Mrugaraju 2001

Project and the lion threat in Adavipalli jungle

In the jungle surrounding Adavipalli, a government project to build a railway bridge aims to connect the hills and haul ore-rich goods. The plan faces a brutal obstacle as a man-eating lion has already claimed the life of the chief engineer. The presence of the predator stalls construction and frightens workers.

Raju hired to neutralize the threat

The government hires Raju, a renowned hunter from Adavipalli, to trap and eliminate the lion and restore progress. He surveys the area, understanding the danger to workers and the project timeline. The mission begins as authorities insist on a safe return to construction.

Raju traps and kills the lion; Appanna Dora dies

Raju devises a plan, leads a dangerous hunt, and traps the lion, killing it. The victory comes at a cost as his friend Appanna Dora dies during the confrontation. The team regroups as news of the kill spreads through the village.

The second lion emerges and resumes havoc

The death of the first predator angers a second lion in the jungle, who resumes terrorizing the workers. The threat intensifies, threatening both lives and the project timeline. Raju steels himself for a renewed hunt.

Raju faces corruption: forest ranger and smuggler

In addition to the animal threat, Raju contends with a corrupt forest ranger Surya Bhagawan Das and a crafty local smuggler, whom he outwits before the interval. He navigates politics and crime while trying to protect the project and workers. The confluence of human threats tests his resolve more than the beasts.

Aishwarya's identity and their city meeting

The narrative shifts to a flashback: Aishwarya is revealed to be Raju’s estranged wife. In the city, Raju meets her at a crafts fair and helps her win a shooting game, earning her respect. She is engaged to a man named Vicky at that time, and the seeds of their later reunion are planted.

Aishwarya breaks engagement and marries Raju

At her engagement ceremony, Raju confronts Vicky after seeing him flirt with another woman, which Aishwarya witnesses. She decides to break off the engagement and ultimately marries Raju, believing he is the better partner. The union reignites their bond amid past misunderstandings.

Family rift: Aishwarya's father creates distance

Aishwarya's father sows misunderstandings that drive a wedge between the couple. During this difficult period, Aishwarya becomes pregnant and later gives birth to a daughter. The family faces strain as secrets simmer beneath the surface.

Pregnancy and the baby brings hope

Raju learns of his child and feels joy, but Aishwarya keeps the daughter away from him and his parents, complicating their happiness. The couple's fragile peace is overshadowed by deceit and miscommunication. The forest and the jungle loom as a backdrop to personal turmoil.

Lion returns; their granddaughter endangered; parents die

The man-eating lion returns and attacks again, prompting Raju’s parents to make a heroic, tragic stand to save their granddaughter. They sacrifice their lives, and before dying, they reveal the truth about Aishwarya's father’s deceit. The revelation compounds the family crisis.

Workers abandon project; search begins

The attack triggers panic and leads workers to abandon the project structure. Raju and Aishwarya set out to find their lost daughter in the forest, driven by desperation and hope. The search tests their resolve and rekindles their bond.