Pokkiri Raja is a 2010 Indiann Malayalam-language action film written by the duo Udayakrishna-Siby K. Thomas, directed by debutante Vysakh and starring Mammootty, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Shriya Saran. The music is composed by Jassie Gift. The film marked the debut of Shriya Saran in Malayalam cinema. The film was released on 7 May 2010 in Kerala. It was remade in Hindi as Boss & Telugu as Bhai. A sequel Madhura Raja released on 12 April 2019.
Plot
The film revolves around Madhavan Nair, who unknowingly kills a teenager, and his eldest son Raja takes the blame and is sentenced to jail for five years. After returning from jail, his father refuses to accept him still with no knowledge that his son was innocent, so Raja moves to Madurai and there, he rescues the life of the son of the village landlord Maniannan, and then Raja turns his right hand and is named as Madurai Raja. Years later, he started being known as Pokkiri Raja, a fearsome kingpin. Meanwhile, Surya, Madhavan's younger son, is a young, energetic, educated, naughty guy who is well-famous for his rowdyism in his village. He is sent to Ernakulam to his brother-in-law Sugunan to change his character, who is a scary cat. At Ernakulam, Surya falls in love with Aswathy, unknowing that she is the daughter of Rajendra Babu, the City Police Commissioner. Sugunan takes advantage of Surya's character and sends him in his uniform to take care of some severe police cases. Surya gets arrested for this offence. Rajendra finds that Surya is in love with his daughter and charges Surya with another drugs case and makes it a non-bailable offence. Meanwhile, Rajendra plans to murder Surya in jail and gives the contract to Raja. At this point, Madhavan goes to Madurai in search of his elder son who left for Madurai 10 years back, and asks for his help to rescue his younger son Surya. After realising that Surya is his brother, Raja starts the game to help his family and end Rajendra.
The film was launched by Mammootty with the absence of Prithviraj and Shriya Saran at Changanassery on 30 December 2009. Veteran director Joshi lighted the ceremonial lamp at the function. Shooting of the film began on 11 January 2010 at various locations in Pollachi and Ernakulam. 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. A song was planned to shoot at London featuring the lead pair Prithviraj and Shriya Saran but had to canceled because of volcanic ash from london has stopped the airport from fly in or out any flight. While actress Shriya Saran get stranded with Tamil actorArya at London while shooting for their film Chikku Bukku.
Release
The film got released in 110 screens in India, with 90 of it in Kerala.
Reception
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". Paresh C. Palicha of Rediff.com onelined as "Pokkiriraja disappoints" and rated 2/5 stars, he criticize the script does not care for logic or storytelling. But Prithviraj packaged as a wholesome entertainer does not disappoint. And concluded "Pokkiriraja may supposedly achieve the super hit status with the help of the fans. But, for the genuine viewer, it is a disappointment". Sify.com 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. Veeyen of Nowrunning.com rated 2/5 stars and heavily criticized the script saying "I just have one simple question to ask. Is it too much to ask for a simple, good story in films?", also said "Pokkiri Raja" is like a fusion of Tamil and Telugu cinema, but sadly of the 80's. Gayathry V. Pillai of One India stated "The movie is somewhat similar to a Tamil film with lots of actions, songs and punch dialogues" and called it a "mass masala entertainer", and criticized the length.
Box office
The film was made on a budget of 3.5 crore, and cost 1.6 crore after adding print and publicity. It grossed 25 crore at the box office. The film was a major commercial success. The film completed 100 days in a theatre.
Soundtrack
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.
