Paan Singh Tomar 2012 Hindi Movie Review(First On Net)

Paan Singh Tomar is a biopic on an athlete, a national champion who is forced by circumstances to turn into a dacoit. Tigmanshu Dhulia gave us an unconventional unexpected hit last year in the name of ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster’ and now he releases a film that he made two years back, following its success. So will this success repeat and an unconventional film be liked by people? Well, yes, with no comparisons to ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster’ as the two films have not even an iota of similarity, except for Dhulia, Paan Singh Tomar is a sincere attempt and a film worth a watch.

Story: 
Paan Singh Tomar (Irrfan Khan) joins the Indian Army. During the training, his seniors figure out that he is the best shooter and also the best athlete they have and so they put him into Defense sports. He goes on to win many medals for India. Then, he has to take an early retirement because one of his relative is after his agricultural land in his village that is his family’s bread and butter.

Despite his presence, the evil antics of his cousin continue. Tomar is proud of being a national champion and thinks that the system and the police will be on his side and get him land back to him and take legal action against his cousin. But much to his shock, exactly the opposite happens. The police is on his cousin’s side. This forces him to leave the village and now his only aim is revenge from his cousin. For this he has to buy arms and the money comes from kidnapping. After taking his revenge, the police become his enemy. He doesn’t wants to surrender as he thinks he is nowhere at fault and it is the police that is responsible for his current situation. Finally, he dies in an encounter.


Starring – Irrfan Khan, Mahie Gill
Director – Tigmanshu Dhulia
Music Director - Abhishek Ray
Producer - Ronnie Screwvala
Movie Rating - 3/5
Exclusively: www.Cinejwala.com


Analysis: 
Amidst senseless comedies and emotional love stories doing rounds of Bollywood, Paan Singh Tomar comes as a refreshing change. The film is intriguing from the first go. Even as Tomar switches from running 5000 mtrs to Steeple Chase just because his coach wants his daughter’s brother in law to win 5000 mtrs. The manipulations in National sports and then giving spiked shoes to the Indian runner just on the day of the final Asian race just because others will think that Indians cannot give their champion good shoes, the film makes us realize the way Indian games and players are treated, of course, that’s not the cast only with cricket.

Performances: 
Irrfan Khan no doubt a natural stunner. The entire movie rests comfortably on his shoulder with he getting into the nerves of Paan Singh Tomar with ease. Khan is certainly the most versatile actor we have in the industry. His dialogue delivery expressions are bang on. Mahie Gill plays Tomar’s better half. She does a good job in whatever little she has. Tomar’s aids and the opposition, be it the police or the village goons, are perfectly cast and act well.

Technicalities: 
Dhulia is one underrated director in the country. He has his own unique style that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The best part about him is that he makes his actors act at par expectations. The background score is apt for the film. Cinematography is good though the screenplay runs slow. The film does run a little slow in the second half, and that can be a negative, but rest everything totally makes up for it.

Plus Points: Irrfan Khan, Dhulia, message

Minus Points: Slow paced

Final Word: Watch it for Irrfan Khan and the message it’s trying to give, to remember and respect the unsung sport heroes of our country.