Pokiri

Story:

Pokiri, released in 2006, is an Indian Telugu-language action thriller directed and written by Puri Jagannadh. The movie was jointly produced by Puri Jagannadh’s Vaishno Academy and Manjula Ghattamaneni’s Indira Productions. Starring Mahesh Babu, Ileana D’Cruz, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Sayaji Shinde, the story revolves around a local goon whose violent nature not only draws the ire of his girlfriend and a corrupt cop but also attracts the attention of a wanted crime boss.

Made with a budget of approximately ₹12 crore, the film’s principal photography occurred between November 2005 and April 2006. Most of the shooting occurred in Hyderabad and Chennai, with one song sequence filmed in Phuket, Thailand, and Bangkok. Shyam K. Naidu was the cinematographer, while Marthand K. Venkatesh edited the film. The soundtrack and film score were composed by Mani Sharma.

Pokiri received positive reviews from critics, who praised the direction, screenplay, music, action sequences, and Mahesh Babu’s performance. It emerged as an Industry Hit, grossing ₹66 crores worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing Telugu film for three years until Magadheera surpassed it in 2009. The film won several awards, including five Nandi and two Filmfare Awards. It was remade in Tamil as Pokkiri (2007), in Hindi as Wanted (2009), and in Kannada as Porki (2010).

PLOT

In Hyderabad, there are two rival mafia gangs led by Ali Bhai, based in Dubai, and Narayana, who engage in criminal activities to gain control of the city. DCP Sayyad Mohammad Pasha Qadri strives to bring justice and apprehend both gangs. Pandu, a thug, is initially hired by Narayana but later joins Ali Bhai’s gang. He falls in love with Shruti, an aerobics master, despite her initial rejection. Shruti lives with her mother and brother while their neighbour Brahmi constantly pursues her. A corrupt SI named Pasupathy desires Shruti and resorts to sinister tactics. After Pandu saves Shruti from Pasupathy’s harassment, they develop feelings for each other. When Shruti proposes to Pandu, he warns her about his violent nature. Pandu protects Shruti from Pasupathy’s schemes and vows to punish him if found guilty.

During Ali Bhai’s visit to Hyderabad, he assassinates Narayana and discusses a plan with Pandu to blow up balloons filled with explosives to kill a minister. However, Pandu refuses to participate, as it would harm innocent people. In the midst of their argument, the police raid the club and arrest Ali Bhai. Seeking revenge, Ali Bhai’s gang kidnaps Qadri’s daughter and creates a scandalous video to blackmail Qadri into releasing Ali Bhai.

In her drugged state, Qadri’s daughter unintentionally reveals the presence of an undercover officer named Krishna Manohar within Ali Bhai’s gang. Believing Ajay to be Krishna Manohar, Ali Bhai kills him, not knowing that Ajay is actually Suryanarayana’s adopted son. Ali Bhai then murders Suryanarayana to draw out the real Krishna Manohar. Surprising everyone, including Shruti and Pasupathy, it is revealed that Krishna Manohar is none other than Pandu himself.

Following the cremation of Suryanarayana and Ajay, Pandu forces Pasupathy to contact Ali Bhai and disclose his location at Binny Mills. Pandu arrives at Binny Mills and systematically eliminates Ali Bhai’s gang members while rescuing Qadri’s daughter in the process. In a final confrontation, Pandu kills Ali Bhai by slashing his throat with a broken glass window and shoots Pasupathy by saying the following words: Okkasaari commit ayithe naa maata nene vinanu (transl. Once I get committed, I won’t listen even to my own words)