“The ocean chose you for a reason…”
Gramma Tala’s words to Moana still ring in my ears whenever I think of the original Moana. I remember watching the movie in a theatre with my kids and rewatching it numerous times on OTT as part of our Friday night movie routine.
And here I am, watching the special preview screening of Disney’s Moana 2, 8 years after the original was released. If you’re a Moana fan like me, you must book your tickets for Moana 2, which is releasing across India on November 29th in English and Hindi!
About Moana 2:
The movie picks up three years after the original, with Moana now a 19-year-old leader. Her younger sister, Simea, adds a fresh dynamic to the story. Their sibling bond—filled with rivalry, teamwork, and deep connection—reminded me of how my children support each other through both fun and challenging moments. The film highlights sibling love and the value of having each other’s backs, which truly resonated with me.
What I found particularly touching was how Moana 2 portrays the importance of staying connected to your roots while embracing change. The movie gently nudges kids to grow and adapt to new environments while learning from the people around them.
The Visuals:
The visuals in Moana 2 are stunning, with shimmering oceans and vivid tropical landscapes that feel incredibly real. It felt like Oceania came alive on the screen, making my kids excitedly wonder if such places actually exist!
The Music:
Musically, Moana 2 carries forward the spirit of the original, with songs that are meaningful yet groovy. While it may not have an immediate standout like How Far I’ll Go or You’re Welcome, songs like What Lies Beyond stand out for their empowering lyrics about courage, resilience, and facing fears. There’s even a song in a native language, which adds authenticity and cultural depth.
Takeaways For Children:
What stood out most in Moana 2 were the deeper themes woven into the story:
- Courage to Face Fears: Moana shows that bravery isn’t about being fearless—it’s about moving forward despite fear.
- Leadership and Teamwork: The movie beautifully illustrates that leadership isn’t about control—it’s about collaboration, delegation, and trust. Even kids can learn the value of teamwork and the idea that any age can contribute to a team.
- The Power of Family and Found Family: Moana and Simea’s bond, along with the sense of community around them, reinforces that family isn’t just who you’re born with—it’s also the people who support you along the way.
- Resilience: Setbacks and challenges are inevitable, but the movie teaches us to bounce back stronger. As Moana’s mom says, “For some things, we will never be ready,” but we learn along the way.
- Embracing Differences: The story emphasises how our differences make us stronger, reminding kids that everyone brings something unique to the table.
A New Generation, A New Journey:
Unlike the first film, where Moana leaned on Maui for guidance, in Moana 2, she becomes the leader and takes charge of a new team. The responsibility, self-doubt, and challenges she faces mirror the experiences many of us encounter in life. It also highlights how both older and younger generations can learn from each other—something Indian families will deeply relate to.
Great journeys often demand great sacrifices, and Moana 2 reminds us of the importance of finding another way when things feel impossible. It’s a story of connection, resilience, and pushing boundaries, all wrapped up in a visually stunning, emotionally moving package.
Overall, Moana 2 is a heartfelt continuation of Moana’s journey. It’s perfect for a family outing—one that will spark thoughtful conversations about courage, leadership, and the importance of family long after the credits roll.
Make sure you catch Moana 2 when it hits theatres on November 29th, and don’t forget to share your favourite moment in the comments below!
Dr Priyanka Tibrewal
Janani S Koushik
shraddha fogla
Mansi Zaveri
KSP Team
