Return of Hanuman, a 2007 animated movie directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a timeless masterpiece that offers environmental and life lessons. Originally crafted for a little girl named Aaliyah, this film continues to resonate even after six years. It encapsulates the journey of life through Maruti, a human form that Lord Hanuman takes to spend time on Earth. Beyond imparting invaluable lessons on life and friendship, the film sheds light on how man’s selfish behavior is deteriorating the environment. It also subtly emphasises the need for proactive measures to protect it.
Invaluable life lessons that this film imparts:
- It’s okay to have fun. Amidst the heroics, the movie advocates the importance of enjoying life and embracing joyous moments. The catchy tunes of ‘Aasman Ko Chukar’ will make you want to break into a dance.
- The good always triumphs over evil. From the battle in the beginning where Lord Vishnu sends Rahu and Ketu to another planet, to the scene at the end where Maruti saves the entire village from what a demon that was symbolic of an environmental catastrophe caused due to anthropogenic activities, there are several teaching moments in the film. It reaffirms the triumph of goodness over malevolence, offering hope and inspiration.
- Delving into the intricate facets of human existence. The film sheds light on how humans are often their own worst adversaries. Whether its the bullying in classrooms or the harm that we are causing to the environment, this film urges to reflect, empathise, and find a way to coexist in peace.
- Importance of Friendship. Maruti, Minkoo and Munni continue to remain friends even after Maruti is banished for consuming all the food in the village. Their relationship is a lesson in true friendship, portraying camaraderie as a cornerstone of life.
- Strength and Compassion. What good is your strength if you can’t protect the weak ones? is another thought that is strongly echoed throughout the film. If you’re ever faced to make a choice in real life, be like Maruti. Choose to sit next to Minkoo.
- You’re Never Alone. The film conveys yet another important message, that one is never truly alone. Rinku had his mom when he felt lonely. A whole army of monkeys came in to give Maruti company and support him. Even Maruti’s mother when she finds herself alone, she finds comfort in prayers. Ensuring that children never feel lonely is extremely important in this rapidly evolving digital space.
- Love for the Environment. There are several scenes throughout the movie that instill love and respect for the environment, advocating for its protection and preservation described in detail in the next section.
Inculcating lessons in love for environment:
Several scenes that reinforce the need to preserve and protect the environment are interspersed across the movie. Here are a few that seemed to stick on:
- ‘The elephant’ scene: In the battle scene at the beginning of the movie, Rahu & Ketu unleash so much destruction that Lord Vishnu decided to intervene. Seeing Lord Vishnu infuriated Rahu and he throws an elephant at Lord Vishnu. The God of preservation balanced the animal on one finger, placed him on the ground and asked him to take-off. Even under challenging circumstances, we always have a choice to protect and preserve and that’s what we must do.
- ‘Dance with the birds’ scene: When Lord Hanuman watches kids playing in Bajrangpur, he decided to take a trip to earth. On his way he comes across a flock of birds and breaks into song and dance with them. This is symbolic of the harmony that must exist between humans and nature.
- ‘Talking to the cattle’ scene: The song of the birds, the rustling of leaves, the swaying of winds, this is how different species of the ecosystem communicate with each other. Given that we are an integral part of the environment, it’s essential for us to establish a means of communicating with nature. Just like Maruti’s mother, who could communicate with her cattle. Or we’ll end up like Professor Jwalamukhi who thought he was hallucinating when he heard a couple of bugs talking.
The film’s ability to entertain audiences of all ages is a testament to Anurag Kashyap’s directorial prowess. It serves as a reminder of life’s essential values and the harmony we must strive to achieve.
Film critic Baradwaj Rangan says that the movie tends to veer off in various directions. Life too doesn’t have a perfect storyline and throws surprises our way. If you see it as Maruti’s journey, its actually quite an adventure.
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