Veerappan’s story has inspired many movies and shows, like the acclaimed docu-series ‘The Hunt for Veerappan.’ Now, a new Kannada film called ‘Elumale’ takes a fresh look at ‘Operation Cocoon,’ the mission that ended Veerappan’s reign. This film blends a thrilling plot with elements of love and family drama, all while capturing the tension of the time.
Set in 2004, ‘Elumale’ follows Harisha (Raana) as he plans to elope with his love, Chinni (Priyanka Achar). But a wrong turn throws their lives into chaos. They soon find themselves in danger, caught up in police operations and the schemes of forest bandits trying to aid the notorious Veera, who is plotting an escape to Sri Lanka. In the midst of all this, the Special Task Force, led by Vinay Kumar (Jagapati Babu), is executing Operation Cocoon. The central questions become whether Harisha can reunite with Chinni and what collateral damage their love might face amid the turmoil.
One standout feature of ‘Elumale’ is how seamlessly it combines a romantic story with a cop thriller and elements of real-life events that impacted South India back in 2004. Punit Rangaswamy, the director and writer, skillfully crafts the narrative, even if parts of the direction feel a bit off.
As the plot unfolds, it occasionally veers into melodrama, reminiscent of typical Kannada soap operas, which can disrupt the thrilling atmosphere. Minor lapses in logic appear, but the solid screenplay keeps the film engaging for family audiences.
The lead actors, Raanna and Priyanka Achar, convincingly portray love-struck characters facing both familial issues and uncontrollable external threats. Veteran actors like Kishore and Jagapati Babu deliver powerful performances that add depth to the film.
Visually, Advaitha Gurumurthy’s cinematography captures the tense moments effectively, though early scenes feel somewhat shaky. The music, particularly the evocative song ‘Aanumale Jenumale,’ enhances the emotional impact of key scenes.
In summary, ‘Elumale’ is worth watching for those who love thrillers. Despite some flaws and hints of outdated storytelling, the gripping thriller aspects and strong performances shine through. With its engaging plot, this film hopes to find success in a competitive landscape of Kannada cinema.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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Elumale review, Kannada thriller film, Raanna, Priyanka Achar, Punit Rangaswamy, Operation Cocoon, Veerappan film, Kannada cinema 2025



















