Panjaa

2022-05-21T17:46:39Z

103.15.63.146:

{{short description|2011 action film directed by Vishnuvardhan}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Panjaa
| image = Panjaa poster.jpg
| alt = Bearded man in black suit holding pistol
| caption = Film poster
| director = [[Vishnuvardhan (director)|Vishnuvardhan]]
| producer = {{plainlist|
*[[Neelima Tirumalasetty]]
*Nagesh Muntha
*[[Shobu Yarlagadda]]
*Prasad Devineni
}}
| writer = [[Abburi Ravi]] {{small|(Dialogues)}}
| screenplay = Rahul Koda <br> Vishnuvardhan <br> Abburi Ravi
| story = Vishnuvardhan
| starring = {{plainlist|
*[[Pawan Kalyan]]
*[[Sarah-Jane Dias]]
*[[Anjali Lavania]]
*[[Jackie Shroff]]
*[[Adivi Sesh]]
*[[Atul Kulkarni]]
}}
| music = [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]]
| cinematography = [[P. S. Vinod]]
| editing = [[A. Sreekar Prasad]]
| studio = {{plainlist|
*[[Arka Media Works]]
*Sanghamitra Arts Productions
}}
| distributor = [[Sri Venkateswara Creations]]
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2011|12|9}}
| runtime = 156 minutes
| country = India
| language = Telugu
| budget =
| gross =
}}

'''''Panjaa''''' ({{translation|''Claw''}}) is a 2011 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[action film]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/panjaa-a-sleek-action-entertainer--_amp-news-71806|title=Panjaa - A Sleek Action Entertainer|publisher=Indiaglitz}}</ref> directed by [[Vishnuvardhan (director)|Vishnuvardhan]] and produced by [[Arka Media Works]] and Sanghamitra Art Productions. The film stars [[Pawan Kalyan]], [[Sarah-Jane Dias]], [[Anjali Lavania]], [[Jackie Shroff]], [[Adivi Sesh]] and [[Atul Kulkarni]]. The plot follows Jaidev (Kalyan), a gangster's loyal henchman who is forced to go on the run following a botched mission and killing his boss's son for committing a violent atrocity. The film features music scored by [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] and [[cinematography]] by [[P. S. Vinod]].<ref name="autogenerated1">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110204090512/http://www.sify.com/movies/pawan-vishnu-flick-in-march-news-telugu-lcbkWMcgaff.html Pawan-Vishnu flick in March]. Sify.com (1 February 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> The film marks Dias' debut in [[Telugu cinema]] and Lavania's film debut. Vishnuvardhan, who works primarily in the [[Tamil cinema]], also makes his directorial debut in Telugu.

Principal photography of the film commenced on 6 May 2011. The filming took place primarily at [[Kolkata]], [[Pollachi]], [[Karaikudi]], [[Vagamon]] and [[Palasa]]. ''Panjaa'' was released theatrically on 9 December 2011. Upon release, it received generally mixed reviews from critics who praised the technical aspects, performances and action sequences while criticizing the narration pace and lack of lengthy songs. Over the following years however, it received a cult following and was considered to be one of the more underrated Telugu films.<ref name="123Telugu" /><ref name="Idlebrain" /> The film performed well in the overseas but failed at the Indian box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andhraboxoffice.com/info.aspx?id=173&cid=8&fid=492|title=PANJAA Power in US Premieres|publisher=AndhraBoxOffice.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://andhraboxoffice.com/info.aspx?id=176&cid=8&fid=492|title=Boxoffice Status: Panjaa 1st Week|publisher=AndhraBoxOffice.com}}</ref>

==Plot==

Jaidev is a Kolkata-based hitman working for a don named Bhagavan, and they together share a business rivalry with Kulkarni. When Bhagavan's psychotic son Munna returns to India after 8 years, he mistreats the accountant Sabapathy and humiliates him. Receiving no support from Bhagavan, Sabapathy joins Kulkarni's gang, making Bhagavan order Jai to kill him. As per the plan, Jai kidnaps Rahul, the son of Kulkarni's brother Sampath. He asks Guruvayya to hold Rahul hostage at a club until he is back with Sabapathy. Jai demands a meeting with Sabapathy in exchange for Rahul's freedom. Sabapathy tells him he switched sides not to retaliate but to protect himself. Munna, on the other hand, visits the club to inquire about Jahnavi, a club dancer he is attracted to. Learning from Guruvayya that she loves Jai, Munna is enraged and kills Rahul after he teases him. He also kills Kulkarni's henchman, who came to pick up Rahul. When Sampath and Kulkarni receive no response, Jai tries to escape, and a chase ensues. He manages to flee but is shocked to learn of Rahul's death. Munna finds Jahnavi at Jai's house and beats her to death. Jai arrives and gets into a fight with Munna. Guruvayya sees Jai kill Munna and reports him to Bhagavan. Jai decides to tell Bhagavan the reason behind killing Munna, and is on his way attacked by the henchmen as per Bhagavan's orders. Following a gunfight, Jai escapes while Bhagavan vows to seek revenge for Munna's death.

Jai escapes to Palasa, where he stays at his love interest Sandhya's house. On the other hand, the rivalry between Bhagavan and Kulkarni intensifies after Jai's exit as Bhagavan loses power and his trusted men join hands with Kulkarni. Bhagavan learns about Jai's nursery he used to run with the help of his friend Chotu, and gets it destroyed by his men upon learning about Chotu. Back to Palasa, when some goons invade their home at night, Ashok and Jai together fight them off, following which Sandhya reveals about a criminal named Sambasiva who was after her life since she got him sent to prison. Jai kills Sambasiva and gives the credit to a police officer named Paparayudu. Bhagavan learns about Chotu's location through his girlfriend, kills her, and captures Chotu. He finds out about Jai and Sandhya through a photo from Chotu's phone. When Chotu refuses to tell anything about Jai, Bhagavan gets him asphyxiated. Jai reveals to Sandhya that he was the one who killed Sambasiva for her, further revealing about his past and the reason for loyalty towards Bhagavan. When a young Jai's mother and sister were raped and killed, Bhagavan had helped him seek revenge and, in exchange, received his loyalty.

Jai is soon attacked by Sampath and his henchmen, but Ashok comes to his rescue. Following a gunfight and a brawl, Jai kills Sampath and learns Sandhya has been kidnapped. Jai goes back to Kolkata and attacks Kulkarni's house, where he kills his henchmen and holds Kulkarni on gunpoint. Kulkarni tells him he hasn't kidnapped Sandhya, and it was Guruvayya who told them about Jai's location. Jai proceeds to first kill Kulkarni and then Guruvayya, following which he arrives at Bhagavan's house and finds Sandhya held captive. Jai reveals why he killed Munna and tries to convince Bhagavan into sparing Sandhya. However, Bhagavan ends up shooting her, and Jai ends up shooting Bhagavan. Sandhya survives, but Bhagavan dies.

==Cast==
{{colbegin}}
* [[Pawan Kalyan]] as Jaidev
* [[Sarah-Jane Dias]] as Sandhya
* [[Anjali Lavania]] as Jahnavi
* [[Jackie Shroff]] as Bhagavan
* [[Adivi Sesh]] as Munna
* [[Atul Kulkarni]] as Kulkarni
* [[Brahmanandam]] as Paparayudu
* [[Tanikella Bharani]] as Guruvayya
* [[Ali (actor)|Ali]] as Chotu
* [[Penumatsa Subbaraju|Subbaraju]] as Ashok (Sandhya's brother)
* [[Sampath Raj]] as Sampath
* [[Amit Tiwari]] as Goon
* [[Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao]] as Sabhapathi
* Surekha Vani as Jaidev's mother
* [[Anchor Jhansi|Jhansi]] as Lakshmi
* [[Kishori Ballal]] as Sandhya's grandmother
{{colend}}

==Production==

===Development===
In November 2010, sources reported that director [[Vishnuvardhan (director)|Vishnuvardhan]] would direct a film featuring [[Pawan Kalyan]] in the lead role, to be produced by Neelima Nagesh and Shobu Yarlagadda.<ref>[http://idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/pawankalyan-vishnuvardhan.html Vishnu Vardhan to direct Pawan Kalyan – idlebrain film news]. Idlebrain.com (19 November 2010). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> Neelima, in an interview, stated that she was a big fan of Pawan Kalyan.<ref>[http://www.123telugu.com/interviews/interview-pawan-kalyan-is-my-inspiration-neelima-thirumalasetty.html Interview : Pawan Kalyan is my inspiration – Neelima Thirumalasetty – 123telugu film news]. 123telugu.com (8 December 2011). Retrieved 8 December 2011.</ref> Vishnnuvardhan, following the release of his 2009 film ''[[Sarvam]]'', which fared poorly at the box office, had been working on two scripts – the other one being the [[Billa II|prequel]] to the [[Billa (2007 film)|2007 version of ''Billa'']] – but was unable to start either project due to unavailable dates of Pawan Kalyan and [[Ajith Kumar]].<ref name="indiatimes2">[https://archive.today/20130103224452/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-18/news/28614918_1_director-vishnuvardhan-venkat-prabhu-directed-mankatha-film Vishnu cancels billa date]. ''The Times of India''.(18 February 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> He had planned to shoot both projects simultaneously from March 2011 onwards, but since that was not possible, he was forced to drop one of the projects, with Vishnuvardhan eventually deciding to direct this film.<ref name="indiatimes2"/> [[Abburi Ravi]] was roped in to write the dialogues, while the screenplay was provided by Rahul Koda.<ref>[http://idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/panjaafilmnews.html Panjaa shoot complete except for a song – Telugu cinema]. Idlebrain.com (15 October 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref>

===Casting===
Former [[Femina Miss India|Miss India]] [[Sarah-Jane Dias]] was signed for one of the two female lead characters, making her Telugu film debut.<ref>[https://www.indiaglitz.com/pawan-may-romance-with-sarah-jane-dias--news-63604 Pawan may romance with Sarah Jane Dias – Telugu Movie News]. IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> [[Jiah Khan]] and [[Shazahn Padamsee]], who starred in ''[[Orange (2010 Telugu film)|Orange]]'' opposite [[Ram Charan Tej]], were considered for the other female role.<ref>[https://www.indiaglitz.com/shazahn-to-pair-up-with-power-star-hindi-news-62329 Shazahn to pair up with Power Star – Telugu Movie News]. IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> However, eventually [[Mumbai]]-based model [[Anjali Lavania]], best known for her appearances in the Kingfisher calendar and several other advertisements, was finalised for the second character. Director-actor Sesh Adivi was roped in for an antagonist role.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110416031854/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-11/news-interviews/29406231_1_pawan-kalyan-film-heroines Sesh bags a role in Pawan Kalyan's film?]. ''The Times of India'', (11 April 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] and [[A. Sreekar Prasad]], Vishnuvardhan's norm associates, were signed to score the music and handle the editing department, respectively, while [[P. S. Vinod]] was selected as the cinematographer in place of [[Nirav Shah]] who had worked on Vishnuvardhan's previous projects.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> Action sequences were choreographed by Sham Kaushal, a noted [[stunt co-ordinator]] in [[Bollywood]] films, while Sunil Babu was chosen as the art director.<ref name="ragalahari1">[http://www.ragalahari.com/news/12774/pawan-kalyan-vishnuvardhan-film-titled-panjaa.aspx Pawan Kalyan's film titled Panjaa]. Ragalahari.com (5 October 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> Vishnuvardhan's wife, [[Anu Vardhan]], worked as the costume designer.

===Filming===
Principal photography was expected to start from 15 April 2011, with the scenes during the first schedule being shot in [[Kolkata]], West Bengal. Filming eventually began on 6 May in Kolkata,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110506055135/http://www.sify.com/movies/pawan-s-next-from-may-6-news-news-lfdmu1aeach.html Pawan's next from May 6]. Sify.com (3 May 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> where the major part of the film was shot.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110603075346/http://www.sify.com/movies/pawan-s-shadow-for-dussera-news-news-lf5l51fhfaa.html Pawan`s Shadow for Dussera?]. Sify.com (31 May 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> The Kolkata schedule was completed by late June 2011,<ref>[http://www.ragalahari.com/news/12035/pawan-kalyans-film-completes-kolkata-schedule.aspx Pawan Kalyan's film wraps up Kolkata shooting schedule]. Ragalahari.com (26 June 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">[https://web.archive.org/web/20180802103406/http://www.sify.com/movies/title-of-pawan-s-next-on-sep-2-news-news-lhtlGpfccfi.html Title of Pawan`s next on Sep 2]. Sify.com (19 July 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> and the following month, filming was held in [[Pollachi]], Tamil Nadu,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180802102111/http://www.sify.com/movies/pawan-s-kaali-in-pollachi-news-news-lhtl5oabhcb.html Pawan's Kaali in Pollachi]. Sify.com (19 July 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> which was followed by schedules in [[Karaikudi]], Tamil Nadu and across [[Kerala]].<ref name="autogenerated2"/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180802102031/http://www.sify.com/movies/pawan-s-movie-in-winter-news-news-lisqjwhjagh.html Pawan's movie in winter]. Sify.com (18 August 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> In Kerala, the crew shot for five days at the [[Vagamon]] hill station, located 1,100 metres above sea level.<ref>[https://www.indiaglitz.com/the-travails-of-panjaas-vagamon-schedule-telugu-news-74706.html The travails of Panjaa's Vagamon schedule – Telugu Movie News]. IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> A song sequence featuring Pawan Kalyan and Sarah Jane was shot at the [[Ramoji Film City]] in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]] in September under the choreography of Firoz Khan.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111124032450/http://www.sify.com/movies/pawan-film-title-to-be-announced-soon-news-news-ljtllaeeffh.html Pawan film title to be announced soon]. Sify.com (19 September 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> From 10 October, the last song picturised on Anjali Lavania was canned in a Hyderabad studio. Anjali performed [[belly dance]] in the song, which was choreographed by [[Geeta Kapoor]], best known for her work in the song ''[[Sheila Ki Jawani]]'' from the Hindi film ''[[Tees Maar Khan (2010 film)|Tees Maar Khan]]''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111219050714/http://www.sify.com/movies/geeta-kapoor-for-pawan-s-panjaa-news-news-lkskgzfddad.html Geeta Kapoor for Pawan`s Panjaa]. Sify.com (18 October 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref>

The film was launched under the [[working title]] ''The Shadow'', with the team indicating that the title may be changed. The film, began its principal photography in early May 2011, which was completed by October 2011, with filming being held primarily at [[Kolkata]], West Bengal, [[Pollachi]] and [[Karaikudi]] in Tamil Nadu and [[Vagamon]] in Kerala apart from [[Palasa]]. In the following months, several titles including ''Kaali'', ''Thilak'', ''Power'' and ''Patel'', were considered.<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/first-look-pawan-kalyans-panja/20111010.htm First look: Pawan Kalyan's Panja – Rediff.com Movies]. Rediff.com (10 October 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180128022501/http://www.sify.com/movies/not-shadow-kaali-but-panjaa-news-news-lkgnHFhadjj.html Not Shadow/Kaali, but Panjaa]. Sify.com (6 October 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> The official title was revealed as ''Panjaa'' by the producers during [[Navrati|Dussera]].<ref name="ragalahari1"/>

== Soundtrack ==
{{Infobox album
| name = Panjaa
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]]
| cover =
| alt =
| caption = Album cover
| released = {{Start date|df=yes|2011|11|18}}
| recorded = 2011
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = 23:54
| language = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| label = [[Aditya Music]]
| producer = Yuvan Shankar Raja
| prev_title = [[Mankatha (soundtrack)|Mankatha]]
| prev_year = 2011
| next_title = [[Kazhugu (2012 film)|Kazhugu]]
| next_year = 2011
}}
For the film's score and soundtrack, Vishnuvardhan's friend and usual associate, [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]], was signed up. ''Panjaa'''s soundtrack features six tracks. [[Chandrabose (lyricist)|Chandrabose]] and [[Ramajogayya Sastry]] penned the lyrics for every three songs. The composing began in late January 2011. The soundtrack album was originally planned to be launched on 6 November 2011 but was postponed due to the sudden demise of Yuvan Shankar Raja's mother.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150924185227/http://www.sify.com/movies/music-launch-of-panjaa-postponed-news-news-llekkLieggf.html?scategory=telugu Music launch of Panjaa postponed]. Sify.com (5 November 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> The audio launch was held on 18 November 2011 in a grand manner at the [[Gachibowli Indoor Stadium]] in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]]. Along with the cast and crew, noted film personalities including directors [[K. Raghavendra Rao]] and [[S. S. Rajamouli]], composer [[M. M. Keeravani]] and actor [[Rana Daggubati]] attended the function,<ref>[http://entertainment.oneindia.in/telugu/news/2011/ss-rajamouli-pawan-kalyan-panjaa-audio-211111.html SS Rajamouli Launches | Actor Pawan Kalyan | Telugu Movie Panjaa | Audio Launch]. Entertainment.oneindia.in (19 November 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> which was anchored by comedian [[Ali (actor)|Ali]] and [[Suma Kanakala]].<ref>[http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/audio-panjaa.html Panjaa music launch function – Telugu cinema – Pawan Kalyan]. Idlebrain.com (18 November 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> The event was broadcast live on [[MAA TV]].<ref>[http://www.supergoodmovies.com/32263/tollywood/panja-audio-live-on-maa-tv-and-mahaa-news-news-details Panja Audio live on MAA TV and Mahaa news]. Supergoodmovies.com (16 November 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref>

Upon release, the songs generally garnered positive response.<ref name=":0">[http://www.123telugu.com/reviews/panjaa-audio-review.html Audio Review : Panjaa – New age music | Telugu Cinema]. 123telugu.com (18 November 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref> The songs became chartbusters, with the title track ''Panjaa'' becoming the most played song in all Hyderabad radio channels,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150924191304/http://www.sify.com/movies/panjaa-cleared-with-an-a-news-news-lmim8Gejcea.html?scategory=telugu Panjaa cleared with an `A`]. Sify.com (8 December 2011). Retrieved on 5 January 2014.</ref> as well as the song of the year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tollywood 2011: Mahesh Babu Rules!|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2011/dec/25/tollywood-2011-mahesh-babu-rules-323735.html|publisher=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> 123Telugu gave a positive response stating "Pawan Kalyan has tried out a new look for this movie and the buzz in the industry is that ‘Panjaa’ is going to be very different from his earlier flicks. The audio album reflects this. Yuvan’s music is very different and modern. There are some pretty good numbers in this album. The title track ‘Panjaa’ absolutely rocks. ‘Ela Ela’ and ‘Paparayudu’ will be quite popular too. A better item number would have been a major asset. Do not expect a regular Pawan Kalyan style audio album this time. Listen to this album with an open mind and you will appreciate the music."<ref name=":0" /> In 2013, the film's music director [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] reused the background score in the [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language film ''[[Ameerin Aadhi-Bhagavan]]''. {{tracklist
| headline = Track listing
| title9 =
| extra5 = Belly Raj, [[Priya Himesh]]
| length5 = 4:25
| title6 = Paparayudu
| lyrics6 = Ramajogayya Sastry
| extra6 = [[Hemachandra (singer)|Hemachandra]], [[Sathyan (singer)|Sathyan]], [[Pawan Kalyan]], [[Brahmanandam]]
| length6 = 5:15
| title10 =
| title5 = Anukoneledhugaa Kalakaanekaadhugaa
| length9 =
| all_writing =
| length8 =
| title8 =
| length7 =
| title7 =
| lyrics5 = Chandrabose
| length4 = 1:45
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| lyrics2 = [[Chandrabose (lyricist)|Chandrabose]]
| total_length = 23:54
| title1 = Panjaa
| lyrics1 = [[Ramajogayya Sastry]]
| extra1 = [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]]
| length1 = 3:34
| title2 = Ela Ela
| extra2 = [[Haricharan]], [[Shweta Pandit]]
| extra4 = Shweta Pandit
| length2 = 5:06
| title3 = Veyra Chey Veyra
| lyrics3 = Ramajogayya Sastry
| extra3 = Saloni
| length3 = 4:29
| title4 = Kshanam Kshanam
| lyrics4 = Chandrabose
| length10 =
}}

== Marketing and release ==
Prior to its release, the film's official merchandise was made available on the official site, including a game application.<ref>{{cite web|title=Merchandise|url=http://panjaa.com/merchandise|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101212233/http://panjaa.com/merchandise|archive-date=2011-11-01|publisher=Panjaa.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Game app|url=http://panjaa.com/gallery/photos/game-app|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229185813/http://panjaa.com/gallery/photos/game-app|archive-date=2011-12-29|publisher=Panjaa.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Panjaa game to attract children|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/panjaa-game-to-attract-children-telugufont_amp-news-75145.html|publisher=Indiaglitz}}</ref> 15% of the merchandise sales were donated to major [[Non government organization|NGOs]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Panjaa.com|url=http://panjaa.com/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102051823/http://panjaa.com/|archive-date=2011-11-02}}</ref> An [[Piracy#Anti-piracy measures|anti-piracy]] initiative was also launched through the site itself.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=Report Piracy|url=http://panjaa.com/report-piracy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021135434/http://panjaa.com/report-piracy|archive-date=2011-10-21|publisher=Panjaa.com}}</ref> The film's official merchandise was also released across [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Panjaa's merchandise up for sale|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/panjaa%E2%80%99s-merchandise-up-for-sale.html|publisher=123Telugu}}</ref> A [[teaser trailer]] was released a day prior to Diwali, which received a high response. According to ''[[Sify]]'', it was seen more than 200,000 times on the film's official YouTube channel within 24 hours, setting a new record.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111029033955/http://www.sify.com/movies/Panjaa-teaser-sets-records-news-News-lk2oLAigjie.html Panjaa teaser sets records]. Sify.com (28 October 2011). Retrieved 6 December 2011.</ref>

In order to prevent any major cuts, the makers accepted the A (adults only) rating from the [[Central Board of Film Certification]] for their release in India, while they actually wanted the U/A (parental guidance) rating.<ref>{{cite web|title=Panjaa Gets A rating|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/panjaa-gets-a-rating.html|publisher=123Telugu.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Will Panjaa's "A" rating have an impact at the box office?|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/will-panjaas-a-rating-have-an-impact-at-the-box-office-abcd.html|publisher=123Telugu.com}}</ref> The film was released on 9 December 2011 with six cuts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2011/pawan-kalyan-panjaa-censored-081211.html|title=Pawan Kalyan's Panjaa bags 'A' certificate|publisher=Filmibeat}}</ref> Following multiple fan requests, the makers added the title track in the beginning as well, while it initially played only during the end.<ref>{{cite web|title=Panjaa: Title song added|url=https://in.style.yahoo.com/news/panjaa-title-song-added-165125581.html|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]}}</ref>

In 2012, the film was released on [[DVD]] and [[Blu-ray]] formats by Bhavani DVD.<ref>{{cite web|title=Description - Panjaa Telugu DVD|url=http://www.njmtv.com/panjaa_panjaa-telugu-dvd_pawan-kalyan-sarah-jane-dias-anjali-lavania-jackie-shroff-adivi-sesh-5864.html#link5864|publisher=NJMTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Description - Panjaa Telugu Blu Ray|url=http://www.njmtv.com/panjaa_panjaa-telugu-blu-ray_pawan-kalyan-sarah-jane-dias-anjali-lavania-jackie-shroff-adivi-sesh-6159.html#link6159|publisher=NJMTV.com}}</ref> The same year, a [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-dubbed version titled ''Kuri'' ({{translation|''Mark''}}) was also scheduled to release, but the plan was later on dropped.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pawan Kalyan's 'Panjaa' as 'Kuri' in Tamil|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Pawan-Kalyans-Panjaa-as-Kuri-in-Tamil/articleshow/13636987.cms|publisher=[[Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pawan Kalyan's Panjaa to be dubbed in Tamil|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/pawan-kalyan%E2%80%99s-panjaa-to-be-dubbed-in-tamil-hm.html|publisher=123Telugu.com}}</ref> In 2015, a [[Hindi]]-dubbed version titled ''Jaandaar'' ({{translation|''Brave''}}) was released.<ref>{{cite web|title=Watch Jaandaar 2015 Full HD Movie Online|url=https://www.voot.com/movie/jaandaar/552922|publisher=[[Voot]]}}</ref> The film was also dubbed in Malayalam as Paayum.

== Reception ==

===Critical reception===
Panjaa received largely mixed reviews from critics. ''Fullhyd'' gave it 3.5 stars out of 5, praising the film's technical aspects and performances while criticizing the [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dubbing]] for both the heroines.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://movies.fullhyderabad.com/panja/telugu/panja-movie-reviews-4631-2.html|title=Panja Review: Panjaa (Telugu) Movie Review|publisher=Fullhyd}}</ref> ''123Telugu'' gave it 3 stars out of 5, praising the performances and action sequences while also criticizing the second half and lack of lengthy song sequences.<ref name=123Telugu>{{cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/review-2-panjaa-stylish-but-misses-the-mark.html|title=Review 2: Panjaa - stylish, but misses the mark|publisher=123Telugu}}</ref> [[Idlebrain.com]] also gave it 3 stars out of 5, similarly praising the action sequences and performances apart from technical aspects, but criticized the lack of emotions.<ref name=Idlebrain>{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-panjaa.html|title=Panjaa film review|publisher=[[Idlebrain.com]]|access-date=9 December 2011}}</ref> [[News18]] praised the film's art work and styling, but criticized the narration pace.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/telugu-review-panjaa-is-a-must-watch-427366.html|title=Telugu Review: 'Panjaa' is a must watch|publisher=[[News18]]}}</ref>

On the other hand, [[Rediff]] gave 2 stars, criticizing the script and pointing out that it reminded of Kalyan's earlier film ''[[Balu ABCDEFG]]'' but praised Sesh's performance<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-pawan-kalyans-panjaa-lacks-power/20111209.htm|title=Review: Pawan Kalyan's Panjaa lacks power|author=Radhika Rajamani|publisher=Rediff|access-date=9 December 2011}}</ref> ''Greatandhra'' also gave it 2 stars, criticizing the lack of a "major conflict point".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greatandhra.com/viewnews.php?id=34139&cat=1&scat=12|title='Panjaa' Review: Powerless 'Panjaa'|publisher=greatandhra|access-date=9 December 2011}}</ref> [[Oneindia.in]] criticized the film but praised Kalyan's performance, cinematography and the music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/telugu/reviews/2011/panjaa-movie-review-091211.html|title=Panjaa – Movie Review|publisher=[[Oneindia.in]]|access-date=9 December 2011}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20111102051823/http://panjaa.com/}}
* {{IMDb title|id=2091384}}

{{Vishnuvardhan (director)}}

[[Category:2011 films]]
[[Category:2010s Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:2011 action drama films]]
[[Category:2011 action thriller films]]
[[Category:2011 crime action films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Indian action drama films]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian crime action films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kolkata]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Films about orphans]]
[[Category:Indian films about revenge]]
[[Category:Films directed by Vishnuvardhan (director)]]
[[Category:Films scored by Yuvan Shankar Raja]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kerala]]
[[Category:Gun fu films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Films shot at Ramoji Film City]]
[[Category:Films featuring an item number]]
[[Category:Films shot in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films set in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films set in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Films set in Kolkata]]

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Panjaa