The second half of the film won me over.
I wasn't liking 'Zokkomon' all that much up until that moment, it was a little all over the place due to it's messy plot and conflicting tone. Once, however, the cat gets let out the bag and the film's poster becomes relevant it actually turns into an enjoyable watch.
Darsheel Safary is a solid choice to play Kunal, he has the cheeky but good side that's necessary. Anupam Kher is also noteworthy in this, though I have two weird things to note about him: I had no idea he was playing a dual role and didn't click that he portrays Jess' father in 2002's 'Bend It Like Beckham'. Not sure how I didn't realise at least one of those two things...
The special effects are excellent, I thought - particularly for Zokkomon. The score and cinematography are nothing special, but there is one tremendous shot featuring a train going past a waterfall at one point; the song "Suno Brother" fits well for its montage, also.
Improved writing and a most consistent plot would've elevated my feelings towards this. Still, it's a film I did just about enjoy.
50% - Audience
4.0Plot summary
After the passing of his parents in an accident, Dehradun-based Kunal continues to study in a prestigious school, but is asked to leave and live with his paternal uncle, Deshraj; his aunt, Rajrani, and a cousin brother. Upon arrival, he is given a lukewarm response, and enrolled in the village school where not only he but all children are beaten and abused by teachers, especially Shantaram. When authorities find that Deshraj has embezzled Rs.80 Lakhs, he decides to cash the investments left behind by Kunal's parents, but finds that he can only do so after Kunal's death. He takes Kunal miles away to the fair, abandons him, returns home and informs everyone that Kunal is dead, and subsequently takes charge of the investments. Kunal befriends a petty thief, Kittu, who lives in an unoccupied house and adjusts to this new lifestyle. But more changes are in store for him after Kittu gets arrested, and he decides to return home to his uncle. Once there, he is mistaken for a ghost and takes shelter with a scientist, Dr. Vivek Rai, who, using special trick photography, transforms him into a superhero, Zokkomon. Through his new identity Kunal brings about positive change in the community and ends the abuse inflicted on school-children - but not for long - for Deshraj finds out and undertakes to ensure Kunal's demise once and for all.
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The second half of the film won me over
A Good attempt that deserved more.
Just saw Zokkomon on Netflix - This film is worth a watch as it has a decent plot. You'll not be disappointed and you'll get to learn something from this film as well. It's a
A not so great but still OK super hero children film from Disney, using the same idea of Vishal's MAKDEE.
Unlike Hollywood, our Indian film Industry doesn't have many production houses backing children films with a decent budget. And the box office result of last few such films surely remains one big reason for that limited interest of Bollywood. So when Disney Films backs up a project made around a Children super hero Zokkomon, then one is bound to expect something great or extraordinary from the world famous pioneers of the genre.
But once again the final result comes out to be far less than expected and the present project too is not capable of making any huge storm at the box office. In simple words, the film is not anything great but is not very bad either and is better than many sun-standard projects earlier churned out in the name of children films. Director Satyajit Bhatkal gives the right feel and look to the film along with some good visible production values. But if only he had given more time and stress upon the script, then the film could have been a rage among the kids.
In a super-hero film the story is quite obvious that a person will get some super powers and then he will fight with all the cunning people and law breakers out there in a different outfit. But here the first drawback of the movie is that its main story plot borrows heavily from the one we have already seen in a well made children film by Vishal Bhardwaj, MAKDEE. Secondly, it takes too much time to bring in the super hero on the screen which should not be the case in such a film. And lastly though the super-hero sequences have been shot well but still they are not so entertaining or amusing for the kids to have a blast.
However, a major and intelligent difference in the film is that the super-kid here doesn't have any illogical super natural powers, but he actually gets all those capabilities from the scientific gadgets designed by the 'Magic Uncle' living in the haunted house. But unfortunately the director doesn't give you any acceptable explanations for the gadgets made and thus they remain very questionable and un- convincing throughout. Further, a children film should essentially have very few but good hummable songs which ZOKKOMON doesn't. Moreover I am also strongly against using any death, dead body or cremation scenes in a children film creating some uneasy situations for the parents.
Performance wise, Darsheel Safary perfectly portrays his role of a super-kid and looks confident along with Anupam Kher as always impressive in a double role. In fact many viewers may not even recognize him in his second role of the Magic Uncle. But the conviction with which he performs all his roles is indeed highly appreciable. Manjari Fadnis as Darsheel's Kittu Didi looks fresh and charming on the screen performing well. Tinnu Anand is fine in his routine kind of role and the kids supporting as Darsheel's friends are pleasant and appealing.
On the whole, ZOKKOMON does have its own share of weak points and is not anything great offered in the genre of super-hero films. Still looking at its fine production values and good enjoyable performances you can watch it with your kids but preferably after its official DVD release.