Pukar

The early scenes unfold during Goa's struggle for independence from Portugal. Two decades later, the protagonist has become Ronnie, a street-smart criminal. The climactic finale revisits the colonial fight as Ronnie and Shekhar join forces to topple the Portuguese regime.

Goa, a coastal territory under Portuguese rule, is the film's battleground. The story unfolds across crowded streets, police raids, and hidden hideouts that echo the anti-colonial struggle. The landscape blends colonial architecture with tropical scenery, anchoring a tale of rebellion, betrayal, and redemption.

💔 Betrayal and Redemption

Ronnie betrays Purandare and the rebel cause, driven by self-preservation and a hardened worldview. The weight of that betrayal haunts him across the years, shaping his choices and moral compass. Yet the story threads a path toward atonement, culminating in an unlikely alliance with Shekhar to fight the colonial power. Redemption comes through actions that protect the humanity of those he once endangered.

🧠 Memory and Trauma

A childhood trauma roots the narrative in memory that refuses to fade. Ramdas’ misinterpretation of his father figure’s death drives Ronnie’s early decisions and fuels his later detachment. The past resurfaces repeatedly, forcing the character to confront guilt, loyalty, and the cost of violence. The film uses memory as a catalyst for character evolution rather than mere backstory.

🇮🇳 Nationalism and Identity

The story juxtaposes personal ambition with a larger struggle for Goa's freedom from colonial rule. Ronnie’s anti-hero path contrasts with Purandare’s idealism, highlighting divergent approaches to resistance. Shekhar embodies courageous sacrifice that redefines loyalties and inspires others. In the end, the fight against oppression reclaims a collective identity greater than any individual.