Shreyas Talpade stands out with his stellar performance in The Lion King

A cult-classic that has gotten generations of audiences hooked to its powerful storytelling, Jon Favreau’s recreation of The Lion King has created an explosive impact across the world. The Hindi version saw some top-notch actors voice the iconic characters but one voice that stood out most for the perfect comic timing, voice modulation, and unmatched energy is Shreyas Talpade’s. Lending his voice to Timon the meerkat, Pumbaa’s best friend, Talpade has yet again proved his worth in gold.

To play Timon necessitated an understanding of the character, his antics, his sarcasm and humour and great delivery in order to provide comic relief from the emotional story. Talpade’s amusing Tapori accent had viewers in splits and has garnered him immense praise from critics and reviewers.

Rajeev Masand – The warthog-meerkat duo Pumbba and Timon who steal every scene they’re in, thanks in no small part to the tapori approach of Sanjay Mishra and Shreyas Talpade who voice them. A word here for Mayur Puri who’s done a terrific job with the Hindi script and dialogues, never reducing the film to a mere ‘translation job’.

NDTV – The mean streets from where Bollywood gangster flick-style lingo has emerged and the wilds of the African savanna where The Lion King is set are worlds apart. However, the blowy banter between Pumbaa the warthog (voiced by Sanjay Mishra) and Timon the meerkat (Shreyas Talpade) injects much-needed humour into the Hindi version of Disney’s photorealistic remake of the 1994 animated classic. These rare lighter moments inject some flounce into the familiar tale of a young lion who survives treachery, tragedy and exile and returns to his kingdom to reclaim his place at the helm of Pride Lands.

The Indian Express – Timon has been voiced by Shreyas Talpade and Pumba, by Sanjay Mishra, and their banter is what provides the maximum laughs. Their jokes are so on point that you applaud the Hindi dialogue writer.

Koimoi – Pumbaa the warthog (voiced by Sanjay Mishra) and Timon the meerkat (Shreyas Talpade) bring in the much required comical relief to the movie. Shreyas’ energy is unmatchable while Mishra brightens up even few meh lines.

Zoom News –Three actors, who have truly elevated their characters with their voice, modulation and delivery are Shreyas Talpade (Timon), Sanjay Mishra (Pumbaa) and Asrani’s (Zuzu). Timon and Pumbaa’s camaraderie, in fact, seems the most authentic and its the reprise that shells out several moments of genuine laughter throughout the film’s run time. The two, perhaps, are true stars of the Hindi version of Lion King.

Cineblitz – Shreyas and Sanjay Mishra together are a hoot. They infuse their characters with energy and fun and lift the narrative brilliantly in the second half. The rest of the voice-cast are strictly okay. Timon and Pumba have the funniest lines and Pumba taking on the bullies is hilarious. It’s a tried and tested story so that clearly works again. It keeps you hooked for the entire 118 minutes.

Timon’s comical banter with Pumbaa and their entertaining camaraderie ensured they were the heroes every time they were on screen. Being his first-ever dubbing experience, Talpade has aced Timon’s character and continues to woo audiences with his charm.