Manyam Puli

Manyam Puli is a 2016 action-unit thriller, an adrenaline-speeding tale of drama and thrill set in the heart of dense forests of South India. Directed by Vysakh and produced by Tomichan Mulakupaadam, it's a Telugu dubbed version of the original Malayalam film Pulimurugan. Intricately crafted with visual masterpieces and dramatic storytelling, Manyam Puli brings to life the nail-biting exploits of its lead characters, featuring Malayalam Superstar Mohanlal, along with prominent actors Jagapathi Babu, Kamalinee Mukherjee, and Lal.

The story of Manyam Puli unfolds in a small tribal hamlet in the southern corner of the country. The engrossing plotline revolves around Mohanlal's character Murugan. Known as Puli Murugan for his cat-like reflexes and valour, he's a wild hunter blessed with an uncanny instinct to fight and survive fiercely in the wildest terrains. With the jungle as his mother, Murugan combats deadly beasts, with ferocious tigers being his specialty subject. His inborn hunting skills, resilience, and raw bravado render him an uncrowned king in the wild.

The visceral fight sequences, filmed with great finesse, and the serene landscape of the forest, beautifully captured, offer a visual treat. The film does a seamless job of depicting the relationship between man and nature. It explores the fine line walked by Murugan – a man of the wild yet deeply rooted in humanity. This dance between the sophisticated cues of civilization and the raw instinct of primal fierceness makes him a captivating character. Director Vysakh unfolds Murugan's life slowly, touching upon the lives of those in his ambit, showing how their lives intertwine with his.

The essence of Manyam Puli doesn’t stop at Murugan and his escapades but travels beyond. Jagapathi Babu, in a significant role, brings his unique style and rustic charm to the narrative, adding an extra layer of suspense and intrigue. The film also portrays the elegant Kamalinee Mukherjee, whose chemistry with Mohanlal provides a perfect counterpoint to the pulsating action. She plays the role of Myna, the fierce yet adorable wife of Murugan, adding a dash of romance to the otherwise driven plot.

Manyam Puli is not just a regular action thriller. It’s an amalgamation of breathtaking stunts, heartfelt emotions, intense drama, superb performances, and extraordinary background scores. Gopi Sundar, the music director, adds to the viewing experience with his tunes, which fluctuate adroitly between pulsating and stirring, depending on the moment. His fabulous scores echo throughout the movie, creating a perfect balance between thrill and visible presence, and narrating a story of their own.

Cinematographer Shaji Kumar deserves special mention for his excellent work in capturing the raw beauty and mystery of the forest. His camera moves fluidly through the dense jungles, the towering trees, and the clear streams, offering the viewers an opportunity to experience the wild's beauty. Even the action choreography, especially the hunting sequences, is so meticulously shot that it enthralls the audience with its sheer realism.

Enhanced by a taut script and a compelling screenplay, Manyam Puli oozes rugged aesthetics and the rustic charms of village life. Its high-paced, often edge-of-the-seat moments intermingle successfully with lighter, more sentimental scenes to provide the perfect blend of thrill and drama.

The movie’s primary strength is undoubtedly Mohanlal, whose charisma, emotive power, and tremendous screen presence take the film to an entirely different level. His brilliant portrayal of Puli Murugan won him widespread acclaim, including a nomination for Best Actor at the 64th National Film Awards. His naturalistic acting, combined with his fearless stunts, bring true vitality to his character.

In essence, Manyam Puli is a well-knit drama of survival, courage, and feral instincts. It's a grand display of visual brilliance, technical expertise, and rich human emotions. A captivating watch for those who seek an engaging narrative with generous doses of action and adventure, the movie is a satisfying experience.