There were not many films shot in dense reserve forest areas so this
one called “Manyam Puli” made us wide-eyed once we saw the last frame
of the 141 minutes of a panoramic film rich with spectacular visuals.
The film in its original Malayalam version “PuliMurugan” raked in over
Rs.100 crores and we thought it is a regular commercial film but it
turned out to be a surprise packet of extraordinary visual beauty and
effects. The story is not uncommon: Mohanlal is a wood-cutter who lives
with his wife Myna (Kamalini Mukherjee) and daughter. His reputation in
the village as a tiger-hunter is legendary and every time a man-eating
tiger is on prowl, the buck stops at Mohanlal’s doorstep. Mohanlal’s
brother is a crucial link in the story who unwittingly pulls in his
legendary brother into a vortex of culpable crime that involves criminal
conspiracy and drug mafia and extortion – the villain being Jagapathi
Babu. There are few other villains thrown in the ring but they make an
impact in few scenes and make their exit. What holds the narrative is an
astonishing overdrive into the deep-water-falls infested thick jungle
where Mohanlal maneuvres people out of the clutches of the tiger. There
are atleast five mesmerizing action sequences involving the beast and
MOhanlal which builds an excitement and tension into the screen. And few
other fights which make you wonder if you are watching one of the
magnificent action films of the Samurai variety where sharp weapons fly
off the bodies and people are slain in split-second speed. The film has
only one song in the first half but the tension is built up gradually
with elements of an interval bang, a second half that loosens a bit and a
rich pre-climax and climax. Vysakh is the director and Uday Krishna the
story writer who create a dazzle of larger-than-life images and thrills
– of the kind never seen before. Even earlier films like “Mrugaraju” of
Megastar Chiranjeevi appear amateurish in front of the breathtaking
scenes with a CGI Tiger and an agile Mohanlal. After lying low with two
Telugu films which show him in lesser light, this film is a real treat
to Mohanlal fans or anybody who wants to figure out the complete actor’s
range of acting skills and screen presence. The risks in the angles of
some of the shots make you gasp for breath but Mohanlal pulled it off in
style. If not for the story, the treatment and the action sequences
make this a worthy joy-ride with family. Music by Gopi Sundar once
again elevates the forest moods to peaks. Cinematography by Shajikumar
is outstanding. The Telugu version is trimmed by atleast 22 minutes
which makes it even more watchable. The ending is predictable but the
journey to the end is worth it. Performances by Jagapathi Babu is jaded
while all others excel. Kids will freak out on the tiger scenes -
something that Indian films have never cared to find out but I don’t get
why a man who shoots an endangered species should be hero-worshipped.
Such are the ways of Indian films. No wonder we are made to stand up for
our sins of watching them by singing the National Anthem in a few days
from now. Go for it. But beware of high-grade violence.
My rating: 3.25/5
My rating: 3.25/5
