Mufasa: The Lion King Review: Timon-Pumbaa’s banter, Rafiki’s pearls of wisdom shine in a Mufasa-Simba film

Mufasa: The Lion King

“This is what males do. We protect power as we nap”, says Obasi (Lennie James), Mufasa’s (Aaron Pierre) adoptive father and Taka’s (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) father. Obasi, the flag bearer of toxic masculinity, is the King of the Pride who welcomes Mufasa into their pack rather reluctantly, only on the insistence of wife Queen Eshe (Thandiwe Newton). As Mufasa and Taka bond, Obasi tries his best to create a wedge between the brothers. “One day, he will betray you. That is what strays do”, Obasi tells Taka. In the meanwhile, Mufasa is made to spend time with female lions, in an attempt to keep him away from the men.

Mufasa: The Lion King: Plot

Mufasa is mentored by Eshe, who teaches him the art of honing his intuitive abilities—a skill, which “sets him apart from other lions”. In a surprising turn of events, this rather dysfunctional Pride is attacked by Outsiders, the Pride of White Tigers, who take over the Kingdom. Will Muafasa reunite with parents and find acceptance for his foster family? What works for Mufasa: The Lion King isn’t particularly Mufasa-Taka storyline as much as Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumba (Seth Rogan) reaction to Rafiki’s (John Kani) story.

“I have a suggestion”, quips Timon as Rafiki narrates the story, adding “Less childhood trauma, more meerkat, please”. As the two engage in sometimes humorous, mostly silly banter, Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) listens patiently, often butting in with questions. This, as her parents Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter), visit an oasis where the latter gives birth to her second child, Kiara’s brother Kion.

Mufasa: The Lion King: Performances

Directed by Barry Jenkins, based on a screenplay by Jeff Nathanson, the 118-minute long animated film is essentially an action-adventure musical exposing the many pitfalls of toxic masculinity and offering commentary on race (think: the conflict between ‘White’ Outsiders vs the Pride]). In a telling scene, Kiara asks Rafiki about the history of Outsiders, and what made them attack Obasi’s tribe. “Outsiders are from many prides. When they are born, they are hated because they are different. Sometimes when people who most like you hurt you, it causes deep despair”, responds Rafiki who had a similar experience growing up.
Taka and Mufasa are on the run with Outsiders tracking them. Mufasa meets Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), the lioness from Pride Lands who grows up to be Simba’s mother. Mufasa develops feelings for Sarabi, only to realize that his brother, Taka, likes her too. “This is Zazu. Don’t ear him”, says Sarabi, as she introduces a hornbull who has been given the responsibility to protect her. Zazu (Preston Nyman), is the source of comic relief, much like Timon and Pumbaa. In a scene, Mufasa says “You [Rafiki] are sitting on a pond with your eyes closed” to which the wise monkey responds “My eyes are open, my lids are shut”.

Mufasa: The Lion King: Writing And Direction

For an animated musical, this critic was happy that many of the songs in the film are quite catchy. Think “I Always Wanted A Brother”, which establishes the unbreakable bond between Taka and Mufasa, two adoptive brothers and unlikely companions. The rather tense, pensive refrain of the song “Bye Bye”, sung rather hauntingly by Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen), the leader of Outsiders will creep up on you. “Everything the light touches belongs to me/Climb every tree, across land sea/Go…bye bye”. On the flipside, the cheerful, upbeat “We Go Together” will put you in good spirits.

What works for Mufasa: The Lion King, is the visuals. The film is photo realistically animated. Every frame looks realistic, so much so that at times it feels like you are watching a live-action film with CGI tigers. The chase sequences are majestic. Particularly the bits where Mufasa jumps from a waterfall and the one where he is being chased by Outsiders (White Lions).Mufasa: The Lion King: What Works, What Doesn’t

This critic tried his best, but couldn't form an emotional connection with Mufasa/Taka. What moved me was Rafiki’s backstory. A wise monkey dubbed as a ‘baboon’ and dismissed by his tribe who accused him of “talking to spirits” and “summoning the devil”, is enlightened and rather brazenly, defies the authority of the King of the Jungle. “You can’t survive on your own”, says a member of Rafiki’s tribe just when he is about to leave. “Nobody can. But here we are”.

Also read: Mufasa: The Lion King to release on 20th December, Mahesh Babu as Mufasa shares his excitement

All of this to say that this critic relished Timon-Pumbaa’s humour and Rafiki’s insightful pearls of wisdom way more than the central characters in the story. What also works well for the film is its exploration of Milele (‘Forever’ in Swahili), a place where lion’s find perpetual stability, safety and abundance. Watch the animated adventure for its humour, visuals and (half-baked) commentary on racial/gender politics.

Star rating: 3 / 5 stars

Mufasa: The Lion King is now playing in theaters.