Viewers from any age bracket cannot hold back their tears when Mufasa dies after a stampede in the animated movie The Lion King (1994 & 2019). If one cried at death, imagine your feelings while watching Mufasa: The Lion King, where the future king rises from the ashes.

As expected, the movie explores the untold story of Mufasa, the noble lion who would eventually become Simba’s father and the beloved King of the Pride Lands. Writer-director Barry Jenkins delivers a powerful, heart-warming film that matches the emotional depth of the live-action version of The Lion King (2019).

We see Mufasa at the same age we first encountered Simba 30 years ago. In front of us, Mufasa evolves from a tiny, overlooked cub to a majestic leader. Although the story’s outline is quite similar to The Lion King (1994) — Mufasa is separated from his parents, grows up as an outsider and eventually resumes his lost position — the movie has its high points.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, of Encanto and The Little Mermaid fame, crafted the mesmerising songs. “I Always Wanted a Brother” — one of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s most memorable songs from the soundtrack, comes after Mufasa is taken in by Taka’s pride, where he forms a brotherly bond with Taka. The relationship with the ‘brothers’ provides a deeper understanding of their complex bond and eventual betrayal. Other big cats fight the lions, unlike the hyenas, who served as the villains in The Lion King.

The story behind the ‘Scar’ is even more interesting, while the rise of Rafiki and his guidance from the spiritual world would bring a smile to one’s face. A moment of pride comes when Rafiki discovers the Baobab trees, while the Sarabi-Mufasa-Taka love triangle is also one of the key moments.

The live-action breathes fresh life into the jungle while the voices bring all characters to life. Actors Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. voice Mufasa and Taka, and Beyonce Knowles and her daughter, Ivy, provide the vocals for Nala and Kiara. Tiffany Boone as Sarabi and Kagiso Lediga as Rafiki excel, while Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros adds terror to the fearsome pride leader. Comedians Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner reprise their roles as Timon and Pumbaa from the previous instalment.

Mufasa: The Lion King is a tale of family, legacy and self-discovery; it not only honours the original The Lion King but also does so while standing as a heartfelt, independent story of resilience and destiny.

Published in Dawn, Young World, January 18th, 2025