Mowgli: Did You Notice Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Kareena Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan and Jackie Shroff's 'Real-Life' Connections With Their Jungle Book Characters?
So Netflix India, any explanation here? Meanwhile, don't forget to catch the Mowgli Legend of the Jungle when it comes out on the streaming app on December 7.
In a very unusual casting coup, Netflix India has managed to rope in some very big Bollywood stars to voice for certain important characters for the Hindi version of their upcoming film, Mowgli. Adapted from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle could be the umpteenth take on the adventures of the lovable, courageous feral child his band of animals who go against a ferocious Shere Khan and then against some cruel human villagers. However, the movie is much darker than its previous version, directed by Andy Serkis, who also voices Baloo in the movie. Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle Trailer – Netflix to Start Streaming Andy Serkis’ Take On the Jungle Book on December 7 – Watch Video.
For the Hindi version, Netflix India has cast Anil Kapoor as Baloo the bear, Abhishek Bachchan as Bagheera the black panther, Kareena Kapoor Khan as Kaa the python, Madhuri Dixit as Nisha the wolf and Jackie Shroff as Shere Khan the Tiger. It is a reunion of sorts for some of the actors here, especially Anil, Madhuri and Jackie, the golden trio of the '90s. Also it is after many years that Kareena and Abhishek are cast for a movie (they had made their debut together in the 2000 film Refugee). Madhuri Dixit And Anil Kapoor to Reunite On Screen For Netflix India’s Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle; Kareena Kapoor Khan Also Joins The Cast.
However, if you notice closely, Netflix looks to have some hidden agenda when it comes to the actors they have chosen for the Hindi dub. Looked closely? Didn't find any? Well, let's point out for you why the casting of the below actors feel very fishy and inspired!
Anil Kapoor as Baloo
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Okay, you know where we are heading with this! If not, check out this story- Mowgli: Anil Kapoor's Casting as Baloo Gets a Very 'Hairy' Response From Twitterati - Read Tweets
Madhuri Dixit as Nisha
Madhuri Dixit's highest grossing film is Hum Aapke Hai Kaun where she plays the character of Nisha. Coincidence?
Speaking of getting inspired by the actors' movies...
Kareena Kapoor Khan as Kaa
Kareena Kapoor Khan had done a movie called Ki & Ka, though it was Arjun who played Ka in the movie. Also in the 2016 film, The Jungle Book, it was Kareena's biggest rival (in every vocal sense) Priyanka Chopra who voiced Kaa in the Hindi version. Quite a competitive casting here!
Abhishek Bachchan as Bagheera
Of course, Abhishek Bachchan has been cast for his deep voice which suits the gravelly baritone of Mowgli's guardian panther. But is it a mere coincidence that Abhishek also owns a kabaddi team called Jaipur Pink Panther?
Jackie Shroff as Shere Khan
Tiger Shroff voices a tiger, while also having a son named Tiger (Shroff) in real life!
Of course, we can't take credit for these observations. Twitter has a lot to do with that! Like the below tweet -
So Netflix India, any explanation here? Meanwhile, don't forget to catch the Mowgli Legend of the Jungle when it comes out on the streaming app on December 7.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 20, 2018 02:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).