Based on the Mahabharata, Arjun: The Warrior Prince focuses on the Pandavas brother Arjun and his journey from boy to warrior prince. Pre-interval, the film dully establishes the story of the Pandavas and Kauravas and their rivalry. It creates the mythical kingdoms of Hastinapur and Indraprastha. It shows you how Arjun’s ace archery skills won him Draupadi’s hand in marriage.

Director Arnab Chaudhuri unnecessarily punctures the narrative with Bollywood style songs. Thankfully he is able to salvage the story in the second half when we see how Arjun, influenced by Krishna’s teachings, matures in to the warrior prince, culminating in a battle between him and Duryodhan’s army. This battle precedes the epic battle of Kurukshetra.

The greatest triumph of Arjun, is the achievement of the artists and animators who have rendered visually stunning vistas, characters, palaces and townships. A few scenes are especially impressive such as the swayamvar scene where Arjun pierces a fish’s eye underwater, the Chaupar scene and the battle.

What the film manages in terms of animation, it lacks in terms of voice talents. Yudhveer Bakoliya is weak as Arjun. Indeed none of the Pandavas comes across as particularly remarkable. Notable is Hemant Mahaur as the voice of Duryodhan.
Rather violent, this movie would appeal to adults more than children, and marks a new chapter in the development of Indian animated films.

Rating: ***