Paan Singh Tomar Movie Review

Tigmanshu Dhulia does it again. AfterSAHEB, BIWI AUR GANGSTER, he once again comes out with a compelling film. This one's a biopic on India's forgotten athlete, PAAN SINGH TOMAR. In fact, this movie celebrates the forgotten heroes of India's sporting arena, some of who have died in penury.

The first half has you totally in the grip of Dhulia and the main protagonist Irfan Khan, who flawlessly essays a complex role with dexterity. A soldier who moves to the athletic division because that is where he will get to eat more; breaks all national records and competes at the International Level and then after retirement, has to pick up a gun to defend himself. Dhulia takes you the whole circle with Irrfan's PAAN SINGH TOMAR in tow.

CHECK OUT: PAAN SINGH TOMAR- Film with a reality touch

Very early on, when Tomar is being interviewed by a journalist he states, 'Dacait to parliament mein milte hain.' This sets the tone for the reels that follow. The process of establishing Paan Singh's plight, his talent and desire to battle on the front, rather than run a race is captured brilliantly. The background score effectively lifts the scene several notches higher; whether it is Paan Singh in a race, staging a kidnapping or even gunning down his opponents.

Unlike SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER when no actor outshines the other, here, Irrfan outdoes himself and the others. The rest, even Mahie Gill, is judiciously used keeping the focus of the film in mind. Everything moves around Paan Singh.