March 1 super hit post - 2

PAAN SIGH TOMAR REVIEW

Story: Paan Singh Tomar sheds light on the dismal condition of unsung sportsmen in India with emphasis on case study of a famous athlete- Paan Singh Tomar. Set in Chamba, it is the story of a brilliant athlete Paan Singh Tomar (Irrfan Khan), who brings laurels to his country by winning steeplechase, a form of race, at the Indian National Games for seven consecutive years. But, that doesn’t change his financial status and his life becomes miserable post retirement. A victim of circumstances, what makes Paan a dacoit, is something interesting to watch.

Story Treatment: A well-woven plot, when shored up with an intriguing screenplay, the outcome is bound to be just the best. What makes Paan Singh Tomar even special is that despite being predictable, it leaves you awe-struck with some intelligent sub-plots. The narration defines the psychology of a man, who's peace loving, but turns into a believer of an eye for an eye. Also, Paan… enlists itself as one of the very few films, where dialogues further thicken the plot thus, leaving the spectator at the edge of the seat to explore what lies next.

Star Cast: Irrfan Khan, indisputably is one of the finest actors in the business but, this flick broadens his territories. An award winning performance says it all for Irrfan, as he beautifully switches lanes from a sober man to an angry one. Watch out for the scene where he finally takes revenge from his uncle or initially, when he succumbs to the compulsion of his coach, who needs him to lose the race. Mahi Gill as his wife, shows up less, but impresses with her powerful performance. Vipin Sharma as Major in Army plays his part well. The other supporting actors truly support the protagonist Paan with some impressive performances.

Direction: An intelligent filmmaker, Tigmanshu Dhulia yet again shows his perfection at the art. He has surely created a niche for himself as a filmmaker, who adds certain elements to the film that make it believable. For instance, since the flick is set in 50s, the director puts a scene where the radio station makes a mention of a cancer-stricken Nargis Dutt. What adds to the glee is- though dragged at certain portions, the movie never loses momentum, thanks to the extremely captivating dialogues and performances.    

Music/ Dialogues/ Cinematography/Editing: The theme song complements the sensitive subject on which the film is based. But, the absence of Main Zindagi Ka Saath from Hum Dono or Kero Mama from Arjun, as touted to be part of the film, disappoints. Dialogues which comprise of some witty one-liners, plus an ample dose of emotional quotient leaves one enthralled. Cinematography is quite innovative with some Hollywood style camera moves used in extremely close-shots. Editing otherwise good, lacks at some points where an unnecessary scene could've been erased. 

3ups and downs: A performance par excellence by Irrfan Khan, stupendous direction, impressive dialogues, and a powerful screenplay makes Paan Singh Tomar a flawless venture. Sluggish editing, however leaves the film slightly lengthy which though can easily be ignored.

On the whole, Paan Singh Tomar breaks rules and cries out loud that meaningful cinema can be equally entertaining like any rib-tickling masala film. Highly recommended!