The Story of Anjaniputra: When a Good Deed Goes Wrong
Anjaniputra tells the story of a small-time businessman running a finance operation at a local vegetable market—the kind of guy who's built genuine relationships with the vendors and community around him. He's got respect, he's got roots, and he's got the kind of life that works. Then one day, everything shifts when he witnesses a local gangster trying to kill an honest police officer. He intervenes. He saves the cop's life. And in doing so, he makes a powerful enemy. What starts as a moment of moral clarity spirals into an escalating rivalry that'll test everything he's built, forcing our protagonist into a world of violence and danger he never signed up for. It's the kind of premise that could go either way—melodrama or genuine tension—and how the film handles that balance becomes everything.
Behind the Making of Anjaniputra: A Tamil Remake with Kannada Soul
Director A. Harsha helmed this 2017 Kannada-language action comedy for producers M. N. Kumar, Jayashreedevi Productions, and MNK Movies. What's worth knowing: Anjaniputra is actually a remake of the Tamil film Poojai, directed by Hari—so there's already a template, a proven structure. That said, remaking a film for a different language and audience isn't just about translation. The casting of Puneeth Rajkumar, a major star in Kannada cinema, signals ambition. Opposite him, Rashmika Mandanna (who'd go on to become a pan-Indian name) brings her own star power, alongside veteran actors Ramya Krishna, Mukesh Tiwari, P. Ravi Shankar, and comedian Chikkanna for the lighter moments. The technical crew—cinematographer Swamy J., editor Deepu S. Kumar, and composer Ravi Basrur—all brought serious credentials to a film that clocks in at 138 minutes. It's a substantial production, not a quick cash-grab. The film hit screens in 2017 to a mixed reception, landing a 5.9/10 on IMDb from nearly 920 votes—respectable enough for a regional action film, though not a runaway hit. If you're tracking what's available across streaming platforms right now, Movie OTT keeps an updated list of where Kannada films like this one are currently streaming.
What Makes Anjaniputra Stand Out: Rajkumar's Everyman Caught in Chaos
Here's the thing about Anjaniputra that actually works: Puneeth Rajkumar doesn't play a superhero or a trained fighter. He plays a regular guy—a finance guy, a market guy—who gets pulled into something way bigger than himself. That's the emotional core, and it's where the film finds its footing. When he's in those early scenes at the vegetable market, cracking jokes with vendors, you believe this is his world. Then the violence comes, and you feel the dissonance. He's not prepared for it. He doesn't want it. But he can't back down either. What's striking is how the comedy doesn't disappear once the action kicks in—Chikkanna's presence ensures there's breathing room, moments of levity that prevent the whole thing from becoming grim. The romance subplot with Rashmika Mandanna threads through the chaos, giving emotional stakes beyond just the gangster rivalry. Ramya Krishna, as always, brings a gravitas that elevates any scene she's in. The film doesn't reinvent the wheel—it's a remake, after all—but it understands what an audience wants: humor, action, a bit of heart, and a lead actor willing to look vulnerable. The cinematography by Swamy J. keeps things moving visually, and Ravi Basrur's score punches when it needs to. Nothing revolutionary, but solid filmmaking.
Where to Stream Anjaniputra Online Right Now
Anjaniputra is available on major OTT services, so finding it won't be a hassle. The specific platforms currently hosting the film are listed in the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page—check there for the most up-to-date availability, since streaming rights shift. If you're browsing Movie OTT's catalog of Kannada films and regional action-comedies, you'll find links to all the active platforms where you can start watching. Whether you prefer Netflix, Prime Video, Hotstar, or another service, there's a good chance it's there. The advantage of a 2017 release is that it's had time to land on multiple platforms, so you've got options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who stars in Anjaniputra?
The film stars Puneeth Rajkumar in the lead role, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Ramya Krishna, Mukesh Tiwari, P. Ravi Shankar, and Chikkanna. It's a solid ensemble cast with major names in Kannada cinema.
Q: Is Anjaniputra based on a true story?
No, it's not based on a true story. The film is a Kannada remake of the Tamil movie Poojai, directed by Hari. It's an original action-comedy screenplay adapted for the Kannada film industry.
Q: Who directed Anjaniputra?
Director A. Harsha helmed the film, with music composed by Ravi Basrur, cinematography by Swamy J., and editing by Deepu S. Kumar. The production was handled by M. N. Kumar under Jayashreedevi Productions and MNK Movies.
Q: How long is Anjaniputra?
The film runs for 138 minutes—just over two hours. That's a standard runtime for a Kannada action-comedy with multiple subplots and character arcs to develop.
Q: What's the plot of Anjaniputra about?
A small-time finance businessman working at a local vegetable market saves an honest police officer from being killed by a local gangster. This act of heroism triggers a dangerous rivalry between the businessman and the gangster, pulling him into a world of violence and conflict.
Final Thoughts on Anjaniputra: A Solid Kannada Action-Comedy
Anjaniputra isn't trying to reinvent regional cinema—it's a remake, after all—but it doesn't need to. What it does is deliver what audiences came for: action, comedy, romance, and a lead performance that grounds the whole thing in something resembling reality. Puneeth Rajkumar's everyman hero works. The supporting cast elevates the material. The pacing keeps you moving. It's not perfect—the IMDb score reflects that—but it's the kind of film that works best when you're not overthinking it, when you're just along for the ride. If you enjoy Kannada cinema, regional action-comedies, or simply want to see how a Tamil film translates to another language's sensibilities, it's worth your time.
