Hanuman Returns

Hanuman Returns (2007)

Genres - Fantasy, Children's/Family, Spirituality & Philosophy  |   Sub-Genres - Fairy Tales & Legends  |   Run Time - 180 min.  |   Countries - India  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Nathan Southern

This narratively dense Indian animated fantasy opens millions of years ago, at the time of a massive battle. Conflict erupts between demonic armies - led by General Rahu Ketu - and the gods, led by Lord Vishnu. Vishnu scores a triumph by tossing the demons and their guru, Shukracharya, into space. Shukracharya's body then morphs into the planet Venus (known in Indian tradition as 'Shukra Graha.') Shukracharya then puts a horrible curse on mankind, prompting its destruction via a creature created by its own sins. The film then cuts to the present day, when the story's hero, Hanuman, wakes up and decides to take a trip around the world, then glimpses children playing, and asks Brahma to make him a child again. Hanuman is thus reborn, this time to a pundit and his wife, who (recognizing the distinction of the child), rename him Maruti, as an avatar of Lord Hanuman. Over time, Maruti grows up and distinguishes himself from the other children by walking and talking at a remarkably early age, thrashing bullies who try to challenge him, and inadvertently causing all kinds of trouble. It eventually becomes apparent, however, that Maruti is destined to play a pivotal, central role in the fulfillment of Shukracharya's evil prophecy, and thus has direct and immediate control over the future of humankind.