Movie Review: 'Delhi Safari' Impresses Critics despite Lack of Animation Greatness

Nikhil Advani's "Delhi Safari" has managed to impress critics despite the fact that it barely matches Hollywood's technical standards for animation movies.

Bollywood film critics have recommended "Delhi safari" as a good family entertainer. The movie has impressed viewers with its simple story telling and the filmmakers' attempt to model a Madagascar-like layout.

"Delhi Safari" a bi-lingual movie released in Hindi and English versions. Famous industry actors like Govinda, Suniel Shetty and Boman Irani among others have lent their voices for the animated characters in its Hindi version.

Here's what critics have to say about "Delhi Safari":

Rajevv Masand of CNN IBN writes, "There are more than a few lessons nicely woven into the plot of Delhi Safari, but thankfully this 3D animation film from director Nikhil Advani never talks down to its young audience, or beats them on the head with its overarching message of wildlife and environmental preservation. At a crisp 95 minutes, the film is an enjoyable and entertaining adventure, despite never achieving Pixar-level greatness."

While pointing out the some of the follies in the movie, Masand verdicts, "Despite these quibbles the film works on account of its charming characters and some hilarious dialogue."

Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama writes, "Delhi Safari goes beyond the boundaries of a "cartoon film" and attains a much elevated status. There's humor, there're sad moments, also songs, witty one-liners, loads of excitement and fun, but along with the joy and amusement, DELHI SAFARI carries a message: It raises its voice against deforestation and protection of wildlife habitat. In fact, the message is hammered well in the final moments of the movie. Clearly, 'Delhi Safari' is not merely an attempt to delight the kids, but grown-ups as well."

"On the whole, 'Delhi Safari' offers something new on the platter. There's ample for the kids, but there's enough for the grown-ups as well," concludes Adarsh.

"With satire, spoof, humour and wit, director, Nikhil Advani has highlighted the ongoing aadmi v/s animal battle, the desperate need for preservation of wildlife and the downside of deforestation. His creatures entertain and tell the story in true Bollywood style (too many songs and too much drama 'foxes' the plot)," writes Madhureeta Mukherjee for The Times Of India.

Commenting on the film's three dimensional technology, Mukherjee says, "The 3D effects are striking in parts and amongst the best we've seen in India, but few scenes are deja vu 'Lion King'. "So, Hakuna Matata, go watch it once. And take your cubs along," she suggests.

Vinayak Chakravorty of India Today writes, "It's a 3D spectacle and the spirited toon stars of Delhi Safari will surely regale the little ones. But when it comes to imagination, there is still time before Bollywood animation scales international heights."

"It doesn't quite scale Madagascar heights, but the film works on a simplistic level for its target audience- children- and is a cute option for a family's evening out," concludes Chakravorty.

Direction: Nikhil Advani

Voices in Hindi: Govinda, Akshaye Khanna, Suniel Shetty, Urmila Matondkar