Film

Mufasa: The Lion King

Together We Fight

By Beenish Mahmood | February 2025

Mufasa - The Lion KingDirected by Barry Jenkins, the film ‘Mufasa: The Lion King,’ falls into the genre of adventure, animation, and drama, laced with a simple plot written by Jeff Nathanson.

Mufasa: The Lion King is Simba’s father and Kiara’s grandfather. Mufasa entwines the past and the present, retracing history into how the Lion King came into existence. Mufasa is swept away by a torrent of water and is separated from his parents. As he reaches the other side, he comes across Eshe, Obasi, and Taka. Taka and Eshe welcome him, but Obasi considers him a stray and is unwilling to accept him.

Obasi warns Taka. ‘Mufasa will betray you,’ he says, but Taka refuses to believe him. Mufasa is on the lookout for Mileli.

“Beyond the horizon, there is a place called Mileli.” His mother guides him to Mileli. As Mufasa and Taka fight against the outsiders, Taka falls in love with Sarabi, a female lion. However, Sarabi has feelings for Mufasa. Taka feels betrayed by Mufasa and promises vengeance. Taka joins hands with the outsiders and reveals Mufasa’s plan.

Mufasa - The Lion King 2As Mufasa continues on his journey and finally finds Mileli, he is met with an unpleasant surprise: The outsiders are there, too. Mufasa tells the animals they must unite in this fight against the oppressor.

‘Together, we shall stand strong.’ The animals take Mufasa’s advice and protect their future by standing against the outsiders. The setting is a jungle, with a lush and green ambiance that refreshes the spectator. Mufasa, the Lion King, a Disney production, tries its best to keep the audience engaged for the length of the time. For some, there is not a single moment of boredom. It is an exciting and entertaining film that keeps the audience hooked on it until the very end.

However, the film is repetitive. The constant emphasis on Mufasa makes it monotonous, and the film lacks creativity and originality.

I found Mufasa to be a mostly easy, harmless watch. The characterisation is stronger than in its last sequel, the voice cast is quite good, and the final act delivers.

The cinematography is excellent. The depiction of Mufasa and other characters is remarkable.

Central to the theme of Mufasa is the circle of life, which says there is no start or end. The circle of life is a loop and symbolises oneness, wholeness, and unity.

“Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope.” This is the philosophy behind the circle of life in Mufasa.

The music is great, and the lyrics add to the story’s theme. However, too many songs distract the viewer from the focal song.

In conclusion, Mufasa: The Lion King, a good attempt on behalf of the cast and crew, is a treat to watch, especially for all Disney lovers.