Why is the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ franchise so popular? | Explained

The fourth installment in the story of the Dragon Warrior Po is here. ‘Kung Fu Panda 4′ was released in India on March 15 much to the delight of the fans. Dreamworks’ beloved franchise has come a long way since it began over a decade ago. Its popularity has only grown by leaps and bounds over the years. Here is a look at the reasons behind the saga’s cult following.

Culturally significant, visually rich

One of the most interesting things about the franchise is its depiction of Chinese culture. It also highlights the finer aspects of martial arts. The fight sequences are dynamic and smooth which makes them a treat for viewers from the get-go.

The action scenes gel well with the look and feel. The animation has aged like fine wine. In fact, ‘Kung Fu Panda’ movies can give tough competition to recent animated movies like ‘Megamind 2’.

Top-notch voice cast

The other factor that gives this franchise a distinct edge over the competition is the voice cast. It is headlined by A-list stars like Angelina Jolie, Bryan Cranston, Jackie Chan and especially Jack Black as ‘Po’. They added a new dimension to the characters and helped them appeal to children and adults alike.

Relatable theme

Another factor that has made our ‘Big fat Panda’ a beloved character is that he is the ultimate underdog who overcomes the obstacles to become ‘The Dragon Warrior’. The story thus has a high reliability factor.

The film can also be said to be ahead of its time because it features a chubby character in the lead, which isn’t the case with most films in this genre.

It remains to be seen whether the fourth film adds a new dimension to the already popular saga. Kung Fu Panda 4 hit screens in India on Friday, March 15.