Watch Pulimurugan

Pulimurugan is a high-octane Indian action-adventure film released in 2016, primarily in the Malayalam language. The movie is helmed by the director Vysakh and features a star-studded cast including the venerable Mohanlal, Jagapathi Babu, Kamalinee Mukherjee, Lal among others. Notably, the film's narrative revolves around the life of its titular character, Murugan, portrayed by Mohanlal, who is affectionately known as Pulimurugan (Murugan the Tiger) by his peers and the inhabitants of his village.

Set against the backdrop of a rural village situated on the fringe of a forest in Kerala, Pulimurugan blends the elements of the wild environment with human drama in a gripping tale of survival, family, and courage. The protagonist, Murugan, earns his moniker through his renowned ability to combat and kill tigers that stray into human territories, which makes him a sort of savior within his community. His prowess and dexterity in dealing with these wild beasts stem from a deep-rooted vendetta, tracing back to a childhood trauma that shaped his destiny and carved his path as a fearless hunter.

The story of Pulimurugan unfolds as a multifaceted plot that explores various aspects of Murugan’s life. It illustrates his roles as a devoted family man, a doting brother, a loving husband to his wife Myna, played by Kamalinee Mukherjee, and a protective father. His personal life is finely woven into the larger fabric of his responsibilities towards his village, sketching a character that is as complex as he is heroic.

Mohanlal's character, Pulimurugan, is not only a guardian against wild animals but also stands up against certain social injustices that pervade his village. His confrontations are not confined to tigers alone; he is depicted as a man who must navigate through a spectrum of adversaries, including human ones, presenting a balanced narrative between man versus nature and man versus man.

The film takes the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions and action, juxtaposing serene moments of family life with the rushing adrenaline of action sequences. Audiences are treated to awe-inspiring fight scenes choreographed in the dense forests, marking a significant highlight of the movie. Pulimurugan sets a high standard in terms of action choreography within Indian cinema, especially with sequences involving wild animals, making it a spectacle on the big screen.

What further elevates Pulimurugan is its technical prowess. The cinematography vividly captures the lush greenery of the forest, the rugged terrains, and the intimate moments of rural life with a vibrant palette that enriches the visual narrative. The camera work during the action sequences is specifically commendable, as it enhances the dynamic and exhilarating experience for the audience.

Adding another layer to Pulimurugan’s rich tapestry is the film's music composed by Gopi Sundar. The soundtrack and background score create an immersive experience, complementing the tension, drama, and emotional depth at various points throughout the movie. The combination of visual and auditory storytelling in Pulimurugan contributes to a cinematic treat.

The screenplay written by Udayakrishna takes into account the cultural nuances of Kerala, thus infusing the story with authenticity and regional flavour. The dialogues and the narrative structure are tailored to build up the legend of Pulimurugan, weaving folklore with the present-day story. The local dialects, traditions, and the spirit of the community are well represented, giving the viewers an intimate glimpse into the life of the village and its relationship with the surrounding wild.

The film's antagonist, played by Jagapathi Babu, presents a formidable challenge to the protagonist, elevating the story to a conflict of substantial intensity. He is depicted not just as a counterpoint to the hero, but rather as a character with motivations that provide depth to the overall plot. The tension between the protagonist and the antagonist unravels across the film's narrative, adding to the suspense and keeping the audience engaged till the end.

As Pulimurugan maneuvers through the intricacies of his own life, the social dynamics of his village, and the threatening presence of the encroaching wild, the audience is taken along for a memorable adventure. Mohanlal's performance is particularly noteworthy as he brings a layered portrayal of a man who is at once indomitable and vulnerable, making Pulimurugan not just a film about a man fighting tigers, but a story about the human spirit and its resilience.

In essence, Pulimurugan is a tale that resonates with themes of bravery, kinship, and man's connection to nature. The film is a compelling visual spectacle that earned widespread acclaim for its cinematic achievements, including thrilling stunts and an engaging story. It has been regarded as one of the top-grossing Malayalam films of all time and has left a lasting impression on movie-goers with its combination of an intense narrative driven by strong performances and groundbreaking technical excellence.