“Puli,” released in 2015, is an Indian Tamil-language fantasy action adventure film written and directed by Chimbu Deven. The movie features Vijay in a dual role, portraying a demon prince and his half-demon son. The film also stars Hansika Motwani and Shruti Haasan as the female leads. Notable cast members include Sudeep as the main antagonist, with Prabhu, Nandita Swetha, and Sridevi appearing in cameo roles. The film’s narrative is set in a fantasy world and centers on the clash between humans and demons, particularly the demon kingdom, while exploring themes of justice and ancestry.
The story revolves around Marudheeran, a half-human and half-tiger demon, raised by a tribal village chief named Vembunathan. Witnessing the oppression inflicted by supernatural beings called Vedhalams from the neighboring kingdom Vedhalapuram, Marudheeran grows up protecting his village from their cruelty. Marudheeran’s life takes a turn when he falls in love with Pavalamalli, leading to a series of events that involve his confrontation with the Vedhalams.
After his village is attacked and his adopted father is killed, Marudheeran embarks on a journey to Vedhalapuram with his friends Kodangi and Sama. During his journey, he rescues Manthagini, the princess of Vedhalapuram, from danger, and she develops feelings for him. As Marudheeran navigates the unfamiliar kingdom, he discovers his own identity as a half-demon, leading to a revelation about his ancestry and his connection to the ongoing conflict.
The film unfolds with Marudheeran’s efforts to challenge the tyranny of the demon kingdom and its rulers. He navigates through various challenges, battles, and alliances, all while discovering the truth about his heritage and the malicious forces that manipulate the kingdom’s affairs. Marudheeran’s journey culminates in a confrontation with the malevolent Thalapathy Jalatharangan, leading to a climactic battle for justice, power, and the well-being of both humans and demons.
Despite its mixed reception from critics, “Puli” offers a blend of fantasy, action, and adventure, underscored by themes of identity, family, and resilience. The film’s release marked a significant moment in Tamil cinema, with its vivid visuals, intricate world-building, and the performances of the cast capturing the audience’s attention.
Director | Senthil Kumar |
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Story | Senthil KumarRavichandran Samanna |
Screenplay | Senthil Kumar |
Dialogues | Senthil Kumar |
Cinematography | A. Natarajan Subramaniam |
Editor | Akkineni Sreekar Prasad |
Music | Devi Sri Prasad |
Producer | P. T. Selvakumar, Shibu Thameens |
Cast | Vijay Thalapathy Shruti Haasan Nandita SwethaKarunanidhi SethuAjay RatnamJoe MallooriImmanuelJangiri MadhumithaRaveena DahaVadivukkarasiSangili MuruganRaghu Balaiah |
Release Type | Theatre |
Language | Tamil |
Production | Thameens Films, SKT Studios |
Budget | ₹87—130 crore |
Box Office | ₹101 crore |
OTT Platform | Prime Video |