Pokiri

Pokiri is a 2006 Indian Telugu-language action thriller film written and directed by Puri Jagannadh. It stars Mahesh Babu as the lead, with Ileana D'Cruz as the female lead, and features Prakash Raj in a supporting role. The film's music was composed by Mani Sharma. It centers on a skilled undercover hitman who enters a city under the guise of a criminal to advance his own agenda, while romance and conflicts with crime lords and law enforcement complicate his mission.

The story blends elements of crime, romance, and suspense, following the protagonist's double life as he navigates loyalties, love, and his hidden past. The film is known for its stylish action sequences, brisk pacing, and Mahesh Babu's star performance, which contributed to its strong box office run.

Pokiri was a major commercial success and became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of 2006, solidifying its place in mainstream Telugu cinema and enhancing Mahesh Babu's stardom. Its mass appeal and narrative style influenced subsequent action films in the industry and is frequently cited as a milestone in the actor's career.

The film has been adapted into other languages, notably the Tamil version Pokkiri (2007) directed by Prabhu Deva and starring Vijay, and the Hindi remake Wanted (2009) starring Salman Khan. The title Pokiri translates roughly to “rogue” or “villain” in Telugu, reflecting the protagonist’s morally gray nature.