Komaram Puli (2010) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 5 May 2026

Komaram Puli(2010)
Telugu · Action, Crime, Thriller
2h 43m · 10 Sept 2010
Music: A.R. Rahman | DOP: Binod Pradhan | Writer: S.J. Suryah
Ratings
Our Rating
1.5
📖 Story
A woman whose honest police officer husband was murdered by a mobster named Al Saleem vows to raise her son to be a powerful cop. Her son, Puli, grows up to be a brilliant and fearless IPS officer who saves the Prime Minister's life. Granted the power to form a specialized, independent task force, Puli begins a high-stakes mission to dismantle Al Saleem's international criminal empire and uncover the truth behind his father's death.
Komaram Puli is a high-budget action drama that was one of the most anticipated Telugu films of its time, marking the reunion of the 'Khushi' duo, Pawan Kalyan and S. J. Suryah. The film attempts to present a larger-than-life police procedural with a heavy dose of patriotism and social reform. The first half focuses on Puli’s heroic introduction and the establishment of his 'Puli Team,' while the second half delves into the cat-and-mouse game between the protagonist and the antagonist, Al Saleem.
However, the film suffers significantly from an uneven screenplay and disjointed narration. The romantic track between Pawan Kalyan and debutante Nikesha Patel was widely criticized for being loud, distracting, and poorly integrated into the serious tone of the political plot. While the film features high-octane action sequences choreographed with international standards, the impact is often diluted by prolonged, preachy monologues and a lack of emotional continuity between scenes.
A. R. Rahman’s musical score was a massive pre-release highlight, though the picturization of the songs received mixed responses. His background score (BGM) is technically superior but often feels disconnected from the chaotic energy of the film’s direction. The cinematography by Binod Pradhan is a saving grace, offering a slick and polished look that was rare for Tollywood in 2010.
Ultimately, the film struggled to find its identity, wavering between a serious social commentary and a standard commercial entertainer. Despite the immense star power and technical expertise involved, the lack of a cohesive script and the 'eccentric' performance style adopted by the lead made it a challenging watch for many, leading to a disappointing theatrical run.
Pawan Kalyan: Extremely energetic and loud; while his screen presence is undeniable, his stylized dialogue delivery and frequent lectures divided the audience.
Nikesha Patel: Offers significant glamour in her debut role, though her characterization and chemistry with the hero were criticized as being over-the-top.
Manoj Bajpayee: A talented actor limited by a weakly written villainous role; his character Al Saleem eventually turned into a 'comedy villain' toward the end.
Saranya Ponvannan: Gives a solid and emotional performance as the determined mother, providing the film's few grounded moments.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓A. R. Rahman’s high-quality soundtrack and BGM
- ✓Slick cinematography and high production values
- ✓Pawan Kalyan’s massive opening-day pull
- ✓Impressive action set-pieces
Weaknesses
- ✕Weak and incoherent screenplay
- ✕Loud and irritating romantic subplot
- ✕Excessive runtime and preachy dialogues
- ✕Poor characterization of the antagonist
🎬 Direction & Writing
S. J. Suryah opted for a highly stylized, almost eccentric approach to the police drama. His direction lacks the finesse required for a political thriller, often prioritizing hero-elevation over narrative logic and consistency.
- - World-class cinematography by Binod Pradhan
- - Experimental sound design and background score
- - Large-scale sets and international action choreography
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1.50 / 5 | |
| 2.00 / 5 | |
| 2.50 / 5 | |
| 2.00 / 5 | |
| 2.00 / 5 | |
| 1.50 / 5 | |
| 2.00 / 5 | |
| 1.00 / 5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
| Run | Centers |
|---|---|
| 50 Days Centers | 4 |
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mirchi Music Awards South | Album of the Year | A. R. Rahman (Nominated) |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Recorded huge opening day collections due to massive hype.
- - Collections crashed drastically from the second day onwards.
- - The makers re-edited and trimmed the film by 30 minutes within a week of release, but it failed to save the run.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | Appreciation for A. R. Rahman’s music and the lead actor's initial intensity. |
| Neutral | Some felt the 'Puli Team' concept for solving public issues was interesting but poorly executed. |
| Negative | Widespread frustration over the loud acting, bad romance, and chaotic storytelling. |
Critics
The film received mostly negative reviews upon release. Critics panned the loud performances, the disjointed editing, and the lack of a gripping story, calling it a major disappointment given the high expectations.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Komaram Puli release in theatres?▾
Komaram Puli released on 10 September 2010 (2010).
Is Komaram Puli a hit or flop?▾
Komaram Puli is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
What is the budget of Komaram Puli?▾
Budget of Komaram Puli is approximately ₹4200000 Crore.
Where to watch Komaram Puli online? OTT release date?▾
Komaram Puli is available on Sun NXT, YouTube, MX Player. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Komaram Puli?▾
Komaram Puli directed by S. J. Suryah. Produced by Singanamala Ramesh, Navodaya Appachan.
Who are the main cast members of Komaram Puli?▾
Komaram Puli stars Pawan Kalyan, Nikesha Patel, Manoj Bajpayee.
What is the Tollybo rating for Komaram Puli?▾
Tollybo rates Komaram Puli 1.5/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Who composed the music for Komaram Puli?▾
Music for Komaram Puli composed by A.R. Rahman.
What is the genre and runtime of Komaram Puli?▾
Komaram Puli — Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Runtime: 163 minutes, Language: Telugu.
