While mainstream Hindi movies appear to be obsessed with bigger than life violence, dark themes and movies that cater primarily to the adults, The Great Grand Superhero was definitely refreshing. I went to see this film wanting something fun, healthy and uplifting. As the credits rolled, I was leaving with a smile on my face and for some reason, a sense of nostalgia. Sweeter, more than anything else, I felt a simple happiness, that many films do not have the power to convey these days.
It’s about a little boy who tells everyone that his grandfather is a superhero. He is very confident that when aliens invade the earth his grandfather will come to the rescue with superhuman abilities. The funny part is that the grandfather is himself a shy guy and is scared of a lizard! The central conflict is the basis of the story. But, is the grandson really the lesser of two evils or is the grandfather just a character in a never-to-be-forgotten tale of imagination? The film is drawn out on the exploration of that question, through a charming adventure that is always interesting despite its relatively short length of under two hours.
In one word, my overall experience with The Great Grand Superhero is: My heart was happy. It reeled me back to the days of family-does-all-the-films TV shows. While growing up, I saw a lot of movies that were written and made for children to entertain them and still have something for adults. The warmth in those movies made them kiddie flicks that were infinite. Each Sunday was extraordinary because it was always a possibility to go back to these good old stories. The filmmaking in that style gradually went out of existence. This is a film that does a great job bringing that spirit back and that there is a room in contemporary cinema for a harmless tale.
The one thing that is good about the film is the casting. Veteran actor Jackie Shroff is amazing as the grandfather. It is a job for which he is perfectly suited, and he is quite sincere. He has a natural knack of depicting a normal old man who becomes the main of an extraordinary story. His acting is never over-done and his comedic timing is on-point.
Mihir Godbole, a young actor, is superb in the role of the grandson, who is portrayed with energy, enthusiasm and emotional honesty. The emotional centre of the movie is his relationship with Jackie Shroff. Some of the film’s most memorable scenes are their talks, jibes, and love for one another. I got embroiled in their relationship since both the actors give it a true feel. The acting with the kids is just as good. All the young actors have that perfect casting for their respective roles, which conveys so much when it comes to the casting of the movie.
The writing is very commendable. The dialogue is believable, funny and the situational humor always hits the mark. I laughed a lot, but not because the jokes were loud or over-the-top, but because they were sprung on me in the area of the characters and circumstances. The idea of the film is quite easy to understand, but the filmmakers have done enough to make it convincing and imaginative enough to make the audience follow along. The film doesn’t just stick to the main plot, though, with a number of side stories that bring a bit of variety and depth without going off-topic.
What I really liked was the animation that was used in some of the scenes. The film takes a lighthearted tone, accented by these moments that give it a comic-book quality. These scenes, in particular, will probably bring an additional surge of nostalgia to audiences who are accustomed to reading comics. The visual style enhances the storytelling experience and contributes to the creativity, making it more memorable.
I was impressed with how well the film developed its characters. I met the grand-father and his grandson; but I met the grandson’s friends and even the character of the alien. Such emotional involvement doesn’t just fall into place. It’s come from careful writing, in which each character is treated with care and purpose.
Gentle moral message is also in the film. It is entertaining, informative and like the stories we hear from our grandparents in our childhood, it is a mix between entertainment and learning. The story moves toward its climax and offers a good reminder of the importance of keeping the child in ourselves. Curiosity, enthusiasm and wonder are important qualities, no matter our age! This message was a powerful one for me and made a very enjoyable trip even more special.
Most of all, it’s a really family-friendly film. There is no vulgarity, no uncomfortable humour, and no double-meaning dialogue. Parents can watch it with their children and not have to worry about awkward moments. That’s a big deal in the entertainment world today.
I’m emboldened to suggest that you watch The Great Grand Superhero with your family, particularly with kids. It is funny, heartfelt, nostalgic and warm. It’s not about big effect or groundbreaking storytelling, but the film does what it can and it does it well, and leaves you with a feeling good for a long after.
Rating: 4/5
