The Legend of Hanuman: Season 4 Review (2024)
Director: Jeevan J. Kang and Navin John
Voice Actors: Damandeep Singh Baggan, Sanket Mhatre, and Sharad Kelkar
Genre: Action-Animation
Language: Hindi
Streaming On: Disney+ Hotstar
Plot Summary:
In Season 5 of The Legend of Hanuman, the stakes are raised as the journey ventures into the darker depths of Patal Lok, where Hanuman ji confronts new challenges. The season’s main highlight is Hanuman’s discovery of his Panchmukhi (five-faced) avatar, a powerful transformation that enhances his strength and abilities. This pivotal moment showcases Hanuman’s evolution and unwavering commitment to his divine mission, as he taps into a new level of divine energy to support Lord Ram and protect the cause of righteousness.
The storyline remains rooted in the values and moral ethos of the Ramayana, though this season’s pace is notably slower than previous ones. The slower pacing allows for a deeper exploration of characters and the dark, mystic realm of Patal Lok, but it may feel stretched at times. Still, the narrative maintains interest, balancing the action sequences with reflective moments that build anticipation for Hanuman’s Panchmukhi transformation. The story’s meticulous approach ensures that each event is given due depth, even if it occasionally sacrifices momentum for detail.
Animation and VFX:
Season 5 continues to deliver high-quality animation and VFX, with the addition of Patal Lok’s eerie landscapes and mythical creatures, which add a fresh visual element to the series. The animation team has skillfully rendered Hanuman’s Panchmukhi form, emphasizing his newfound strength and divine aura with great detail. The vivid effects elevate the story, immersing the audience in both the beauty and danger of Patal Lok, which feels both otherworldly and sinister.
Voice Performances:
The voice cast remains a strong asset to the series. The actors bring an intense depth to their characters, especially in this season’s heavier, reflective moments. Hanuman’s transformation into his Panchmukhi avatar is voiced with added resonance, capturing the gravity of this divine milestone.
Direction:
The direction of Season 5 maintains the reverence and moral complexity that the series has become known for, with a darker tone fitting the descent into Patal Lok. The choice to explore Hanuman’s Panchmukhi avatar is a testament to the creative team’s willingness to delve into lesser-known aspects of the Ramayana, adding new layers to the story. The darker visual tone and slower pace may not appeal to all viewers, but for those deeply engaged with the mythology, it provides a richer, more immersive experience.
Overall Experience:
While Season 5 may feel a bit slow at times, it succeeds in expanding The Legend of Hanuman into new, unexplored territories of the Ramayana, adding depth to Hanuman’s character through his Panchmukhi avatar. The strong voice performances, impressive animation, and spiritual narrative continue to resonate, making it a season worth watching for fans of the series. This chapter, though darker and more reflective, remains faithful to the essence of the Ramayana, drawing viewers deeper into its epic tale of devotion, strength, and divine purpose.