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Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga (2022): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga (2022) movie poster

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga is a 2022 drama starring Pankaj Tripathi as Gangaram, Neeraj Kabi and Sayani Gupta. It runs 2 hours 1 minute. Its Echo Score is 65/100.

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Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 1m (121 min)
Genre
Drama
Original language
Hindi
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga About?

The premise of Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Based on a disturbing real-life phenomenon in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, the story follows Gangaram, a farmer struggling with poverty due to years of failed harvests. Desperate to provide for his family, he makes a shocking decision: to enter the forest and participate in a dangerous practice involving tigers, hoping his sacrifice will secure compensation and provide his family with a chance at survival. Unexpected events then unfold, challenging his plan and revealing deeper truths.

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • tiger
  • family relationships
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Cast & crew

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga Cast & Characters

Pankaj Tripathi leads the cast as Gangaram, with Neeraj Kabi as Jim Ahmed and Sayani Gupta as Lajjo.

Also Starring in Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga

· 5 more
Ratings

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 65/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in story & flow (50).

65 /100

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga Echo Score Breakdown

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga presents a mixed cinematic experience that hinges on strong central performances while struggling with execution. Reviewers consistently commend Pankaj Tripathi and Neeraj Kabi for their authenticity, yet many cite uneven pacing and a script that feels preachy. Visuals and musical elements receive praise, contrasting with criticism of direction and editing. The net impression is a film of notable intent hampered by uneven craftsmanship, resulting in a moderately positive overall assessment.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 65

    In terms of art and craft, the film shows a divided reception. Viewers appreciate the lush jungle cinematography and competent production design, describing the visuals as gorgeous and well‑framed. However, criticism targets the direction and editing, labeling them mediocre or poorly executed. This balance of visual strength against uneven directorial choices yields a moderate art score.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    Character and emotion emerge as the film’s strongest pillar. Pankaj Tripathi’s performance is widely praised as natural, commanding, and central to the viewing experience, with Neeraj Kabi also highlighted for depth. While some note inconsistencies in supporting casting, the overall acting quality is deemed high, leading to a robust character score.

  • Story & Flow 50

    The story and flow receive a mixed appraisal. Reviewers acknowledge an interesting true‑event premise but criticize a stretched, preachy script and uneven pacing that diminish engagement. Dialogue and narrative cohesion are described as weak, though occasional non‑linear structure is seen as engaging. Consequently, the story aspect lands near the midpoint.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    Sensory experience, encompassing score, sound design, and visual style, is generally well‑received. The soundtrack and songs are described as super good, and the cinematography is noted for its beautiful framing and natural lighting. While not universally highlighted, the auditory and visual elements positively contribute to the viewing experience, supporting a high sensory rating.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Rewatch factor appears moderate. Several reviewers label the film as a one‑time watch that may test patience, yet others suggest it holds value for its messages and performances. Absence of strong replay incentives and divided opinions on lasting appeal lead to a middling rewatch score.

Plot

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga Plot Summary

What happens in Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Gangaram is the Sarpanch, the respected leader of a village tucked inside the deep forest of the Pilibhit tiger reserve in Uttar Pradesh, India. The community battles ongoing famine and crop failure, made worse by wildlife encroachment that intrudes on scarce farmland. A government poster catches his eye, offering a ₹10,00,000 compensation to the kin of victims of fatal tiger encounters near tiger reserves. Desperate to lift his people out of poverty, he formulates a risky plan: to sacrifice himself in a tiger attack, hoping the gesture will spark aid and attention for his starving villagers. His search for a tiger leads him to cross paths with a ruthless poacher, a man named Jim Ahmed, and an unlikely alliance forms between two men from vastly different worlds.

Full summary

The whole story of Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga.

Sherdil -The Pilibhit Saga Official Trailer | Pankaj, Neeraj, Sayani | Srijit | In Cinemas 24th June
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of the protagonist who serves as the Sarpanch in this story?

Details

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga Also Known As

Also known as “老人与虎”.

Also known as
  • 老人与虎

Seen Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga?

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FAQ

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga FAQ: Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, cast, post-credit scenes and language of Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga?

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga runs 2 hours 1 minute (121 minutes).

When was Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga released?

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga was released on June 24, 2022.

Who is in the cast of Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga?

Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga stars Pankaj Tripathi as Gangaram, Neeraj Kabi as Jim Ahmed and Sayani Gupta as Lajjo, among 9 credited actors.

Does Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga have a post-credit scene?

No. Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga in?

The original language of Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga is Hindi.

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