Some films are remembered only for a short time, but some stay forever. Even after many years, we still stop and watch them on TV, YouTube, or OTT. One such unforgettable film is Pokiri. Mahesh Babu and Puri Jagannadh’s blockbuster has completed 20 years and remains a major milestone in Telugu cinema.
1. Pokiri Completed 20 Years
Released in 2006, Pokiri became a huge sensation and changed Mahesh Babu’s career completely. Even today, fans celebrate “Pandugaadu”.
2. Story Was First Told to Pawan Kalyan
Before Mahesh Babu, director Puri Jagannadh first narrated this story to Pawan Kalyan during the time of Badri. But the project did not happen.
3. Ravi Teja Was Also Considered
After Pawan Kalyan, the story went to Ravi Teja. Later, it finally reached Mahesh Babu, who liked it and gave his approval.
4. Original Title Was Different
Puri first planned this film with the title Uttam Singh S/O Suryanarayana.
5. Kangana Ranaut Was First Choice
Before Ileana, Kangana Ranaut was planned for the heroine role. But she got a Bollywood offer and left the project, so Ileana joined the film.
6. Ileana Became a Special Attraction
Ileana’s beauty and screen presence became one of the biggest highlights of the film and added extra charm to the blockbuster.
7. Mani Sharma Gave Career-Best Music
From mass songs to melodies and background score, Mani Sharma delivered one of the best music albums of his career with Pokiri.
8. “Gala Gala Paruthunna” Was a Remix
The famous melody “Gala Gala Paruthunna Godarila” was actually a remake of a song from Krishna’s 1974 film Gowri.
9. Huge Box Office Success
Made with a budget of around Rs. 12 crore, Pokiri collected nearly Rs. 66 crore gross and Rs. 44 crore share, becoming a massive blockbuster.
10. Historic Theatre Run
The film ran for 100 days in 200 centers and 175 days in 63 centers. In Kurnool, it even completed 500 days.
11. Climax Took 38 Days
The climax and two songs were shot continuously for 38 days. During this time, Mahesh Babu suffered from back pain and needed treatment.
12. Mahesh Escaped a Major Danger
During the climax, Mahesh had a water tub scene. Soon after, a short circuit caused a tragic accident on set, and Mahesh escaped a serious danger.
13. International Recognition
Pokiri was one of the 14 films shown at the IIFA Film Festival in Dubai in 2006.
14. Many Awards for the Film
The movie won several Nandi Awards and Filmfare South Awards, including Best Director for Puri Jagannadh and Best Actor for Mahesh Babu.
15. Remade in Many Languages
The story was later remade in Tamil with Vijay, in Hindi as Wanted with Salman Khan, and in Kannada as Porki with Darshan. All three versions became big hits.
Hidden Facts About #Pokiri
A film that redefined mass cinema in Tollywood #20YearForPokiri #Maheshbabu #PuriJagannadh pic.twitter.com/lKCE6Ns4kE
— Filmy Focus (@FilmyFocus) April 27, 2026
