'Manyam Puli', the dubbed version of 'Pulimurugan', is an action adventure film. Here is our review:
Story:
Kumar (Mohanlal) is that heroic tiger-hunter whom the people dwelling in the villages around a dense forest regard as their saviour. Never the one to rest when a tiger threatens human lives, he had avenged the killing of his father even as a child by adventurously and methodically snuffing out a ferocious tiger.
His hunger for killing murderous tigers far exceeds the appetite of the dreaded beasts to hunt down human flesh. When he is not putting up a physical and moral fight against tigers and wildfire protection laws, Kumar leads the life of a normal family man, complete with youthful romance with wife Myna (Kamalinee Mukherjee), booz-filled bromance with his 'bava' and the bro, and occasional reciprocation of Julie's (Namitha) pining for his machismo.
Interspersed with these two tracks is the sub-plot of a pharma company's attempt to own the forbidden 'ganjai' avowedly to make an anti-cancer drug. Kumar willingly joins the efforts to harvest 'ganjai' for the company so his brother can land a plum job.
Somewhere, the suspicious-looking Jagapathi Babu, who has all along come across as a villager needing Kumar's help to wipe out a tiger, reveals at the interval bang that he is Daddy Girija, the purported villain of the piece.
Analysis:
Since 'Pulimurugan', of which 'Manyam Puli' is the dubbed version, has graduated to become the biggest-ever grosser in Mollywood's history, we have to assume that its story-telling, technical output and the lead actor's performance have been seen as top-notch by its audience. After discounting the boons of nativity (most of which may not work for an alien audience - in this case the Telugus), the dubbed version fares reasonably well.
For all the pedestrian sub-plots (especially the one involving the lecherous cop), director Vysakh knows well how to sequence his telling. The pre-title track of the child Kumar avenging the murder of his father by a tiger, sets the tone for a thrilling experience. The very manner in which Mohanlal is introduced as a heroic hunter announces that the film is superstar-oriented.
And since he is 'the Complete Actor', he is made to romance like a 30-something and worse. Such elements can't be sold recklessly to an audience who have gone beyond seeing entertainment in the 'gilli kajjalu' between a wife who turns into an insecure child-woman at the sight of a sleeveless 'sundari' and a husband who reiterates love at the drop of a hat.
It's in the portions related to intense action scenes (high on both emotions and technique) that the movie packs a punch. Depicting tiger-hunting by the male lead can be mundane or fabulous depending on the ideas/execution. And thankfully, 'Manyam Puli's raison d'etre lies in getting these portions bang on, never mind the cinematic liberties.
Some of the episodes would seem needlessly indulgent to the Telugu audience. For example, how Kumar had the acid test of his life when he had to confess love to Myna. Murugan's uncle (Lal) is an important person in his life and plays a prominent part in the narrative, but the dialogues are routine.
Every time you think that the track involving Daddy Girija (Jagapathy Babu) and Kumar is not exciting, there is something or the other introduced to offer good amount of consolation. For example, the action scene at Khadar bhai's place.
The stunt choreography by Peter Hein had been a talking point and he delivers big time. The action sequences are awe inspiring and those who love some intense moves will sure be satisfied. Mohanlal's flexibility in doing such sequences is also notable. The tiger in the movie is also suitably menacing lending credibility to the tale.
It took a long time in making but the effort has paid off with the graphics blending in. Camera angles for action sequences and a crisp editing is notable. The music by Gopi Sunder is also edgy. The story line and scripting by Udayakrishna of the Udayakrishna-Siby K. Thomas duo is again gripping enough with the action in the climax marking a mass end to the tale.
It's Mohanlal all the way. He is that great actor who can convey a lot with his eyes. He does it again. This film presents him as a Balakrishna, elevated to a great extent by the BGM and the chorus song every time he bursts forth in his capacity as the Legend Of The Forest.
Kamalini as Murugan's love interest in the beginning and later on as wife is portrayed well. Her brashness as a forest girl had come out well. Namitha as the other woman is also commendable. Lal stands out with a controlled performance. Vinu Mohan, Bala, Suraaj Venjaramoodu, Noby and others too have performed well. Having watched Jagapathy Babu in films like 'Nannaku Prematho' and 'Legend', this one is not exactly among his best.
Verdict:
'Manyam Puli' is an action adventure with a splendid performance by Mohanlal, an excellent action choreography (Peter Hein) and nice music (Gopi Sundar). Some of the episodes smack of old-style story-telling, but that's OK. Although the film descends into the zone of the formula in the second half, it's not a big minus.
