Panjaa(2011)
Panjaa is a 2011 Telugu-language action thriller film directed by Vishnuvardhan. It stars Pawan Kalyan, Sarah-Jane Dias, Anjali Lavania, and Jackie Shroff. The story follows Jai, a Kolkata-based hitman who runs a plant nursery while working for a gangster. His life unravels after he kills his boss's son to avenge a murder. The film is known for its stylish action sequences and dark emotional tone. It received mixed reviews upon release but later developed a cult following in Telugu cinema. The film was released on 9 December 2011.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Sun Nxt, Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 9 December 2011
- Director
- Vishnuvardhan
- Language
- Telugu
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Rating
- 5.8/10
Storyline
Jai is a hitman who wants to leave the underworld behind. He falls in love with Sandhya and tries to build a peaceful life. But when his boss's psychotic son kills someone Jai loves, Jai takes revenge. Now his own boss wants him dead, and Jai must fight to protect the woman he loves.
“Every killer has a soft spot.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Panjaa
Cast reunions in this film: Tanikella Bharani & Brahmanandam (86 films together), Brahmanandam & Ali (42 films together), Brahmanandam & Subbaraju (18 films together), Tanikella Bharani & Ali (14 films together), Brahmanandam & Pawan Kalyan (10 films together), and Vishnuvardhan & Yuvan Shankar Raja (8 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Panjaa' refers to a claw-like weapon used by the main character, symbolizing his fierce nature.
- Director Vishnu Varadhan previously worked as an assistant to director Shankar on the Tamil blockbuster 'Sivaji'.
- This was the first Telugu film for actress Sarah-Jane Dias, who made her debut in Bollywood before entering South Indian cinema.
- The movie features a cameo by actor Brahmanandam in a comedy track, which was added to lighten the intense action plot.
- Parts of the film were shot in Bangkok, Thailand, to capture gritty urban landscapes for the gangster storyline.
- Despite its action genre, the soundtrack by Yuvan Shankar Raja included experimental electronic music elements uncommon in Telugu films at the time.
- The film's climax was noted for its practical stunts, avoiding heavy CGI to maintain a raw, realistic feel.