Year: 2015
Runtime: 155 mins
Language: Tamil
Director: Chimbu Deven
A virtuous soldier Magadheera aka Puli (Tiger) vows to save his people from the rule of a cruel queen and her treacherous Marshal. Does good triumph over evil?
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Puli yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Puli (2015), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Marudheeran Vijay is the adopted son of Vembunathan Prabhu, the chief of a tribal village. Born half tiger-demon and half human, he grows up witnessing the brutal acts of the Vedhalams from the neighboring Vedhalapuram, who wield supernatural powers. As an adult, Marudheeran steps into the breach to protect his people, earning their deep respect for his courage, endurance, and unwavering sense of justice.
The villagers’ guardian faces a formidable menace: the Vedhalams, led by the scheming Thalapathy Jalatharangan Sudeep, a demon commander who thrives on fear and power. Amid these rising tensions, Marudheeran finds love with Pavalamalli Shruti Haasan. Their secret marriage is blessed by Vembunathan, yet their happiness is crushed when Pavalamalli is abducted during a temple visit. The assault leaves the village ramshacked and Vembunathan dead, a blow that drives Marudheeran to head toward Vedhalapuram with his trusted friends Sama Sathyan Sivakumar and Kodangi Thambi Ramaiah.
On their perilous journey, Marudheeran rescues Manthagini Hansika Motwani, the princess of Vedhalapuram, from a panther. Her allegiance shifts toward him as she witnesses his prowess, and she soon falls in love with the courageous warrior. In Vedhalapuram, the cruel Queen Yavanarani Sridevi rules with the help of Jalatharangan, presenting a refined, dangerous challenge for the outsider who has won her heart’s rival in Manthagini. Yavanarani welcomes Marudheeran into the palace under the pretense of peace, and his formidable fighting skills quickly win her favor, even as the Queen’s grip tightens over the realm.
The Queen’s power grows through a dark ritual known as the Kanya Puja, performed yearly to sustain a potent magical influence. As the eighteenth ceremony approaches on Pavalamalli, Jalatharangan plots to eliminate Yavanarani and seize the throne by any means necessary, using his ring to fuel a sinister control over Vedhalapuram. Beneath the palace’s glittering facade, Marudheeran uncovers his own hidden lineage: he is the son of Pulivendhan [Vijay], a mighty tiger-demon, and Pushpa, a human princess. Pulivendhan’s legacy explains the fierce heritage that runs through Marudheeran’s veins and foreshadows the trials ahead. Jalatharangan’s ruthless ambition has long haunted Vedhalapuram, and Marudheeran’s discovery reframes the struggle as a battle over ancestral fates.
In a climactic duel, Marudheeran embraces his demon side to confront Jalatharangan and avenge his father’s death. He defeats the evil commander, but the moment of victory comes at a heavy cost: before he dies, he opens his ring and releases the ring’s dark power, allowing Yavanarani to continue ruling Vedhalapuram without his restraint after his death. This act doesn’t end the story, but reshapes the power balance within the city and sets the stage for the final confrontation between the ruler and the forces of rebellion and love.
Marudheeran and Manthagini then seek to break the Queen’s magic by targeting the wand that powers her sorcery. As Pavalamalli remains central to the crown’s fragile legitimacy, the pair confront Yavanarani during a renewed Kanya Puja, with Marudheeran determined to free Vedhalapuram from the tyranny that has plagued it for years. In a lengthy, hard-fought sequence, the wand is finally destroyed, healing the Queen and returning her to her true self. Grateful for the liberation from the evil influence, Yavanarani makes Marudheeran the heir to Vedhalapuram, recognizing his strength, integrity, and the sacrifices he has borne for his people.
Throughout this saga of love, betrayal, and mythic power, the characters’ arcs intertwine against a backdrop of ancient magic and fierce loyalty. Marudheeran’s journey—rooted in his dual nature, the loss of loved ones, and the responsibility of leadership—drives the conflict forward, while Pavalamalli’s resilience and Manthagini’s steadfast courage complicate and enrich the quest for peace. The tale blends epic combat with intimate choices, weaving a narrative about identity, duty, and the possibility of harmony between human and demon realms, all set within a world where sorcery and swordplay shape the fate of Vedhalapuram.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:53
Don't stop at just watching — explore Puli in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Puli is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Puli with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Puli. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Discover movies like Puli that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Puli (2015) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Puli (2015) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Puli (2015) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Puli – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Petta (2019) Movie Recap & Themes
Odiyan (2018) Film Overview & Timeline
Pudhupettai (2006) Complete Plot Breakdown
Pulan Visaranai (1990) Movie Recap & Themes
Bobbili Puli (1982) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Paayum Puli (1983) Full Movie Breakdown
Mulan the Heroine (2020) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Puli Varunne Puli (1985) Film Overview & Timeline
Mulan: Princess Warrior (2020) Full Summary & Key Details
Pulikkuthi Pandi (2021) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Pogaru (2021) Movie Recap & Themes
Pudhiya Mugam (1993) Detailed Story Recap
Magadheera (2009) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Aadu Puli Attam (1977) Story Summary & Characters
Kaduva (2022) Detailed Story Recap