ROARS AS AN ASCENSION STORY BUT GOES SILENT IN EMOTIONS

THE STORY of a reluctant leader rising to power is always a charming idea.

- AKSHAY KUMAR

One of the most iconic animated characters, Mufasa, seems tailor-made for such an idea. However, Mufasa: The Lion King is hit-and-miss, lacking emotional depth.

The film begins with Simba (Donald Glover) carrying on the legacy of his beloved father Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) and ruling the Pride Lands with love, justice, fairness, and valour. He rushes to help his wife Nala (Beyoncé), who is in trouble, leaving his daughter Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) in the protection of Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen). The three are soon joined by the wise baboon Rafiki (John Kani) as he narrates to Kiara, the tale of her brave grandfather Mufasa, who accomplished the impossible when all the odds were against him.

The film goes against the popular maxim—Blood is thicker than water—as every character who believes in this saying turns out to be an antagonist. Born to Masego (Keith David) and Afia (Anika Noni Rose), Mufasa is washed away by the floods and gets separated from his parents. He reaches the kingdom ruled by Obasi (Lennie James) and Eshe (Thandiwe Newton), saved by their son and heir to the throne, Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr).