uncomplicated and enduring way possible. How difficult it is to understand Mowgli’s grit, the importance of being compassionate and loving towards all regardless of differences, and the striking of the perfect human-nature relationship being pivotal for everyone’s survival?

A still from the movie. Photo Courtesy: Internet

Scarlett Johnsson as Kaa has a miniscule role but her voice blows life into the few lines she is given. Ben Kingsley as Bagheera has to be my second favourite, first favourite being the adorable Indian-origin child artist, Neel Sethi, as he does wonders in the role of the much celebrated, every child’s beloved, Mowgli.

The adorable Neel Sethi as Mowgli. Photo Courtesy: Internet

Remember, ‘Jungle jungle pata chala hai, chaddi pehen ke phool khila hai...’?

I'm sure you will love this version of the song. Recreated by Gulzar and Vishal Bharadwaj, the kid's singing the lovely song is pure magic.

Ohh! Somebody take me back! :’)

And, by the way, on the home front, a small budget filmn( I hate to describe a film that way) starring the very talented Swara Bhaskar has hit the theatres, Nil Battey Sanata. It is giving me good vibes, hence, would be more than happy if you (yes you! who has taken the trouble to read this little piece of writing. I'm grateful, btw, Thanks! :D)  could catch it and tell me what you think about it. What say?