Asianet acquired the satellite television rights of Puli Murugan, one of the most anticipated Malayalam films of 2016. The action entertainer marked the first collaboration between superstar Mohanlal and director Vysakh, a partnership that would later create history at the Malayalam box office.
At the time of the announcement, Puli Murugan was among the biggest productions ever mounted in Malayalam cinema and generated enormous expectations among audiences even before its theatrical release.
Mohanlal and Vysakh Join Hands for the First Time
Directed by Vysakh and written by Udayakrishna, Puli Murugan introduced Mohanlal as “Puli” Murugan, a fearless hunter living in a village bordering a dense forest. The film was the first screenplay written independently by Udayakrishna after the end of the successful Udayakrishna–Siby K. Thomas writing partnership.
The collaboration between Mohanlal and Vysakh proved to be a milestone, eventually delivering one of the biggest blockbusters in the history of Malayalam cinema.
Cast and Crew
Produced by Tomichan Mulakupadam under the banner Mulakupadam Films, the movie featured Kamalini Mukherjee as the female lead alongside Namitha, Jagapati Babu, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Bala, Vinu Mohan, and Kishore in important roles.
The music was composed by Gopi Sundar, while the film became widely appreciated for its breathtaking action sequences, grand visuals, and Mohanlal’s remarkable transformation as Murugan.
Asianet Strengthens Its Movie Library
With the acquisition of Puli Murugan, Asianet further strengthened its impressive Malayalam movie library. Around the same period, the channel had also secured the satellite rights of several successful films, including Action Hero Biju, Kali, 2 Countries, and Leela, offering viewers a strong lineup of blockbuster Malayalam movies.
The satellite rights of Puli Murugan were reportedly acquired for a record amount, reflecting the industry’s confidence in the film even before its theatrical release.
A Film That Created History
Following its theatrical release, Puli Murugan exceeded every expectation by becoming the first Malayalam film to cross the ₹100 crore mark worldwide. The film later entered the ₹150 crore club, emerging as one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films ever made and establishing a new benchmark for commercial cinema in Kerala.
Its spectacular action choreography, memorable music, and Mohanlal’s powerful performance ensured that the film remained a milestone in Malayalam cinema.
A Continuing Vysakh–Mohanlal Connection
Puli Murugan marked the beginning of the successful collaboration between Vysakh and Mohanlal. Their association continues with Khalifa, where Mohanlal plays the pivotal character Mamparakkal Ahmed Ali in a special appearance alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran. The enduring partnership between the actor and director remains one of the notable creative collaborations in contemporary Malayalam cinema.
