One of the most anticipated Malayalam films of the year, this action adventure cannot be termed a disappointment, but as a welcome affair in the industry starving of technological development.
Murugan (Mohanlal) is an illiterate hunter who lives with his wife and daughter and is revered by the tribal villagers for he is the only person in the whole forest who can fight and subdue man-eating tigers mistaken to be leopards. After the death of his mother and hunter father, Murugan is left to fend for himself alone in the wild with his newborn brother. Chip off the old block, he turns into a survivalist and quickly learns the workings of the jungle, which conveniently helps him in his trademark endeavors. Things begin to go south when Murugan's now grown-up brother, Manikkuttan (Vinu Mohan), pursuing MBA in the city, sends two of his friends to the forest seeking help from Murugan. Since his brother and his professional success is everything for Murugan, he agrees to help, and then starts the calamitous phase in the lives of everyone involved, including that of Daddy Girija (Jagapathi Babu), an unscrupulous "merchant".
Before even the film starts, the starting credits are enough to understand why the film was made. Not only to entertain its massive audience, but to also cash in on the lead actor's wild and baffling popularity. The massive number of adjectives used to introduce the actor in the credits makes a real cinema enthusiast slightly uncomfortable for actors are only vehicles used by filmmakers to tell their story. Never mind!
The film is largely made out of highly energetic stunt sequences that are choreographed decently with good photography. Only Mohanlal can pull off what Murugan does as a character, often supplementing his idiosyncrasy with that flamboyant air and glamorous countenances of his. His chops as a hunter really is what makes the film half entertaining, along with the story that is not novel but at least bearable. Having said that, one should not expect novelty from Mr Vysakh; his filmography on Wikipedia or his last film is enough to understand the types of films he makes, but let us not ignore the first statement of third paragraph of this review. So, yes the stunts written by Udayakrishna look good because of CGI, but lack logic, and gravity for that matter. One can predict what is going to happen in the next five or fifteen or forty-five minutes and that is the sole reason why this adventure drama cannot be described with superlative adjectives. A well-constructed familiar story executed with ample use of computer graphics and loud sequences is what the film essentially is. Although, it does swerve into the South Indian masala film territory, which may not appeal to the informed audience. I know it's a niche group, but this review is intended for them.
Kamalinee Mukherjee, the lead lady, is ill-cast. With only a single expression in her kitty, she fails miserably to impress. Sequences involving her go as much to annoy the audience, and even though her character's actions may be justified, Mukherjee's portrayal bites the dust. Lal overacts throughout the film and so does Sooraj Venjaramoodu, in the most sexist character of the year, forcing film critic Anna MM Vetticad to boil in fury. Other prominent cast like Bala, Mohan, Kishore, Siddique, and Makarand Deshpande all do a decent job.
The comedy is appreciated, but it definitely goes overboard, even with Mohanlal who tries to reinvent his classic slapstick, but hits a door. The comic timing is not great either, mixing it with drama and sometimes spoiling the whole broth. Nonetheless, Venjaramoodu is the only one who adds the chuckles while rest of the cast stay in character and follow the helmer's orders fluently.
Overall, if one has the ability to ignore the seemingly improbable situations occurring in the story-line and welcome the action sequences with open arms and whistles, then Pulimurugan will be a sure-shot treat. The final 15 minutes are real gold for someone who is a Mohanlal fan and an action film fanatic. Only, if you are into animal rights and a bit fastidious, things might get cranky here as the justification about the film's title not matching the type of animal one sees on-screen does not weigh much, and that for me, is enough to omit a single star from this review. Films have to be original and if Mr Vysakh ever renames the film to "Kaduvamurugan", I'd make this a 7- star review. But, don't worry, we have "Swarna Kaduva", don't we?
The makers could have easily tightened the film into about 120 minutes and still make it look good. But, then, one wonders, how would they play that irritating title song when Pulimurugan crescendoes in action 897 times!
BOTTOM LINE: Vysakh's Kaduvamurugan... err.. "Pulimurugan" is a well-made potboiler that will be adulated by the fanatics, and can be passed off as a one-time affair by those with brains and the faculty to understand good cinema. Watch on DVD or go for that weekday show where the single ticket price is less than 100. (Not sure if that's possible right now in Kerala.)
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
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