Action-thrillers like "Junglee" are
God-sent to skilled actors looking for a chance to cut loose and have fun. From
the looks of it, Vidyut Jammwal as Raj has a grand time playing the protagonist
in the film.He is a veterinary doctor practising in Mumbai, who returns to his
roots after ten long years. His roots are in the jungle where his father is a
conservationist. Once home, he realises, that everything is not hunky-dory as
it appears to be. Elephants are poached for their tusks and that he must stay
back home to be their saviour. How he uses all his skills to help the cause,
forms the crux of the tale.Helmed by Hollywood filmmaker Chuck Russell,
obviously the expectations are high. But unfortunately, this tale of a man and
his elephants which shares a message about family, friendship and conservation
of elephants is dumbed down to the audience.The story is simple and
straight-forward. There are nuggets of beautifully-created moments which are
layered on a lazily crafted plot and careless direction. Apart from major
cinematic liberties, Kerala and Odisha seem interchangeable. Also, the director
seems to focus more on exhibiting Vidyut's skills in Kalaripayattu than the
story itself.
Visually, the film appears to be mounted on a
lavish scale. Mark Irwin's cinematography keeps you hooked to the screen. He
captures every bit of moment with sincerity. The lush green jungles and the
serene tamed elephants are a balm to the eye. Some shots are picture perfect
and seem straight out of "The Jungle Book".The action sequences are
astutely choreographed but they lack gravity. Throughout the film some of these
moments appear more comic than serious, except for the fight sequence in the
climax. Vidyut's poses and parkour movements are well-captured.There is an
awe-striking moment in one particular scene when he escapes from the narrow prison
window in a sweeping jump. The edit here is flawless and worth a mention.Among
the rest of the cast, debutantes Pooja Sawant and Asha Bhat are impressive in
their roles. Akshay Oberoi as Raj's friend Dev, Makarand Deshpande as Dev's
father, Atul Kulkarni as a poacher and Thalaivasal Vijay as Raj's father; all
in one-dimensional roles are sincere and have their moments of on-screen
glory.The song, "Yaad ayegi teri dosti..." seems like a remix of a
previously heard number and song "Fakira ghar aaja..." is infectious.
But overall, the music is not at all impressive.This film a below mediocre fare
that will appeal to animal lovers.