Zokkomon Review

Though there has been zero hype around 'Zokkomon', one hoped somewhere in the corner of the heart that the film may end up surprising you and there is something really enticing that plays on screen. Alas, none of that really happens which means 'Zokkomon' turns out to be yet another forgettable instance of a kid's film disappearing into oblivion.

Unfortunately the story too doesn't hold much ground as the film moves ahead on a predictable note. Also, the all important factor - getting touched by the plight of the young boy here - doesn't happen due to which one can't expect an outlet of emotions that would have initially made you teary eyed and later euphoric.

To be fair to the genre when it comes to films for kids, there is eventually a standard storyline that one has been seeing since eternity. Whether it is 'Oliver Twist', 'Cinderella' or 'Harry Potter', one can't escape the plotline of 'a poor little kid being tormented and how he/she eventually rises from the ashes. Fair point, as long as the narrative is exciting enough to keep you glued on screen.

In case of 'Zokkomon' though even this basic premise is so half heartedly conveyed through the promos that you find yourself disinterested at the very go itself. The 'evil uncle' angle doesn't make you emotional either as Anupam Kher gets into the 'Chaalbaaz' mode while being even more sinister.

In fact it won't be wrong to say that while in 'Chaalbaaz' Sridevi got into a double role to give it back to Kher, Darsheel has pretty much his own alter ego to contend with (in the form of Zokkomon) to get back at the same actor who has been so effortless and unpretentious despite getting a similar character to enact. Not just that as this time around it is him who is seen in a double role while also enacting the part of a scientist who is actually responsible for the creation of 'Zokkomon'.

Of course just like all superheroes, the bare minimum criteria for Zokkomon too is to fly. Well, he does fly and though at times you do want to let the kid out of who scream with excitement, you don't quite manage to do that as kids seated next to you also don't seem really delighted.

Performances too are decent, nothing extraordinary. Just like 'Bumm Bumm Bole', in 'Zokkomon' too Darsheel is decent, not quite fantastic, something that is an expectation from him ever since his smashing debut in 'Taare Zameen Par'. Anupam Kher is good in both the roles. Manjari Fadnis is decent in a role which isn't that of a quintessential leading lady. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music is completely forgettable.

All said and done, the track record of kid films, whether animated or otherwise, has been so abysmal during all these years that one anyways has set perceptions around 'Zokkomon' as well. The final word? Here goes another kid film which doesn't even half excite you, let aside making you feel that it could have been a better watch.

Rating: **