As 2024 winds down, what better way to end the year than with a soul-soothing dose of nostalgia? Nearly everyone has seen Disney’s “The Lion King” (1994), and for many, it holds a special place in their hearts.

After Jon Favreau’s 2019 live-action reboot, Oscar-winning “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins takes the reins to deliver “Mufasa: The Lion King.”

This time, the spotlight shifts to a fresh narrative: the origin story of Pride Lands’ regal ruler, Mufasa.

This photorealistic animated prequel not only explores Mufasa’s backstory but also offers origin tales for Scar (aka Taka), Sarabi, Rafiki, and even Pride Rock itself.

The film opens with Simba leaving his daughter Kiara (voiced by Blue Ivy Carter) in the care of Pumbaa, Timon, and Rafiki. Through Rafiki’s storytelling, the audience is whisked into the past, setting the stage for the lion everyone came to admire.

The audience first meets young Mufasa, an orphaned lion cub separated from his family during a devastating flood. Rescued by Taka (Theo Somolu), a cub from a royal pride, Mufasa is reluctantly taken in by Taka’s father, Obasi who dismisses him as a stray. Despite Obasi’s disdain, Mufasa and Taka develop a brotherly bond under the nurturing care of Taka’s mother, Eshe.

Real danger arises when a pride of white lions, led by the formidable Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen), seeks to banish Obasi’s pride and conquer their land. Known as The Outsiders, this albino pride forces Obasi to instruct Mufasa and Taka to flee and continue the bloodline, setting the stage for an epic adventure.

The duo’s quest for “Milele” – a fabled forever home – is fraught with danger. Along the way, they encounter allies like a young Rafiki, Sarabi, and Zazu who play pivotal roles in shaping their destinies and setting the stage for the iconic rivalry in the original Lion King.

The biggest strength of “Mufasa: The Lion King” lies in its dual narrative. It’s as much Scar’s story as it is Mufasa’s.

Scar, born as Taka, is arguably one of Disney’s most iconic villains, and this film dives deep into his psyche. You may find yourself empathising with him as you witness the events that transform Taka into a cunning, menacing lion.

The song “I Always Wanted a Brother” beautifully underscores Scar’s bond with Mufasa, making their eventual fallout even more poignant.

Mufasa’s story, meanwhile, doesn’t take a backseat. The film cements Mufasa’s iconic stature, showing exactly why he’s not just king of his pride but the entire animal kingdom.

From Mufasa’s bravery and kindness to his extraordinary sense of smell – sharper than any other lion’s – he uses his instincts to hunt and sense danger, proving he’s every bit the natural-born ruler.

Adding comic relief are Pumbaa and Timon, whose banter in the present-day timeline never fails to fill the cinema with laughter.

Visually, the movie is stunning. The animation surpasses the 2019 film, perfectly balancing realism and expressiveness while capturing the intricate details of the lions.

The movie also takes audiences through diverse terrains, from drought-stricken lands to snowy mountains and lush green landscapes.

The cinematography is equally breathtaking, with sweeping slow-motion shots and exhilarating sequences that immerse you in a lion’s world.

If there’s one area where the movie clearly falters, it’s the soundtrack. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s original songs are peppy, but they don’t quite match the emotional punch of the 1994 classic. The absence of a Hakuna Matata-level earworm is noticeable.

The story also lacks the gut-wrenching drama of the original. Mufasa’s tale of loss and survival is touching but doesn’t deliver the same emotional impact as Simba watching his father’s tragic death and being told to “run” by Scar.

The climax, while thrilling, doesn’t have the edge-of-your-seat intensity of Simba’s showdown with Scar in the 2019 film. The final battle between Mufasa and Kiros feels slightly underwhelming given the stakes.

For fans of the original “The Lion King,” this film is a must-watch, if only for nostalgia. From discovering how Scar got his iconic scar to witnessing the formation of Pride Rock, the film will leave you with a smile and take you back to a beloved era.

While it may not reach the heights of the original, it’s certainly a class above the 2019 remake.