Bobbili Puli

About the film

Bobbili Puli (transl. Tiger of Bobbili) is a 1982 Indian Telugu-language action film written and directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao and Sridevi, with music composed by J. V. Raghavulu. The film was a big hit, collecting 3.5 Crore in its theatrical run. It was remade in Hindi as Zakhmi Sher (1984).

Plot

Major Chakradhar, a lionhearted soldier, lives with his mother, Annapurna, sister Jayanti, and fiancé Advocate Vijaya. Just before their wedding, the Army declares an emergency. So, Chakradhar pauses and moves to the battlefield. Acharya Shankaraiah, a devotional-seeking traitorous, creates mayhem in society, clutching several higher officials. Once Annapurna visits his Ashram and detects him as her absconded husband who sharply practiced with the Army, frightened, Shankaraiah slays her. Nevertheless, Chakradhar stands firm in the war zone, fortitudes others, and triumphs victory when honored with "Maha Vir Chakra." In his post-return, he learns about Jayanti's love affair with Murali and moves to knit them. Then, his father, Kondala Rao, stipulates that Chakradhar splice his insane daughter, Jyothi, and he does so by sacrificing his love. Consequently, Chakradhar witnesses treacherous events; an industrialist, Rajanala, arsons an empty warehouse by hiding grains, and a drunkard, Bheema Raju, crashes innocents under his wheels. Twice, Chakradhar files up the case in which Shankaraiah counterfeits the judiciary and acquits offenders as non-guilty. At that point, Chakradhar revolts and is sentenced. Moreover, Bhanoji Rao Shankaraiah's acolyte, whose son Prasad, molests Jayanti and kills Murali. Ergo, Chakradhar explodes by turning into a rebel Bobbili Puli. He starts knocking dow…

Soundtrack

Music composed by J. V. Raghavulu. All songs are evergreen blockbusters. Music released by SEA Records Audio Company.

Reception

The film had 2 direct 175-day runs, 15 direct 100-day centers and 39 100-days centers including shift, movie collected around 72 Lakhs gross collections in its first week and in full run around 3.5 crores gross. The film also reportedly served as a political tool for NTR, who had started his campaign to become chief minister, and has been attributed as a factor for his victory.

In a 2020 review, Roktim Rajpal of the Deccan Herald praised the film's music, acting and screenplay.

Key details