Sonia Chopra
Something’s missing from children’s films these days – one film has a song where kids are dressed like cheerleaders, several Hollywood animations have romance as their central theme, others take the super-boring mythological trip.
Which is why Zokkomon is relevant – here’s a film that’s sweet, funny, innocent and most importantly, talks to the kids eye-to-eye.
Kunal (Darsheel Safary) is recently orphaned after his parents die in a tragic accident. He’s packed off to Jhun Jhun village run by his evil chacha (Anupam Kher). So it’s a living hell for Kunal as he puts up with his relatives who are greedy for his inherited wealth, and going to a school where the teachers are just as cruel.
When Kunal finds himself abandoned, he finds comfort in an effervescent stranger who saves him from a bunch of goons. Kittu didi (Manjari Fadnis) as he fondly calls her introduces him to her mad life. Living in malls, museums and currently in a film costume godown – Kittu makes for a lovable character who has no fixed address.
The villagers attribute Kunal’s disappearance to evil spirits, and Kunal decides to teach the villagers and his relatives a lesson. Teaming up with a grumpy scientist, Kunal becomes the all-powerful Zokkomon.
The film is an easy, breezy watch but is deeper than your normal fluff in the name of children’s films. There are some nice dialogues, an interesting premise where the protagonists use superstition to get the villagers to stop believing in it, and some great songs. The song with Kittu and Kunal in the costume godown with Javed Akhtar’s lyrics is simply superb.
No complaints on the technical front – the camerawork is highly competent, the editing efficient, and the special effects are simple and dignified. Sure, the film could’ve been funnier, the costume less awkward, the production design snazzier and so on. But considering the tripe that’s being made for children, this one, directed by newbie Satyajit Bhatkal, is a surprisingly good watch.
Darsheel Safary makes Kunal a lovable protagonist. Manjari Fadnis known for Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na role will remind you of Juhi Chawla in Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke. She pours onscreen like unadulterated sunshine, displaying unbounded charm. The other kids who make up Kunal’s gang are extremely confident. Anupam Kher makes for a fun comic-bookish villain.
So there you have it – a fun, smart children’s film that even grown-ups may enjoy. You don’t get that very often!
Rating: 3 stars
courtesy : sify
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