The Iranian animation feature Dolphin Boy 2 marks a significant milestone in the country’s film industry, building upon the massive international success of its predecessor, Dolphin Boy 1. This sequel delves deeper into the life and emotional journey of the titular character, transforming the narrative from a simple tale of rescue into a complex exploration of identity, family, and the burden of heroism. The global success of the first film, which was screened in over 30 countries; including Canada, Russia, the US, and Germany; and distributed on platforms like Netflix, Apple TV, and Amazon, set a high bar, which Dolphin Boy 2 successfully aims to clear, as evidenced by its immediate recognition at the 43rd Fajr Film Festival.
Synopsis of the Epic Sequel: The Hero’s Burden
According to IBland, The plot of Dolphin Boy 2 finds the protagonist, known simply as Dolphin Boy, now a popular and heroic figure among both the sea creatures and the islanders. However, this fame comes at a personal cost: he feels a profound sense of loneliness. Despite his heroic status, he longs to live a normal life, play with peers his age, and, most crucially, discover his true human name. He struggles with the expectation that he must always be a “hero” rather than just a regular boy.
This existential crisis coincides with the emergence of a new, formidable threat. Khajeh Majid (Majid the Merchant), having lost all his wealth and assets to Captain Morvarid, is consumed by jealousy and plots his revenge. His quest for power leads him to a furious whale, and he prepares for an intense battle against Dolphin Boy 2.
The narrative soon unravels the secret past of Dolphin Boy’s parents. His father, Sina, a scientist, along with his mother, Nahid, had created a powerful magical elixir intended to enhance the growth of sea creatures. This powerful secret led to Sina being imprisoned by an enemy, and Nahid being killed, though their son survived to be raised in the ocean.
In his journey for normalcy, the Dolphin Boy befriends a deaf girl named Leila. Through their connection, he discovers the location of a man imprisoned in an underwater cave; his father, Sina. However, the remnants of the powerful elixir, hidden by Sina, fall into the hands of the vengeful Admiral Majid. Majid uses the concoction, transforming into a monstrous giant crab, setting the stage for the final confrontation. Dolphin Boy 2 and his companions must fight this monstrous Majid and ultimately prevail. In a deeply moving moment facilitated by his father, the Dolphin Boy finally learns his true human name: Ābān.
The film is rich with moral and developmental themes, including courage, the vital father-son relationship, family centrality, friendship, honesty, unity against adversity, and standing up to oppression. Due to the intense action and depictions of the transformed monster, parental guidance is strongly advised for children under nine years old watching Dolphin Boy 2.
Production Team and the Professional Voice Cast
Dolphin Boy 2 is a testament to the skill and dedication of its Iranian production team.
| Role | Name |
| Director | Mohammad Kheirandish |
| Investor & Producer | Mohammad Amin Hamedani |
| Screenwriters | Mohammad Kheirandish & Mohammad Shokouhi |
| Composer | Houman Namdari |
| Country of Origin | Iran |
One of the significant strengths of the film is its use of a highly professional and beloved voice cast, which adds immense character depth and emotional resonance. The voice actors for Dolphin Boy 2 include:
- Nahid Amirian
- Hamed Azizi
- Maryam Joleynie
- Soraya Ghasemi
- Sharareh Hazrati
- Arsalan Joulaei
- George Petrosi
- Tooraj Nasr
This collaboration of experienced voice artists ensures that the animation is not only visually appealing but also a rich auditory experience, contributing significantly to the overall high quality of Dolphin Boy 2.
Critical and Commercial Success: The Impact of Dolphin Boy 2
The commercial success of the first Dolphin Boy installment; which generated over $5M in international sales across its run; set a clear precedent for the sequel. Dolphin Boy 2 has quickly followed suit in terms of critical recognition, securing top accolades at Iran’s most prestigious film event:
Accolades at the 43rd Fajr Film Festival (2025)
The film’s producer, Mohammad Amin Hamedani, was honored with:
- Crystal Simorgh for Best Animation
- Crystal Simorgh for Best Film from the Audience’s Perspective
These awards are a powerful validation of the film’s technical excellence and its ability to connect with a mass audience, proving the enormous potential of the Iranian animation industry. The director, Mohammad Kheirandish, has highlighted the challenges of maintaining an international graphic style to ensure global marketability, an approach that is clearly paying off for the franchise. The commercial and critical success of Dolphin Boy 2 demonstrates that with quality production and compelling storytelling, Iranian animation can confidently compete on the world stage.
Filmmaking Analysis: Narrative and Technical Highlights
While some critics noted that the script’s pacing and character introductions in Dolphin Boy 2 could have been tighter for its 90-minute runtime, the film is widely praised for its thematic depth and technical brilliance. The story effectively tackles essential developmental issues for its target audience of children and teenagers, such as:
- Self-Identity and Belonging (Dolphin Boy’s struggle to be normal).
- Courage and Resilience (Fighting the monstrous Majid).
- The Importance of Family and Interpersonal Bonds.
The film’s visual quality, which is largely set in the challenging underwater environment, is hailed as being significantly superior to many contemporary animated features. The use of vibrant color, engaging light effects, and sophisticated animation techniques ensures that the world of Dolphin Boy 2 is both professional and captivating.
A pivotal moment in the film; and perhaps its core message; occurs when the Dolphin Boy, now Ābān, tells the transformed Majid: “Why do you want to be special… it’s not a small thing to be normal.” He then addresses the islanders: “Hey normal people, you are all heroes… being a hero isn’t about doing special things.” This simple yet profound message about the value of ordinary life and inherent heroism effectively grounds the fantastical adventure of Dolphin Boy 2 in universal human values. The careful integration of this message, combined with high-quality music and visuals, makes the film a valuable cultural and educational asset.
The production of Dolphin Boy 2 was notably independent, with the director stating they received no budget from Iranian organizations but successfully attracted private investment. This model underscores the maturity and self-sufficiency of Hoorakhsh Studio and its visionaries in producing internationally viable content like Dolphin Boy 2. This commitment, alongside the willingness of Iranian diaspora professionals to contribute, showcases a robust and promising future for Iranian animation.
Source: filimo