These are some videos liked and enjoyed by our triplets.
This is by no means a complete list, and the first few listed are Malayalam,
however these can be a start. Feel free to click the links- they are not ads, but
videos on YouTube or info on wiki.
Kathu is a Malayalam 3D animation that tells the story of a
kitten and her family and friends. It has two parts of 45 minutes each interlinking
a story line and songs about values like honesty, courage, respect to elders,
helpful attitude, self-confidence etc. There is not a moment of boredom, and it
is enjoyable to adults as well.
Manchadi has four parts, all with stories and songs/rhymes.
The stories are from Panchatantra, Aesop’s fables and folktales. Most stories
have some value to teach, and the rhymes are very nice- the familiar ‘Kunchuvammakk
anchu makkalane’ rhyme is made with a catchy tune and interesting animation.
The very familiar story of the elephant and tailor is made into a song, which
any child would love to sing along. All in all, it is a great collection.
Pupi is a very curious puppy, and in his explorations and
adventures we learn about chameleons, honey bees, spiders, birds and bats,
earthworms and many other living beings on the earth, and the dynamics between
them. Very informative, very entertaining, it is guaranteed to arouse curiosity
about surroundings in a child.
Torpido is a Malayalam superhero- a boy who fights aliens
with the help of a pair of spectacles that his father gives him. Then there are
many animation videos like Mayavi, Meesa- Elumban, Ambili Maman, Kilukkampetti,
Minnaminni, Kuttikurumban, Chakkaramamazham etc. which are entertaining.
Pachilakkoodu (My Home is Green) is a wonderful animation
movie that tells us the evils of insecticides, particularly endosulfan. It is a touching story of the friendship
between an ant and a caterpillar. My kids were totally engrossed by the movie,
and I am sure they got the message. I would say it is a must-watch. This
award-winning movie is available in both English and Malayalam.
Jungle Book and Tarzan are available as 2D, 3D animation as
well as movies. The 3D animations are worth watching for the art of making the animations,
the pictures, the images, the scenery and the effects. These animations are
sure to awaken and inspire the artist in your child.
Lion King is a 2D animation movie with two parts. The first part
tells us about the ‘Circle of Life’ where everything in nature is connected to
each other and obeys nature’s rules. ‘You must take your place in the circle of
life’, the lion tells his cub. It also tells us a great story of love,
friendship, travel and adventure, loyalty, rivalry, sacrifice and most
importantly, duties and responsibilities. Lion King-II tells us never to give
up hope, and that love can conquer the whole world, without shedding a drop of
blood. It is lovely. And my kids have a great time watching the two movies,
imitating the characters and delivering the dialogues. The songs are irresistible.
Little Krishna TV series made into two DVDs are available in
English, Hindi and a few Indian regional languages. It is about the adventures
of Lord Krishna as a little baby and child in Vrindavan. It is a beautiful
animation and if your kid likes stories of Krishna, or if he likes superheroes,
he is sure to enjoy this cute animation. Your little girl will love to watch baby Krishna and his adorable ways. Krishna and Balram, and Chota Bheem feature
adventures of part mythological part superhero characters as 2D animations.
Children will like them, but it is better to sit with them while they watch
these videos, and tell them what to absorb and what not to. For example, Chota
Bheem gets his strength when he eats a handful of ladoos (sweet). While we can
tell the child that Bheem became strong when he ate his food, we also need to
be careful to let him know that ladoos are not good for health if eaten in such
quantities as they show in the cartoon. There are many such loose ends in both
these series; however they are very good to learn good English pronunciation
and usage.
Once your son starts enjoying Spider-man, there is no
turning back. That is all I need to say about this brainy-and-wimpy Peter
Parker turned superhero. I am sure same is true for Ben10, Tintin and Batman,
but I have not tried those. Nor have I tried Pokémon, Narnia, Harry Potter,
Jurassic Park or Dora the explorer. I might, soon, and then I shall get back
with reviews.
In conclusion I would like to add that whatever movies you
choose for your children, it is ideal if you also watch it with them, and
explain to them the story. Then you can tell them what important messages are
given in the movie- it can range from instilling a deep moral value to understanding
the way colours can be used to make a scene attractive. When the video shows a
lion roaring, I tell them to notice the sound and how it differs from a tiger
growling. When Jungle Book shows a cobra, I tell them to notice the difference it
has from Kaa, the python. You will be surprised at how fast they absorb the
information, process it within their minds and come up with endless questions. You
might have to give an answer when your son asks why the jeep in the animation
flies, as well as rides on the road- the maker of the film might have thought
it would arouse the kid’s imagination, but most of the time it arouses his
suspicion! But you can come up with innovative answers and help him be more
imaginative, without ignoring the facts.
Just like during their various play, you need to actively involve while
he watches movies also, to make it an entertaining, pleasurable and learning
session.
Most of the videos are available for purchase online. The links below will take you to the amazon store, however, they are also available in other shopping sites.
Most of the videos are available for purchase online. The links below will take you to the amazon store, however, they are also available in other shopping sites.
Happy Viewing!! :D And please don't forget to share your experiences and how your kids enjoy watching movies in the comments column below!
