 It’s time for “The Return of Hanuman”, the new and numerology-wise correct title, to hit the screens on December 28. Earlier called “Hanuman Returns”, it is Hindi cinema’s first animation sequel, and so far since 2006, all sequels have been bigger blockbusters than their originals!
Percept Picture Company, which produced “Hanuman”, the 2005 hit, is however positioning “The Return Of Hanuman” in a very different way. Looking at a global release (they have even announced a third in the series already) they are projecting and marketing (!) Hanuman as India’s original superhero and not just a deity.
The script is thus about Hanuman telling Lord Brahma that he wants to come and live on earth and enjoy like all the kids here are doing. Brahman agrees to his wish and Hanuman is born to a pandit and his wife Sheila. The name Maruti is given by his parents when they immediately realize that this is no ordinary child but an “avtaar” of Lord Hanuman. And Maruti (with his insatiable appetite and penchant for falling in trouble along with extraordinary powers) soon has to save humankind.
Maruti’s friends Munni, Minkoo and Daddu are his chums, while the villains are the evil One-Eyed man, Guru Shukracharya, Rahu-Ketu and Aghori. Narad Muni and Lords Barhma and Vishnu also feature in the film.
In a complete surprise, the film is directed and co-written (with Amit Babbar) by Anurag Kashyap of Black Friday and No Smoking fame. Says Kashyap, “My daughter kept asking me why I made films that she could not watch, and she loved the film “Hanuman”. So it was a miracle when I was offered the film!’
While the animation director is Upendra Desai the animation is carried out by Toonz Animation. The music director of the original film Tapas Relia scores the contemporary songs of the film. Lyrics are written by Satish Mutatkar.
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