Aranya, also released as Kaadan in Tamil and Haathi Mere Saathi in Hindi, is a 2021 multilingual environmental drama film directed by Prabhu Solomon. The movie attempts to shed light on the conflict between humans and nature, focusing on the plight of elephants as their natural habitat is encroached upon. Featuring a powerful performance by Rana Daggubati in the lead role, the film is an ambitious project that treads a fine line between being a socially conscious narrative and an emotional drama.
Cast
- Rana Daggubati as Bandev, the “forest man”
- Vishnu Vishal as Singa
- Zoya Hussain as Arvi
- Shriya Pilgaonkar as Arundhati
- Rajiv Kachroo and others
Rana Daggubati delivers a commendable performance, embodying the role of Bandev, a character inspired by real-life environmentalist Jadav Payeng. Vishnu Vishal and Zoya Hussain bring additional layers of authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.
Plot Overview
Aranya tells the story of Bandev, a man deeply connected with the forest and its inhabitants, especially elephants. His life takes a dramatic turn when a corporate giant threatens to construct a luxury township in the middle of the forest. The film highlights Bandev’s battle to protect the forest and its wildlife, portraying the dire consequences of deforestation and human greed.
Honest Review
Aranya’s strength lies in its cinematography and message. The breathtaking visuals of lush forests and majestic elephants create an immersive experience. The soundtrack by Shantanu Moitra complements the film’s emotional tone, elevating key moments.
However, the film struggles with pacing, especially in the second half, where the screenplay becomes predictable. While the intentions are noble, the narrative occasionally drifts into melodrama, which might not resonate with all audiences.
Rana Daggubati’s transformation into the role of Bandev is impressive, and he carries the movie on his shoulders. However, some of the supporting characters lack depth, and the dialogue, at times, feels overly preachy.
IMDb Rating
Aranya has an IMDb rating of 7.0, reflecting a mix of positive and critical reviews. Audiences appreciated the film’s message and Rana’s performance but critiqued the uneven storytelling.
Budget
The estimated budget of Aranya was ₹150 crores, making it one of the most expensive projects in Prabhu Solomon’s career. The significant expenses went into creating realistic visuals, training elephants, and shooting in challenging forest locations.
Box Office Success
Despite its ambitious production and strong performances, Aranya faced challenges at the box office. Released during the pandemic, the film had a limited theatrical audience, which affected its earnings. It reportedly collected around ₹35 crores globally, falling short of its production costs.
While the film didn’t achieve commercial success, it succeeded in sparking conversations about environmental conservation. Its themes resonate with audiences who are passionate about wildlife and sustainable living.
Final Verdict
Aranya is a visually stunning film with a heartwarming message. While it stumbles in execution, it deserves credit for shedding light on the human-wildlife conflict. If you’re a fan of nature-centric dramas and appreciate meaningful cinema, Aranya is worth a watch, even if it doesn’t offer perfect storytelling.