2010 film by Vysakh
Pokkiri Raja (transl. Rogue King) is a 2010 Indian Malayalam-language masala film written by the duo Udaykrishna–Sibi K. Thomas and directed by Vysakh in his directorial debut. The film stars Mammootty and Prithviraj Sukumaran and Shriya Saran in the lead roles, alongside Siddique, Nedumudi Venu, Vijayaraghavan, Salim Kumar, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Riyaz Khan. The film marked the debut of Saran in Malayalam cinema.[1][2][3]
Pokkiri Raja was released on 7 May 2010 worldwide and received positive reviews from critics, where it became the highest grossing Malayalam film of 2010.[4] It was remade in Hindi as Boss and partially in Telugu as Bhai. The film was dubbed and released in Tamil as Raja Pokkiri Raja. A spin-off titled Madhura Raja was released on 12 April 2019.[5]
Plot
Kunnath Madhavan Nair lives happily with his two sons Raja and Surya Narayanan. However, their happiness is short-lived when Raja is arrested for killing a boy named Gopi, who belongs to their opposite family, but the murder was actually committed by Madhavan accidentally, but Raja had taken the blame to save Madhavan. Even after Raja comes out of prison, Madhavan refuses to accept him not knowing about his innocence. Raja leaves for Madurai, where he saves the son of the village landlord named Maniannan. Due to this, Raja turns into his right hand and was named as Madurai Raja.
Years later, a grown Raja becomes a fearsome kingpin named called Pokkiri Raja, while Surya is now an energetic, educated and well known for his fights in the village. To change his character, Surya is sent to Ernakulam to his brother-in-law SI Sugunan, who is fearful. At Ernakulam, Surya falls in love with Aswathy, the daughter of city [[Police Commissioner]] Rajendra Babu. Sugunan takes advantage of Surya's character and sends him in his uniform to take care of some severe police cases. Meanwhile, Surya follows Aswathy, but is unknown to the fact that Home Minister's son Mahendran is also behind her.
Aswathy shows hatred for Surya, thinking he is a cop, but she tells him that Rajendra Babu is not her real father but her step-father, who had killed her mother and have left her alive because Mahendran was having a liking to her. Rajendra Babu and Mahendran learns of Surya's and Aswathy's relationship and arrests him for false charges of smuggling narcotics. The duo also plan to kill Surya and gives the contract to Raja. At this point, Madhavan leaves for Madurai in search of Raja and asks for his help to rescue Surya. After realizing that Surya is his brother, Raja rescues Surya and warns Rajendra. After many hurdles, Raja and Surya defeats Rajendra Babu and Mahendran, but spares them and Surya reunites with Aswathy and marries her.
Production
The film was launched by Mammootty with the absence of Prithviraj and Shriya Saran at Changanassery on 30 December 2009. Veteran director Joshiy lighted the ceremonial lamp at the function.[7] Shooting of the film began on 11 January 2010 at various locations in Pollachi and Ernakulam.[8] Prithviraj's song 'Manikyakallin Mukkuticharhtum' song was first shot. The shooting completed within 50 days with a production cost around 5 crores and distribution works started in April. Audio was launched in April at Ernakulam. The dubbing of the film was happen at Kochi.[9] A song was planned to shoot at London featuring the lead pair Prithviraj and Saran but had to canceled because of volcanic ash from london has stopped the airport from fly in or out any flight.[10] Saran was stranded with Arya at London while shooting for their film Chikku Bukku.[11]
Release
The film was released in 110 screens in India.
Reception
Box office
The film was made on a budget of ₹10 crore and collected around ₹16 crore and at the UAE box office.[12][13] The film became a major commercial success and was declared as the highest grossing Malayalam film of 2010.[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]
Critical response
Indiaglitz.com reviewed it as a "masala fiesta" and commented that the cinematography and editing are the main highlights of the film, also said "Vysakh as a debutant director has made a decent entertainer and the young man is definitely destined to go places in mainstream Malayalam cinema".[22] Paresh C. Palicha of Rediff gave 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "Finally, Pokkiriraja may supposedly achieve the super hit status with the help of the fans. But, for the genuine viewer, it is a disappointment".[23] Sify called it "mass masala" and commented as it doesn't have a decent storyline but appreciating the visuals. And said the writers have succeeded in allotting equal importance to both the lead actors. But criticized the lack of logic in the script.[24] Veeyen of Nowrunning rated 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "After watching two brothers who have had to tackle with the twists of fate for God-alone-knows-what time, I just have one question to ask. Is it too much to ask for a simple, good story in films?".[25] Gayathry V. Pillai of One India wrote "The movie is somewhat similar to a Tamil film with lots of actions, songs and punch dialogues".[26]
Music
The music is composed by Jassie Gift and Theme music by Rajamani. The album contains 6 songs. The songs will be featured throughout the film except the other version of Ketile Kettile song. Kaithapram contributed the lyrics. This audio was released on 8 April 2010.[27]
Spin-off
A spin-off titled Madhura Raja was released on 12 April 2019, which grossed over ₹100 crore at the box office.[28] The third installment of the film has been announced and titled as Minister Raja.[29]
Remake
The film was later remade into Hindi as Boss and partially in Telugu as Bhai.[30]
