Kung Fu Panda 4

‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ is a 2024 American animated martial art comedy directed by Mike Mitchell. In this sequel, Po (voiced by Jack Black) must find and train his successor as the new Dragon Warrior, which he is initially hesitant to do. He teams up with fox bandit Zhen (voiced by Awkwafina) to defeat the evil sorceress The Chameleon (dubbed by Viola Davis) before she steals the kung-fu abilities of all masters in China—present and past.If things stayed the same forever, sooner or later, they would lose their flavour. Real change happens from within. It's important to let go of who you are to become better than what you already are. While the film earnestly conveys this message, viewers might lament a few aspects that remain unchanged from its predecessor, released eight years prior. These include the absence of the Furious Five and a desire for more unexpected plot twists that avoid predictability. This film is surely suited to entertain a younger audience, unlike its predecessors, which were able to entertain and make the film enjoyable for all age groups.In the Valley of Peace, Po helps his fathers open a new restaurant but soon learns from Shifu that he must become a mentor, relinquishing his role as the Dragon Warrior and finding a successor. We've all enjoyed Po as the cuddly Panda who loves eating and enjoys Kung Fu, known for his unconventional approach to handling his nemesis, and it's definitely a pleasure seeing him on the screen reprising his earlier character..The script introduces a range of new characters, but their development feels somewhat superficial. Po struggles with this responsibility and encounters a fox bandit, Zhen, who attempts to steal ancient weapons. Po's task of finding a successor and the introduction of Zhen as a significant ally and later a double agent provides a twist, but it doesn’t always feel organic. After outsmarting her, Po discovers that the chameleon has brought back Tai Lung. Zhen, initially a double agent, helps Po confront The Chameleon, who can shape-shift and steal kung fu techniques.As Po faces various challenges, including being betrayed and almost killed, he learns to accept change with support from his fathers Li Shan and Mr. Ping. He recalls Master Oogway pointing out, ‘You never know what you can do until you do it.’ One might recollect the film ‘On a Quest’, which is based on the life story of Swami Chinmayananda, and what he often said, ‘Start walking, and the path will become clear’.The Bhagavad Gita talks about the divine communion of truth and realisation between man and his Creator, and the teachings of spirit through the soul. The underlying essential truths of all great world scriptures can find common amity in the infinite wisdom of the Gita’s mere 700 concise verses. The Gita teaches detachment from the fruits of action, focusing on fulfilling one's duty without getting caught up in the desire for a particular outcome. One of the parallels that can be found in the film is that Po faces a situation where he needs to let go of something he holds dear—his role as the Dragon Warrior—to embrace a new path or allow someone else to take on a greater responsibility..The Chameleon, using Po's Staff of Wisdom, summons deceased kung fu masters to fight Po and his allies. In a final showdown, Po and Zhen, with help from the Den of Thieves and Po's fathers, defeat The Chameleon, restore the stolen kung fu techniques, and send The Chameleon to the Spirit Realm. Po, an unlikely panda chosen as the Dragon Warrior, faces initial self-doubt and uncertainty in confronting The Chameleon. Yet, guided by his fathers and the wisdom imparted by Master Shifu, he uncovers his latent capabilities and embraces his destined path. This bit reminded me of how Jambavan inspired Hanuman, in the Ramayana.The film also delves into relatable corporate themes, exploring insecurities and the challenges of delegation, alongside profound spiritual concepts like the spirit world and the journey of letting go.Ultimately, Po chooses Zhen as his successor, and with confidence, he and the Furious Five embark on training Zhen to uphold the legacy of the Dragon Warrior. While some may miss the presence of established characters like the Furious Five, their absence underscores the evolving dynamics and the passing of the torch to a new generation.In conclusion, ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ balances action-packed sequences with heartfelt introspection, celebrating the enduring spirit of adventure and self-discovery. It's a testament to the franchise's ability to evolve while staying true to its core values, making it a worthwhile (one time) watch for longtime fansand an entertaining movie to watch for new audiences.