Movie Review : Paan Singh Tomar

Rating : 4/5
Genre : Drama
Year : 2012
Running time : 2 hours
Director : Tigmanshu Dhulia
Cast : Irrfan Khan, Mahie Gill, Zakir Hussain, Vipin sharma, Jahangir Khan
Kid rating : PG-13

I’ve been hearing of this movie for a while, and didn’t quite know what it was about. When it did make it to the screens, I heard of it only in critic circles; friends I’d mention it too would stare at me blankly – Paan Singh what ? Quite understandable really, for this is a relatively low-key film starring Irfan Khan who can’t quite command a commercial venture solely on his name, fabulous actor though he might be. Still it comes via director Dhulia, maker of films like the recent “Saheb, Biwi air Gangster” and the 2003 drama “Haasil”, so it comes as no surprise that this film also is just as watch-worthy as the previous two.

This film is inspired the real-life story of a jawan of the Indian Army who after competing nationally as a steeple-chase runner and representing India in the Asian Games (1958), became a dacoit in the Chambal Valley. Paan Singh goes into sports in the Army because it is a way of getting unlimited food (as a regular jawan food is rationed). When he appears to have a knack for running, and steeple-chases he is coached and manages to win in the National Games. Paan Singh hails from the Morena Zilla, know for it’s gun violence. Though peaceful by nature, he is forced to pick up guns over a family land dispute when the police and local law will not help him.

The film is told partly in flashback fashion when Paan Singh grants an interview to a small-town reporter. In the film, Dhulia details out Paan Singh’s life, from that of a law-abiding decent man to that of a notorious dacoit hunted for by the police. Dhulia develops his characters nicely – Paan Singh might be a law-breaker, but we’re siding with him anyways. There is in Paan Singh’s story the uncomfortable truth of little people, unable to garner influence or money to pay off the police, squashed by the merciless arm of the law. Irrfan as Tomar, one of those little people who wouldn’t take injustice lying down, does a fabulous job. Mahie Gill is his wife and has a smaller role, but leaves her mark nonetheless.

This film is gritty and down-to-earth. For it’s well-paced direction, screenplay and gorgeous acting this bio-pic is well-worth your time. Go see it!

Kidwise: Violent – may not be suitable for kids under 13.