Anjaniputra (2017) is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year, blending action, romance, and family sentiment. Directed by A. Harsha, and starring Puneeth Rajkumar and Rashmika Mandanna, this Kannada‑language film was released on December 21, 2017.
Movie Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Anjaniputra |
| Genre | Action, Romance, Family Visitor |
| Language | Kannada |
| Release Date | December 21, 2017 |
| Director | A. Harsha |
| Writer | A. Harsha |
Introduction
Anjaniputra is a high-octane Kannada action romance released in late 2017. Directed and written by A. Harsha—known for his choreography-turned-direction trajectory—this film reunites charismatic star Puneeth Rajkumar with debutante Rashmika Mandanna in a sentimental yet thrilling narrative. The story, adapted from the Tamil hit *Poojai*, weaves intense family dynamics, revenge arcs, and romance, all packed into a commercial entertainer for fans of mass cinema. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Plot Summary
The central figure, Viraj “Raja” (Puneeth Rajkumar), once the heir to the Raj Group, has been disowned by his mother, Anjana Devi, due to a misunderstanding. He now leads a low-profile life as a moneylender in a vegetable market, supported by his friends like Chikkanna. But when he rescues an honest police officer, Surya Prakash, from killers hired by the crime lord Bhairava, the confrontation ignites. Bhairava, who also threatens a village temple land donated by Raja’s late father, becomes Raja’s nemesis. In the climax, with support from Surya Prakash and his love interest Geetha (Rashmika Mandanna), Raja rescues his family, confronts Bhairava in Jodhpur, and reunites with his mother in a heartfelt resolution. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Cast & Crew
- Director & Writer: A. Harsha :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Starring: Puneeth Rajkumar (Viraj “Raja”), Rashmika Mandanna (Geetha), Ramya Krishnan (Anjana Devi), Mukesh Tiwari (Bhairava), P. Ravi Shankar (ASP Surya Prakash), Chikkanna, Sadhu Kokila, and Haripriya in a special appearance :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Music: Ravi Basrur :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Cinematography: Swamy J. Gowda :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Editing: Deepu S. Kumar :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Production Houses: MNK Movies, Jayashreedevi Productions; Producer: M. N. Kumar :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Production Insights
The film was officially launched in early 2017, with principal photography commencing shortly thereafter. It marks another collaboration between A. Harsha and the Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar—solidifying Harsha’s reputation in delivering mass entertainers. The project is a remake of Hari’s Tamil film *Poojai*, and Harsha upheld the original’s format, infusing it with additional Kannada flavor, detailed action sequences, and emotional beats to appeal to family audiences. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Soundtrack & Music
Composer Ravi Basrur provided a vibrant and energetic score that elevated the narrative’s tension and sentiment. The soundtrack, released under Puneeth’s own label PRK Audio, includes tracks like “1234 Shille Hodi,” sung by Puneeth himself—adding to the film’s fan appeal. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Release & Box Office
*Anjaniputra* was released on December 21, 2017 across Karnataka, with a U/A certificate granted after a brief delay. The film premiered on 400 screens in the state and also released overseas in markets like the United States, Canada, Dubai, and Singapore shortly after. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} It drew decent returns and was considered a commercial success, with Box Office collections reportedly around ₹45 crore. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Reception & Cultural Impact
Critics offered mixed reviews. *The Indian Express* praised Puneeth’s charm but critiqued the formulaic structure and narration, summarizing: “Neither Harsha’s experience in delivering engaging commercial films or Puneeth Rajkumar’s onscreen presence could save Anjaniputra from its own basic sins.” :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} Meanwhile, *The New Indian Express* dubbed it “for Puneeth’s fans, by a fan,” highlighting that Harsha delivered the potent mix of action, sentiment, and mass appeal the target audience expected. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Audience reaction leaned more positive: BookMyShow reported high user ratings (8.4/10) and praised the film’s action, music, and emotional beats. Reviews tagged the experience as #AwesomeStory, #GreatActing, and #Blockbuster. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Streaming Availability
As of mid-2025, streaming platforms in India such as VI Movies & TV and JioHotstar offer *Anjaniputra* for free with ads or via subscription, making it accessible to new generations of viewers. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Conclusion
*Anjaniputra* (2017) stands as a quintessential Kannada mass entertainer, blending action, romance, and family sentiment with star power and fanfare. Anchored by Puneeth Rajkumar’s charismatic presence, backed by Harsha’s direction and Ravi Basrur’s pulsating music, it remains a memorable film for Power Star’s followers. Its commercial performance and lasting fan loyalty underscore its place in Kannada cinema as a well-loved potboiler—true to its genre expectations and executed with devotion to its audience.
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