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It's a whole new world!

Last Updated 19 July 2017, 18:32 IST
At a time when most directors are remaking classic films, Disney too is jumping on the bandwagon by recreating the magic of Aladdin. Those who grew up in the 90s have a special place in their hearts for Aladdin and Jasmine, who roamed around the world on a magic carpet with the benevolent pet tiger, monkey and of course Genie.

So when the cast for the live-action adaptation of Aladdin was finally revealed, people should have been happy. But when Disney announced that Mena Massoud will star as Aladdin, Naomi Scott as Jasmine and Will Smith as Genie, it sparked a controversy. But why?

Soma Bhattacharjee, an ad professional, says, “We’ve all grown up with the cartoons and television series which showed the characters to be Middle Eastern. So it’s quite understandable that everyone expected the cast to stay true to the ethnicity. It’s a production that is dear to many because it’s a part of our childhood and so they should make it in a way people expect them to.”

When Disney announced that it was struggling to find actors, Twitteratis suggested  Bollywood or Middle Eastern actors. “Hrithik Roshan was one such name that many suggested, but I don’t think he will fit the part. He’s too mature to be Aladdin. I think the character Ahkmenrah from ‘Night at the Museum’ would fit the bill. He even had a dancing routine in the film,” says Soma. So what about the role of Jasmine?

“If we are looking at Indian actors, Deepika Padukone would be have been good but she’s too tall. Maybe Priyanka Chopra would make a good Jasmine,” she adds.

Having said that, some are glad that the directors chose a cast who aren’t too far removed  from the original characters. Ritu Kurtakoti, a copywriter, says, “I’m a big fan of the Disney movie and Genie was my favourite in that. But I’m not keen on live-action films as they move away from what I grew up watching. However, the earlier movies and series showed that Aladdin was Middle Eastern, so it only made sense that they follow suit. And I’m glad that they haven’t completely whitewashed the cast.”

But some Disney fans are just hoping for a good movie at the end of the day. Piyusha Vir, an aspiring novelist, says, “This entire controversy is just a waste of time. It’s Disney, what else did you expect from them! As a true fan, I just want good actors to play the role, makeup can do the rest.”

To buttress her points, she cites the example of Priyanka Chopra being choosen to play Mary Kom. “It was a big issue when Priyanka Chopra was cast as Mary Kom but I don’t think anyone else could have played the part better. Makeup did the trick and the acting made it great. So everyone should just relax and wait for a good movie to relive their childhood.”

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(Published 19 July 2017, 15:26 IST)

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