The new animated film, “Mahavatar Narsimha,” takes on the beloved Puranic tale of Bhakt Prahlad and the demon king Hiranyakashyap, offering a visually ambitious but somewhat mixed viewing experience.
An Epic Battle of Good vs. Evil
The story of Prahlad is a timeless saga. It tells of the all-powerful demon Hiranyakashyap, who, after rigorous penance, received boons making him virtually invincible.
With gods fleeing in fear, only his young son, Prahlad, dared to defy him. Prahlad’s unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu forms the core of this epic conflict between father and son, good and evil.
Visuals: Grandeur Meets Uneven Execution
Hombale Productions, known for blockbusters like ‘KGF’ and ‘Kantara’, has gone big with this adaptation. Castles, mountains, and even the rakshasas themselves are scaled up massively, aiming for an epic feel.
While some scenes are impressive, the animation doesn’t always hit the mark for 2025. Proportions can sometimes appear off, and the overall sophistication doesn’t quite match up to what modern audiences expect from slick Marvel productions.
Dialogue: A Step Back in Time?
One notable point of contention is the antiquated language used by the characters. Prahlad, and even the elders, speak with words like ‘apitu’ and ‘kadapi’.
This traditional approach might make it harder to engage today’s younger viewers, who are accustomed to more contemporary storytelling and dialogue in animated features.
The Roaring Climax: A True Spectacle
The film truly comes alive in its final 30 minutes, delivering a “humdinger” of a finale. This segment accelerates with relentless pace and grand computer graphics, culminating in a kinetic and deeply satisfying conclusion.
Lord Vishnu appears as Narasimha, the powerful half-lion, half-human avatar, to confront Hiranyakashyap. The climactic battle adheres perfectly to the boons, showcasing a smart and brutal dismantling of the demon king.
The scene is world-class in its execution, though be warned: it’s ultra-violent, with body parts and blood. This might be a trigger for small children or faint-hearted viewers. However, for many, witnessing the demon’s demise is a visceral display of justice, proving that our gods truly know how to pull off an “Avengers” level showdown.
- The film brings a cherished mythological story to the big screen with ambitious scale.
- While visually grand, the animation’s sophistication can be inconsistent.
- The traditional dialogue style may not resonate with contemporary young audiences.
- The final 30 minutes are a high-octane, visually stunning highlight, albeit intensely violent.
Directed by Ashwin Kumar, “Mahavatar Narsimha” is a multilingual animation, available in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, offering a bold take on a timeless narrative.
