Last updated: 8 May 2026


The Wild Hunter
Malayalam · Action
2h 41m · 7 Oct 2016
DOP: Shaji Kumar | Writer: Udaykrishnan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Pulimurugan is an action-packed Malayalam film centered around Murugan, a skilled hunter who protects his village from man-eating tigers. The story explores his struggles against the wild, his personal relationships, and his fight against a criminal antagonist who complicates his life. The narrative blends intense action sequences with emotional moments, highlighting Murugan's bravery and resilience.
Pulimurugan delivers a compelling mix of high-octane action and emotional drama, anchored by a straightforward yet engaging storyline. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with the first half focusing on establishing the protagonist's character and his connection to the forest, while the second half escalates the conflict with thrilling action sequences and confrontations. The pacing is generally effective, keeping the audience invested throughout.
The film's songs are minimal but well-placed, complementing the narrative without disrupting the flow. The background score is one of the film's standout elements, enhancing the tension and drama, especially during the action scenes. The cinematography by Shaji Kumar captures the lush forest landscapes vividly, adding to the immersive experience.
Overall, Pulimurugan balances commercial elements with technical finesse, making it a memorable action entertainer that appeals to a broad audience. While the story is conventional, the execution through direction, performances, and technical aspects elevates the film significantly.
Mohanlal: Powerful and commanding as the titular Pulimurugan, delivering a convincing portrayal of a rugged hunter.
Jagapati Babu: Effective as the antagonist, providing a strong foil to the hero.
Lal: Solid supporting role, adding depth to the narrative.
Suraj Venjaramoodu: Provides comic relief with timing that balances the intense moments.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Vysakh's direction is confident and focused, successfully blending commercial action with emotional storytelling. His handling of action scenes and pacing keeps the audience engaged, though the narrative remains conventional.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 2.75 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Pulimurugan for its high-quality action sequences, Mohanlal's charismatic performance, and technical finesse, especially in cinematography and background score. Some noted the film's predictable plot but acknowledged its effective execution and mass appeal.
Final Box-Office Result
Pulimurugan released on 7 October 2016 (2016).
Pulimurugan is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Pulimurugan OTT release date not announced yet.
Pulimurugan directed by Vysakh. Produced by Tomichan Mulakuppadam.
Pulimurugan stars Mohanlal, Jagapati Babu, Lal, Vinu Mohan, Bala.
Tollybo rates Pulimurugan 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Pulimurugan — Genre: Action, Runtime: 161 minutes, Language: Malayalam.