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).[1]

Bobbili Puli
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDasari Narayana Rao
Written byDasari Narayana Rao
Produced byVadde Ramesh
StarringN. T. Rama Rao
Sridevi
CinematographyK. S. Mani
Edited byG. G. Krishna Rao
Music byJ. V. Raghavulu
Production
company
Vijaya Madhavi Combines
Release date
  • 9 July 1982 (1982-07-09)
Running time
176 mins
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹3.5 crore

Plot

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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 down the barbarians, which elicits turbulence. Thus, the government appoints an officer, Gopinath, to lay hold of him. He requests Chakradhar to surrender with an assurance to provide justice, which he denies. During that diehard, Prasad slaughters Jyothi to unveil her husband, and Chakradhar slays him. Following, he outbursts Bhanoji Rao, who divulges the real snake as Shankaraiah, who his father is, and the homicide of his mother. So, he wipes him too and surrenders to the Police. Chakradhar uproars the present constitution and law & order in the court. Finally, the movie ends with the judicial declaring Chakradhar guilty and destined for the death penalty.

Cast

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Soundtrack

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Bobbili Puli
Film score by
Released1982
GenreSoundtrack
Length32:36
LabelSEA Records
ProducerJ. V. Raghavulu
J. V. Raghavulu chronology
Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya
(1982)
Bobbili Puli
(1982)
Eenadu
(1982)

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

S.No Song Title Lyrics Singers length
1 "Adi Okkato Number Bus" Veturi S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela 5:13
2 "Thella Cheeralo" Dasari Narayana Rao S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela 4:36
3 Yeddemante "Veturi" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela 4:41
4 "Janani Janmabhoomicha" Dasari Narayana Rao S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 4:43
5 "Sambhavam" Dasari Narayana Rao S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 5:02
6 "O Subba Rao" Dasari Narayana Rao P. Susheela, Vani Jayaram 8:21

Reception

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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.[2][3] 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.[3]

In a 2020 review, Roktim Rajpal of the Deccan Herald praised the film's music, acting and screenplay.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Remembering Dasari Narayan Rao: Films That Celebrate His Legacy". News18. 31 May 2017. Archived from the original on 28 February 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  2. ^ CineGoer.com - Box-Office Records And Collections - Silver Jubilee Films Of NTR Archived 16 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ a b "Bobbili Puli@39 Years: 39 ఏళ్ల ఎన్టీఆర్, దాసరి నారాయణ రావుల సంచలన చిత్రం 'బొబ్బిలి పులి'.. సాధించిన రికార్డులు." News18 (in Telugu). 9 July 2021. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  4. ^ Rajpal, Roktim (2 May 2020). "'Bobbili Puli' retro review: This Sr NTR starrer is a classic actioner". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 17 February 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
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