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Mowgli 2018

Mowgli 2018

It was more than 30 odd years that we first heard the hauntingly cryptic chants "chaddhi pehen ke phool khila hai" and for me that has always been the touchstone for all subsequent editions of Mowgli/ Jungle Book.

This latest one by Netflix is on an overload of Anurag Kashyap steroids. It's dark and edgy and touches True North on its moral compass.
Ever wonder what would have happened to Rose and Jack had they survived the Titanic? Well if this latest version of the Jungle Book is anything to go by, they would go on to become Frank and April from the Revolutionary Road.
I, 80% liked it and 20% loved it. Overall I think it's definitely a one time watch.

The "chaddhi" clad Mowgli is aware of the debt he owes his foster family and it's not all laugh and play for him. He is learning to be a warrior and the harsh realities of life are bruising and battering him. . . . Literally!

When confronted with a tragedy, he uses his skills and knowledge to neatly manoeuvre his way to a thumping victory. There is a happily ever after but it doesn't involve a pretty Radha with a large bindi and fluttering eyelashes.

I saw it in Hindi and loved the star voices which brought so much vitality to the characters.
Then went back and saw it in English too. Tough choice to make...

But definitely worth a watch.
Oh and even today the track by Vishal Bhardwaj is still an earworm....
Chaddhi pehen ke phool khila hai....

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