04 May,2022 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
Avatar
Even before there was a Marvel Cinematic Universe and its recurring box office glory, director James Cameron had shattered the divisions of Eastern and Western worlds with Avatar. Released in 2009, the film redefined the limits of visual storytelling with its tale of Jake Sully, the Na'avi and the world of Eywa. The sequel though, has had a long and hard journey; more than a decade has been spent in recreating Cameron's perfect world - Pandora.
Fans of the film will now witness the first trailer of Avatar: The Way Of Water release with the upcoming Marvel film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness on May 6. The trailer will be a glimpse of the saga which is expected to arrive in theatres in December later this year. We spoke to three fans and followers of the Avatar chronicles to understand where Cameron's film could go next.
Neytiri and Jake in a scene from Avatar. Pics Courtesy/Avatar.com
Pavan Gangawane
Gangawane believes that Cameron's new film will pre-empt a catastrophe on Pandora. "I have a lingering suspicion that the mining in the first film will prove destructive beyond repair to the planet - Pandora. This will force the Na'avi to go in search of new ways of living, perhaps underwater." He adds that this could be the metaphor for the growing global-warming on our own planet. A fan of the villain, Colonel Quaritch played by Stephen Lang, Gangawane is excited by his return. "There is a possibility that Jake will have to rediscover the balance. The films are all about nature's balance when a civilisation is uprooted, and seeks new land. The Na'avi may have to encroach upon an already existing civilisation - underwater." Like the earlier film, he adds, the conflict will force us to look at the world in a
new light.
Sunny Patade
The water theme is something Sunny Patade is also looking forward to. "One thing for certain is a whole new life that Cameron will show us. There will be new animals, lifestyles, and even plant forms that will come out in this story." An excited fan of the first film, Patade remembers watching a houseful show on his birthday. Thirteen years later, he looks forward to the new version. "There are also several new additions to the cast, from Vin Diesel to Nicole Kidman, who will represent new members of the world." The return of Stephen Lang, Patade says, means that the conflict will go on. The story will be about how Jake manages it. Then again, he adds, "It is no longer about the war for me, rather what new visuals and imaginations the makers come up with."
Prajwal Mankame
As someone who works with visual effects, Avatar remains a benchmark for Prajwal Mankame. "In 2009-10, technology had limited capabilities. To witness such visuals at that time was a privilege," he reminds us. "The new stills are far more refined," he continues, "The title, Way Of Water, suggests that there will be a focus on a water civilisation." Mankame is excited by the idea of witnessing a water-creature which will mirror the flying beast, Toruk Makto, from the first film. He says, "It could be that Jake, Neytiri and their clan face another threat of extinction, and this time rely on marine life to wage their war. In a way, it will bring the story to a complete circle with the sky, land and water teaming up." With the possibility of extinction looming, there is a chance that this new species will bring together the three elements that make up Pandora's environment.
