Definition
Temper is a 2015 Indian Telugu‑language action film directed by Puri Jagannadh. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Kajal Aggarwal in the lead roles, with supporting performances by Prakash Raj, Sharada, and Anasuya Bharadwaj.
Overview
Temper was produced by Sharath Vijaykumar under the banner Sharp Movies and released on 2 October 2015, coinciding with the festival of Deepavali in the Indian calendar. The narrative follows Daya (portrayed by N. T. Rama Rao Jr.), a police officer who initially engages in corrupt practices. After becoming involved in the investigation of a missing girl, Daya undergoes a moral transformation, confronting his own complicity and the criminal elements he once protected. The screenplay, written by Puri Jagannadh, blends elements of action, drama, and social commentary.
The film’s technical crew includes Anup Rubens as music composer, Shyam K. Naidu as cinematographer, and Naveen Nooli as editor. Upon its theatrical debut, Temper received generally positive reviews for its performances, particularly that of the lead actor, and for its blend of commercial mass‑entertainment tropes with a reformist storyline. The film performed successfully at the box office, grossing approximately ₹70 crore worldwide, and was later dubbed into Hindi and Malayalam.
Etymology/Origin
The title Temper is derived from the English word “temper,” which denotes a state of mind or disposition, often associated with emotional control or volatility. In the context of the film, the title reflects the protagonist’s inner conflict and the transformation of his moral “temper” from corruption to righteousness.
Characteristics
- Genre: Action, drama, thriller.
- Themes: Police corruption, redemption, justice, and the societal impact of ethical lapses within law‑enforcement agencies.
- Narrative Structure: Linear storytelling with a focus on the protagonist’s character arc, interspersed with high‑octane action sequences and investigative plot points.
- Music: The soundtrack, composed by Anup Rubens, comprises six songs featuring a mix of melodic numbers and background scores that underscore the film’s emotional beats and action set‑pieces.
- Cinematography: Shyam K. Naidu utilizes dynamic camera movements and color palettes to accentuate both the gritty urban settings of Hyderabad and the more stylised action choreography.
- Reception: Critics highlighted the film’s effective pacing, the lead actor’s performance, and its social message, while noting that certain plot developments adhered to conventional commercial formulas. The film earned several nominations at regional award ceremonies, including categories for Best Actor and Best Music Director.
Related Topics
- Telugu cinema – The regional film industry to which Temper belongs.
- Puri Jagannadh – Director and screenwriter known for his contributions to Telugu commercial cinema.
- N. T. Rama Rao Jr. – Prominent Telugu actor with a substantial body of work in action‑drama films.
- Police corruption in Indian cinema – A recurring narrative motif explored in several Indian films.
- Indian film remakes and dubbings – Temper has been dubbed into other languages, reflecting the practice of cross‑regional distribution in the Indian film market.