Animated Mahabharata retelling shines visually but stumbles on pacing and character depth.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Arjun: The Warrior Prince is largely positive, with reviewers broadly agreeing it represents a significant step forward for Indian animation. Critics most consistently praised the quality of the animation and the accessible retelling of a complex mythological story for both children and adults. Common criticisms include an overly stretched exile sequence, and the caricaturish portrayal of Shakuni, who some felt lacked the scheming subtlety the character deserved.
1 not-rated review isn't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of reviews from 8 publications · may contain errors
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Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
The film is not without its weaknesses - some characters, like that of the scheming Shakuni mama, are too caricaturish and could have done with a more subtle touch, while the Pandavas' exile portion feels overly stretched and dull. For the most part, the movie works when it concentrates on its protagonist and his evil cousin Duryodhan.
Film review ·
This film has been in the making since 2008 by UTV Toons. Somewhere down the line Walt Disney joined in to make it one of India's epic animated films thus far. If your Sunday mornings were spent in front of the television set two decades ago, this one is definitely for you.
Film review ·
For the sake of quality animation, for the sake of an hour well-spent and for the sake of a true Indian hero, Arjun: The Warrior Prince is truly a must-watch.
Film review ·
If you've watched animated films like 'Bal Krishna', 'Ghatothkach', 'Hanuman Returns', this one's a far 'sketch', on a different canvas altogether. Directed (by Arnab Chaudhari) using 2G animation, the look is classic and superior by usual standards in Indian animation. Even though it's laced with dialogues that are heavy-weight (like adharm, kartavya, kuruvansh ka sarvanash), the narration of the multi-layered complex saga, laden with countless characters, is easy to comprehend. This journey of a superhero is more for adults than kids on their summer holiday.Of all the amateurish animation films we've seen, this one's a 'God-sent'.
Film review ·
On the whole, ARJUN THE WARRIOR PRINCE needs to be watched for its animation, for its storytelling and most importantly, it makes an earnest effort to relive the mythology.
Film review ·
The story will have an instant connect with the older audience. Chaudhuri cleverly uses action sequences to keep one gripped. He takes a mythological story and presents it as an all out action flick, which is educational and enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Yudhveer Bakoliya lends his voice to Arjun, while Vijay Kashyap's Shakuni Mama is less scheming and adds comic relief.Let your kids absorb the story, while you can marvel at this step forward for the Indian animation film industry. It's a great way to have fun while you learn.
Film review ·
Arjun: The Warrior Prince, it isn't the first film to be made about the Mahabharata. It won't be the last, either. It also isn't India's first animated film, but it is certainly one of Bollywood's better (maybe even best) animated ventures.It would've been easy to let this plot go stale, for the simple reason that it has been explored so much, but hats off to the director for bringing something new to the platter.Being an animated film, Arjun is sure to find a connect with kids. It is also a great outing for someone who wishes to walk down nostalgia lane with their favourite tales of the good old days.
Film review ·
Arjun – The Warrior Prince is by far the most superior animation film produced in India. The film is technologically advanced and has an equally good story to complement the graphics and special effects. Overall, Arjun – The Warrior Prince is thoroughly enjoyable film.
From our readers
2 ratings · user score 6.5
This was an interesting take on one of the most interesting and beloved heroes in the Mahabharata. I like that the designs and color palette stay true to the mythological comic books that we grew up reading in the '80s and '90s and that gives it a distinct and unique Indian flavor. Much like anime does for Japan. Story-wise, you feel a bit dissatisfied when it ends because of its abruptness (but that could be because there's a part 2 coming) and mainly because of our common knowledge of the epic story. Those versions in our minds will always see gaping holes in any retelling that is so short. I was especially dissatisfied with the deliberate watering down of Krishna's role (so as to not outshine Arjun's). However, in all fairness, this is one of the best works in animation from India and something the team deserves to be proud of.
'Arjun: The Warrior Prince' is an ultimate game-changer for Hindi cinema, and a refreshing bender for the way mythological narratives are handpicked to be woven into full-length films. And for that, its also one of the best Hindi films of this year. Can you imagine that a story from Mahabharata, put into animation, could be this very fluid and interesting not just as a children's film? Yes, that happened this year. Although the visuals may be clumsy and disappointing, but you can't resist the charm of its protagonist and his story of grandeur. This is an Arjun we've met in life, not the BR Chopra, or Ved Vyasa's hero. He is more lucid and speaks with his hands. The voice cast is commendable in job. I am going with three and a half out of five for 'Arjun'. Watch it, please.
Credits
Ila ArunKunti
Aanjjan SrivastavLord Shiv
Sachin KhedekarLord Krishna
Ashok BanthiaBheemHindi films like Arjun: The Warrior Prince
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