Pulimurugan is a Malayalam action-adventure film released in 2016, directed by Vyshak and starring Mohanlal in a powerful lead role. The film centers on Murugan, a fearless hunter revered as the protector of his village from dangerous man-eating tigers in the forest. Combining high-octane action, emotional drama, and breathtaking visuals, Pulimurugan became a game-changer for Malayalam cinema and one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.

Plot Summary

The story is set in Puliyoor, a village on the edge of dense forests frequently terrorized by man-eating striped leopards known locally as Varayan Puli. Murugan, played by Mohanlal, is a brave and skilled hunter who devotes his life to defending the villagers from these tigers.

Murugan’s childhood was marked by tragedy—the loss of his mother shortly after his brother Manikuttan was born, and the death of his father at the claws of a tiger. Driven by vengeance and duty, young Murugan learns hunting skills from his uncle Balaraman and eventually earns the titular name Pulimurugan (“Tiger Murugan”) for his fearless exploits.

Now a truck driver, Murugan lives with his wife Myna (Kamalini Mukherjee) and daughter Chakki. While protecting his village from tiger attacks, a new threat emerges: “Daddy Girija” (Jagapati Babu), an unscrupulous drug lord involved in illegal ganja trade, who manipulates Murugan’s family and the local community.

Murugan’s brother Manikuttan is pursuing an MBA in Mangalore. He sends his friends Benny and Shiva to Puliyoor for help with family matters involving Daddy Girija’s shady pharmaceutical business.

The film depicts multiple conflicts: wildlife versus human habitat, hunter versus tiger, and good versus evil in the drug trade. Murugan’s confrontations with forest ranger R.K., who bears a grudge against him, complicate matters further.

Stories of friendship, betrayal, family loyalty, and survival interlace, culminating in an ultimate showdown where Murugan must protect his family and village from both human and animal predators.

Characters and Performances

Murugan (Mohanlal):

Mohanlal delivers an iconic, naturalistic, and powerful performance as Murugan, embodying strength, courage, and profound humanity. His physicality and emotional depth drive the narrative.

Myna (Kamalini Mukherjee):

As Murugan’s compassionate and supportive wife, Kamalini brings warmth and emotional grounding to the story.

Balaraman (Lal):

The wise uncle and mentor to Murugan, embodying tradition and family values.

Daddy Girija (Jagapati Babu):

The formidable antagonist with an aura of menace and charisma.

Forest Ranger R.K. (Kishore):

The antagonistic forest official with personal vendettas adding tension.

Manikuttan (Vinu Mohan):

Murugan’s younger brother, whose city education contrasts with the rustic village life.

Benny and Shiva:

Supporting characters that add layers of intrigue and aid to the narrative.

Themes Explored

Man vs. Nature:

The intense conflict between human settlement and wild animals, highlighting environmental and social tensions.

Revenge and Protection:

Murugan’s motivations stem from protecting his community and avenging personal losses, embodying the hero archetype.

Family and Loyalty:

Strong familial bonds underpin the narrative, with Murugan’s protective instincts serving as narrative core.

Illegal Trade and Corruption:

The drug mafia subplot introduces social critique regarding illegal activities and their impact on society.

Courage and Survival:

Murugan represents resilience in the face of constant danger and ethical dilemmas.

Direction and Cinematic Excellence

Vyshak’s direction emphasizes strong visual storytelling, integrating traditional action sequences with modern cinematic techniques. The screenplay blends folklore with contemporary social issues and torch-bearing heroism.

Cinematographer Shaji Kumar captures the lush forests and rugged village landscapes with vivid color grading, enhancing the film’s immersive quality.

The action choreography is a standout feature, featuring intense and well-crafted fight scenes, especially with the man-eating tiger.

The musical score by Gopi Sundar energizes the film, with songs that reflect cultural ethos and emotional beats.

Reception and Legacy

Pulimurugan was a runaway commercial success, breaking box office records and running for over 150 days in theaters. It was the first Malayalam film to cross the ₹100 crore mark, signaling a new scale of production and audience reach for the industry.

Critically, it was praised for its technical brilliance, Mohanlal’s performance, and its entertaining yet grounded narrative.

The film set new standards for action choreography in Malayalam cinema and revitalized the genre with elements of folklore and raw human drama.

Memorable Scenes

• Young Murugan’s first kill of a man-eating tiger with his uncle’s help.

• Murugan’s fearless confrontations with wild tigers attacking the village.

• The electrifying climax battle between Murugan and Daddy Girija’s gang.

• Emotional family moments demonstrating love and loyalty.

• Fierce fight sequences with the corrupt forest officials and mafia henchmen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who directed Pulimurugan?

The film was directed by Vyshak.

Who plays Murugan?

Mohanlal portrays the lead role of Murugan.

What is the genre of the film?

It is an action-adventure film with elements of drama and thriller.

What is the central story?

It’s about a skilled forest hunter defending his village from man-eating tigers and criminal threats.

Where is the movie set?

The film is set in a realistic village near dense forests in Kerala.

Was Pulimurugan commercially successful?

Yes, it became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films ever.

What are the key themes?

Wildlife conflict, family loyalty, crime, courage, and survival.

Who composed the music?

Gopi Sundar composed the film’s music.

Does the film feature real tigers?

The film uses a mix of CGI and trained animals for tiger scenes.

Pulimurugan stands as a milestone in Malayalam cinema, showcasing an unmatched blend of action, emotion, culture, and entertainment. Mohanlal’s powerful presence and the film’s technical mastery have made it a classic and enduring favorite among movie lovers.