Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle largely respects the original story and focuses on character, struggle, and setting. Casting aligns with the narrative world of Kipling’s India, and characters are generally defined by their personalities rather than “woke” traits. There’s little evidence of forced representation or shoehorning modern identity politics into the plot.

Though the film takes a few liberties with tradition, it doesn't heavily undermine religion, family, or masculinity. There’s some updated messaging about belonging and difference, but not much overt rewriting of cultural or historical foundations. Masculine virtues like courage and self-sacrifice remain key to the story.

The story includes themes of difference, but it isn’t preoccupied with mocking or villainizing alternative worldviews. Most characters reflect time-appropriate worldviews, and there’s no serious attempt to turn the jungle into a modern ideological battleground.