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Saturday, April 20, 2024
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BOLLYWOOD ZOKKOMON
EDITOR'S PICK
Rating: **
Heart-warming performances and noble intentions do not make great cinema. This
one falls short of expectations, mainly because of the poor special-effects and
the failure of the plot to take off. To imagine a film about a flying hero
without convincing technique to make the flight of fancy believable, is to
imagine a grounded aircraft waiting clearance on a foggy afternoon when nothing
in the skyline is visible.
As Zakkomon, Darsheel just doesn`t take wings. He has great charm,
no doubt. And his performance is more crafted and honed than it was in Taare
Zameen Par. Sad to say the material meant to support him is frail and
feeble. The effort is noteworthy for the conviction that the two principal
actors, Safary and Kher, are able to impart to a film that seems hellbent on
messing up its own prospects.
All said and done Zokkomon in unable to rise to the occasion. Touted
as a super-hero film with the youngest super-hero in the world, it just doesn`t
provide the young hero the space to spread his wings. The mask gets muzzled. The
cape is clipped in the wings.
Darsheel Safary in the title role looks every inch the self-styled saviour of
the world. He takes the part seriously. But doesn`t allow it to trip over in
self-importance. He gets ample support from Anupam Kher in the two roles as an
evil uncle and the scientist. The two actors seem to get the point of doing a
film about a 14-year-old flying hero. If only they were better supported by the
technical department.
The ineptness of the special effects is surprising considering the film comes
from the reputed international producers Walt Disney.
One wouldn`t like to see Zokkomon as a wasted effort. It pushes the
envelope a little towards the right direction in providing entertainment for
kids. Through Darsheel`s endearing screen presence, the plot is able to overcome
its inherent deficiencies and connect with young minds.
The fantasy element, so essential to propelling the plot ahead, is marred by a
discernible lack of funds. But Darsheel in the inspiring company of his Anupam
Uncle and his perky co-star Manjari Phadnis seems to be determined to have fun
at a party where the arrangements are not quite what the guests expected.
Remember the dyslexic child Ishaan Awasthi from Aamir Khan's 2007-flick 'Taare Zameen Par'?Read More
