My Friend Ganesha movie review: Bonding with Divinity
In a world where culture is fast getting diluted and westernized, where children no longer know about their religion or customs, it is quite a heartening sight to see that some people are making the effort to revive interest in religion through novel ways. Films are a medium that have an amazing reach and today, when people see something on the silver screen, they believe it. My Friend, Ganesha is one such film that makes the lovable god even more lovable to kids and adults alike.
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Following a line of films that are based on animated gods, say for example Hanuman and Krishna, this film too shows the lord Ganesh in a different light. This way is more appealing to children and makes them interested in something very important.
The film revolves around a small boy named Ashu, who is having a very troubled childhood. There are a lot of problems in his house and given to the fact that both his parents are working, he is left with the maid - Gangubai a lot. It does not help. Ashu is a weak, scared and nerdy child because he has no friends. Life is looking down for this kid when one rainy day, he saves a mouse from drowning. When he gets the poor mouse home, his maid is happy and tells him he has done a good deed by saving lord Ganesh’s favorite pet. As he does not know much about Ganesha, Gangubai tells him the entire story and also tells him how the lord helps those who are alone. Somehow, the two of them convince his parents to get a Ganesh idol home as it is Ganesh Chaturti. When the idol comes home, Ganesha appears before the child and befriends him. As time passes, everything in the house gets better and Ashu is happy because of his friend.
This is a very beautiful and meaningful film as it gives out a message. Ashu represents all those kids who are lonely and upset because parents no longer have time for their children. They are so lost in making a better world for their children that they don’t realize that they are the ones who are hurting them. Also, the film shows children that in times of trouble, they can turn to god. It presents god in a more approachable manner, one that kids will relate to, and thus revives the interest towards the religion.
The animation is superbly worked on and one can’t help but admire the talented Ashu, who is actually a girl named Ahsaas Channa. The child just wins everyone over with a natural and honest performance. The rest of the cast is also good and supports the film well. But there is no doubt that this film rests on the child’s shoulders.
If you are a parent, I strongly recommend that you watch this film with your kids as not only will you give them an opportunity to learn something, but you too will take something from this film - the importance of spending time with your child.
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