Childrens delight

Hoffen is the ponytailed,knee-high protagonist of this new show.

Kung Fu Masters Of The Zodiac
Monday to Friday 6 p.m,Nick
Hoffen is the ponytailed,knee-high protagonist of this new show. A gifted child,an incarnation of the northern pole star,hes a God-send (like we have Rama and Krishna) to his village. His mission is to win over the evil Nian,the monstrous devil with a bad breath. The first time he blows air over Hoffen,the spunky kid turns around and admonishes him to get rid of his awful breath by brushing teeth regularly (nice). Hoffen has to then search for 12 Zodiac gods,each represented by an animal,having an insurmountable strength that could help him defeat Nian and save his little world.

Its a story set in Chinese folklore and the show is called Kung Fu Masters Of The Zodiac. All the characters like the wicked crow,who is Nians messenger,or the old worldly-wise Kitchen Master (he talks like the late veteran actor Om Prakash with that familiar drawl) who gets Hoffen going on his mission,or the two wily weasels,Long Mouth and Big Eye who mouth the most crowd-pleasing lines,are caricatures. Among the good boys are Rascal the Rat with a loud mouth but a heart of gold and Fierce The Bengal Tiger. The lingo is very Mumbaiyya,very tapori (possibly the only thing that bothers us with childrens shows is the way they are dubbed and the language that is used). There are references to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and the Idea Sirji ad.

But despite its we have seen all this before feel,its still a fun ride,thanks to Hoffen (who we wish was more Chinese,at least a pair of crinkly eyes; but he reminds us more of Dash from The Incredibles) and the assorted animals,not to forget the beautiful flying teapot which is Hoffens private carrier (ah,makes you want to be a child again). We particularly liked the Bengal Tiger,who strutted around in what we thought was a pair of denims!
Certainly,a better watch for kiddies and adults, this summer, as they say in apna lingo,fultoo timepass. And certainly better than watching the obnoxious Shin Chan!
Verdict:
Go for this sumptuous serving of China town,kiddie-style.