Zoop in India (2006)

Directed by: Johan Nijenhuis | 103 minutes | drama, comedy, adventure, family, romance | Actors: Nicolette van Dam, Vivienne van den Assem, Patrick van der Werff, Ewout Genemans, Juliette van Ardenne, Jon Karthaus, Erwan van Buuren, Marco Borsato, Kim Boekhoorn, Sabine Koning, Teun Kuilboer, Ernst Löw, Hugo Maerten, Pieternel Pouwels , Raymi Sambo, Sylvana Simons, Monique van der Werff

After the success of the feature film ‘Zoop in Afrika’, a sequel was inevitable. This time the heroes of the eponymous television series ‘ZOOP’ travel to India. Their ranger buddy Alwin has just been there for a year and calls for their help. The village where he stayed has lost a herd of elephants. Alwin had spoken highly of his friends, the rangers in training of the Ouwehands Zoo Rhenen, and all the hopes of the villagers are pinned on them. The young animal friends leave in a hurry, but it soon becomes apparent that not everyone is happy with their arrival to India. There appears to be more going on. The elephants have been kidnapped by ivory smugglers who are not keen on a scavenger hunt from the rangers. The thieves do everything they can to thwart them. Then the friends decide to split up. Taffie (Monique van der Werff), Elise (Viviënne van den Assem), Mike (Patrick Martens) and Alwin (Erwan van Buuren) go into the jungle in search of the missing herd. Bionda (Nicolette van Dam), Bastiaan (Ewout Genemans), Sira (Juliëtte van Ardenne) and Moes (Jon Karthaus) cross Mombai and hope to track down the smugglers.

The recording of ‘Zoop in India’ did not always go smoothly. Although the film crew was used to working with foreign teams, in India people often encountered communication problems and cultural differences. In addition, the actors did almost all the stunts themselves, which made the shooting days on location physically difficult for them. Not a day went by without a plaster, iodine or bandage. But according to director Johan Nijenhuis, that is inherent in making an action film.

You notice immediately after the start that ‘Zoop in India’ is an action film. The speed is right away. Alwin is soon staged with his plea for help and the rangers barely hesitate. From that moment on, they experience one adventure after another and you won’t be bored for a moment. There are many moments of tension and plenty of colorful shots due to shooting on location. The question is whether all shots are suitable for the target group, children aged six to thirteen. The images of attacking cobras and near-fatal accidents will also increase the adrenaline levels in adults.

The film confirms many clichés about India. Snake charmers, turbans and a bed of nails are reviewed, but that should not spoil the fun; it gives this Dutch children’s version of ‘The Raiders of the Lost Ark’ an exotic twist.