Review: 'Lava-Kusa' only serves as religious education

Film: Lava-Kusa (Animation) (U)

Director: Dhaval Sathyam

Voices: Om Puri, Shabana Azmi

Rating: *1/2

Lava-Kusa — The Warrior Twins is an animation film targeted at a younger audience and tells the story of Mata Sita’s twin sons Lava and Kusa and their childhood adventures.

 

The film, directed by Dhaval Sathyam, traces the birth and life of Lava and Kusa. The twins are born to Mata Sita (voiced by Azmi) while she is in exile rescued by sage Valmiki. Under the guidance of Valmiki (voiced by Sabyasachi Chakraborty), Lava and Kusa become experts at archery and learn the epic Ramayana. The boys are fervent devotees of Lord Ram until the dark side of the lord is exposed to them.

 

The filmmakers try to put in a lot of effort to show Lava and Kusa’s love for nature and animals. Events from their childhood involve teaching animals lessons on staying in harmony with nature and fellow beings.

 

The boys become upset after it is revealed to them that Ram sent Sita away for vanvas while she was pregnant. They detest the cruelty of Ram, otherwise an epitome of mercy and love. They hold hostage Ram’s horse and call for a battle with the king of Ayodhya in the hope of arguing dharma with him.

 

While the battle is underway, Mata Sita makes an appearance with sage Valmiki and the boys are told that Ram is their father. The revelation becomes a turning point in the lives of the twins who are crowned princes of Ayodhya, while Sita is swallowed by Mother Earth.

 

The film has only a few cheerful moments and nothing challenging for a more mature audience. The animation is sharp but little attention is paid to detail. The voices are not effective enough. The songs narrate various episodes from the Ramayana and serve as a good teaching point for little children.

Lava-Kusa is only average fare, serving the purpose of religious education for children. Nothing else.