Over the last week or so, the internet world has seen a buzz around the comparisons between the present The Lion King and its predecessor released 25 years back, with the majority of the votes tilting towards the original creation. Many of the hyperbolic critics have slammed the new one as an ersatz of its illustrious parent. Many have lambasted it citing lack of emotions in the key moments as the reason. Thankfully, I found both the types wrong.

In the present polarized world of tumultuous regimes, intolerance towards ideas, taking a stand has been an essential means of living for many. There can be only two stands- excellent or awful, god or evil, nationalist or anti-nationalist. As if there cannot exist a middle path- a path of acceptance, a path of tolerance, a path of curiosity. A movie like The Lion King, full of values, mysticism, and philosophy of renunciation misfits in the changing dynamics. As a matter of fact, most people commenting on the worthlessness of the present installment have not even seen the prototype. Facebook or WhatsApp memes are there to provide you instant knowledge to lecture on any damn topic in the world!

Visiting the theatre with my son who has not seen a movie at the theatre before and that too to watch The Lion King has been a marvelous idea. He was overwhelmed at the birth of the Prince Simba. He was tearful when Mufasa died while protecting Simba. He was frenzied in joy listening to the conversations of Pumbaa and Timon. And towards the end, his emotions were gradually summing up to a feeling of pride as the movie neared its glorious finale. And with him, I was being transported to a world that existed exactly 25 years back, more tolerant, more embracing and less of diktats, stands or staunch opinions.

John Favreau of the ‘Iron Man’ and ‘The Jungle Book’ fame delivers yet another masterpiece to bring back a timeless animated classic to a motion picture with spellbinding technical finesse. I remember watching this man in side-roles from the day of ‘Rudy’, a forgotten masterpiece. His panache after donning the hat of a director has not abated at all. The masterclass cinematography, brilliant music, clever use of hues and colors hitherto unseen on the silver screen makes it a visual extravaganza. I was initially a bit skeptic about the reflection scene or the scene where Simba finally takes revenge. But the way those have been executed need thunderous applause. You talkin’ about the lack of emotions in crucial scenes? Remember- even though this movie is for everyone to watch, the kids are its primary target group and too much emotion might just have been injurious to their mental health.

If you are jumping to a conclusion over the present cinematic installment or better to say offering of this classic, you are letting your kid miss a lifetime experience. Its for him to enjoy, and for you to make him understand the underneath philosophy of the beautiful movie. Do not try for a role reversal. Allow him to undertake the journey in the world of Mufasa, Simba, Nala, Scar, Timon, Pumbaa and so many characters. I bet it will be riveting, rewarding and a lesson to cherish forever.