REVIEW: Ghatothkach is all masala
Animation filmmakers in India are never able to decide whether they want to cater to children alone or the adults accompanying them to cinema halls. The same is the case with Ghatothkach – Master of Magic. In parts childish, in parts for grown-ups – the film just about manages to balance the two sides of the coin.
The first half
Beginning with the childhood of Ghatothkach aka Ghattu, the first-half goes in establishing his magical powers and his various adventures (he can fly, he can stop falling boulders, he can turn into anything). A lovable character of a baby elephant, Gajju, is brought in as a sidekick. Gajju, who is saved by Ghattu from wild animals, follows him home. He wants to learn magic and always mixes up the mantras in the process – leading to some funny moments in the film.
Through his adventures, Ghattu lands up in Dwarkapuri, the land of Lord Krishna. A different track starts unfolding here. Arjun's son Abhimanyu and Balram's daughter Surekha are childhood sweethearts. Their respective parents decide they'd get married when they're majors. The marriage is fixed.
FIRST LOOK: Ghatothkach is here! || READ: Director's Interview
Abhimanyu and Surekha spend years longing for each other, escaping from home and meeting once in a while. In one of their love ballads, the lovelorn couple are shown smooching. Now, that was scandalous for some.
Next Page: The smooching controversy
