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The uncommon and invisible genre of mythological films makes striking presence this week with two impressive releases. First, it is the remake of blockbuster hit 'Jai Santoshi Maa' with a similar title and the second is animated work of fiction 'Krishna'. Bollywood is awakening to the resurgence of forgotten and uninhibited genres. This may be the reason that these films have attracted attention of the tinsel world. Devotional and mythological films did get prominent presence in early phases of Bollywood but were relegated to backseat after the rise of modern cinema. This year has proved to be the resurrection time for such movies in spite of the fact that last year's animated film 'Hanuman' surprised everyone with its mystical charm.

Once again, it's the magical combination of mythology and technology that forms the seedling of this visually spectacle work. The gigantic stream of animation and graphics is finding its stronghold in Bollywood through the concept of "spiritualism" and mythological characters that strikes chord with common man's sentiments.

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Hollywood has glamorized the animation genre with the adventures of their super-heroes like "Superman", "Batman" and "Spiderman". Even there were films like 'The Lion King' and 'Shrek' that wrote history with brilliant craftsmanship and innovative narrative skills. Walt Disney Pictures still stands indomitable kingpin of animation industry for entertaining kids all over the world. The lively caricature of "Mickey Donald" and "Donald Duck" are worldwide heroes for kids. There have been films like 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' and The Mask and 'Space Jam' where the animated characters were infused in the films to give it a different look. All these works proved a blessing for them as they offered spectacular entertainment with loads of special effects and animation skills. But Bollywood is still rising to the occasion...

In India, animated and cartoon characters have been visible primarily in books, magazines or channels like "Cartoon Network". Bollywood's new presentation 'Krishna' picks up the most colorful and lively characters of Hindu mythology - Lord Krishna. Like 'Hanuman', this film brings out the spectacular super heroism of Krishna with loads of unbelievable adventures. The audiences should be well aware of Krishna's mystical powers and indomitable endeavors. But, how 'Krishna' revisits it through the work of animation will make or breaks the prospects of the film?

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If we have microscopic look at the success of Hollywood animated films then it might be concluded that impressive animation techniques coupled with engrossing narration have paved way for their success. India's first animation film on "Lord Krishna" is the brainchild of "Media Solutions" with narrative concepts by Punit Maharaj combined with directorial expertise of Aman Khan. Interestingly, both Bollywood films of this week are made by Muslims. The most famous devotional works in Bollywood has been handiwork of brilliant talents like Mohammad Rafi, Naushad and Dr. Rahi Massom Raza. The animation of 'Krishna' might not be as impressive as 'Hanuman', but its contents and treatment are praise worthy.

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'Krishna' is the colorful voyage of the Lord Krishna's scintillating and gleaming childhood adventures. The film is collection of Krishna's supreme divine powers and mystical charm that still sounds loud in our devotional sentiments. It begins from the voice over of Mother Earth who is traumatized by the evil forces of demons like "Kansa". The divine mother pleads in front of Lord Vishnu to save them from them. Lord Vishnu, the god of nurturing, promises to save the earth by taking "Avatar" in the form of "Krishna". The scenario shifts from the royal wedding of Kansa's sister Devaki with Vasudev. Kansa is petrified by the "Akashvani" of his proposed death at the hands of Devaki's eighth offspring. The cruel and wicked Kansa imprisons Devaki and Vasudev and kills their six offsprings. Lord Vishnu seeks the help of "Goddess Mahamaya" and the womb of seventh child of Devaki is transferred into Yashodra's womb. Spearheaded by divine powers, the birth of "Krishna" takes place and Vasudeva hides him at Yashodha's house. Goddess Mahamaya appears before Kansa and tells him about Krishna, the eighth son of Devaki. Kansa is horrified and orders to kill all the infants in his kingdom. He even seeks the help of demons like "Pootna", "Trinivarat" but all of them get killed by Krishna.

Thereby the mischievous adventures of "Makhan Chor" Krishna take place. The lively Krishna's playful events of "Matki" breaking and teasing "Gopis" become troublesome for his mother. One day Yashodha visualizes entire universe in Krishna's mouth and is terrified. The innocent "Gokulwasi" are terrified too by the continuous downpour in the town and plan to worship Lord Indra. Krishna tells villagers to seek blessing of "Goverdhan Parvat" rather than worshipping Lord Indra. The envious Indra's attitude turns acrimonious and the village is heavily flooded with water. Krishna rescues villagers by lifting "Goverdhan Parvat" on his little finger. This makes Indra humble and he seeks forgiveness from Krishna. In another adventure, Krishna confronts "Kaali Naag" and kills the latter with his divine powers. The finale is set where Kansa gets the knowledge of Krishna's mystical strength. He invites Krishna and his brother Balram for show of strength in his palace. Krishna's final big show ends with the death of his evil uncle Kansa in front of his men and followers. The playful and mischief "Makhan Chor" proves to be "Dharam Sansthapak" (the pioneer of moral values) and the story ends with lively nursery rhyme.

The first half of the film is slightly slow as compared to the second half. It would have been better if the mischievous endeavors of "Makhan Chor" were glorified with more humorous acts to attract child audiences. The animated effects in the killings of demons like Trinivart are astounding, but look grim at Pootna's evil end. Krishna's conflict with "Kaali Naag" is another highlight of techno-wizardry that proves impressive from the film perspective. The last half hour of the film where Krishna reaches Kansa is the best part of the film.

The final battle has to be more nail biting with improvised animation skills. The animated fictions of 'Hanuman' in fight sequences were better and this made it popular among kids. Secondly, 'Hanuman's childhood endeavors were humorous with chirpy dialogues that connected well with urban audiences. The childhood playful acts in 'Krishna' needed to be more humorous.

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The soundtrack of the film "Makhan Chor" and "Baat Hai Yeh" helps in narration and their brief rendition at regular intervals makes it more engrossing. Like Hanuman, the music has played major role in the film's impressive show but its animation part needs lot to be desired. Music director Rajendra Shiv's impressive music and Bappi-Tutul's daunting background score are plus points of the film. Considering the fact it is the beginning of animation age in Bollywood "Media Solutions" should work better on its next project. Asad Ajmeri's dialogues are simple and lucid and reach an average viewer. Aman Khan, the director who has been associated with sixty animation series, comes out with above average entertainer. The audiences expect better results in his next ventures but 'Krishna' provides sufficient entertainer for child audiences. It's pity that the producers and the exhibitors haven't aggressively promoted this film. The film promises to be a good visual treat for family audiences and the present festive season it may prove a money spinner. Animation is one big arena that requires good players and its fortunate for Bollywood that the concept has worked well both in 'Hanuman' and 'Krishna'.