After doing rounds in the festival circuit worldwide, Tigmanshu Dhulia’s dacoit drama – Paan Singh Tomar, is finally here for the world to see. Starring Irrfan Khan and Mahie Gill, it tells the compelling story of a national athlete who turns into a dacoit. It has been well received amongst critics worldwide, and let’s see how it fared with our own desi critics. Here’s the round-up of the reviews after the jump.
Shubha Shetty-Saha, Mid-Day: Rating: 4 Stars / 5
In this cricket-obsessed country, many talented men who excelled in other forms of sports have died lonely and penniless. This is Dhulia’s perfect tribute to them and perhaps a wake-up call for all of us. Now that our hockey team is going great guns, this couldn’t have come at a better time.
Avijit Ghosh, Times Of India: Rating: 3.5 Stars / 5
In a country obsessed with overpaid cricketers, a biopic on a former national champion athlete is reason enough to celebrate. But Dhulia’s film is much more. It is one of superbly crafted film that underlines the linkage of life, sports and society.
Aniruddha Guha, DNA: Rating: 4 Stars / 5
This film, Paan Singh Tomar, is Dhulia’s real triump as a filmmaker
Blessy Chettiar, DNA: Rating: 4 Stars / 5
Gritty and power packed, Paan Singh Tomar is a tribute to the unsung heroes of sports in India.
Aseem Chhabra, Rediff: Rating: 3.5 Stars / 5
Dhulia statement is clear — in an unjust society, some crimes become a necessity!
Zee News: Rating: Four Cheers
Watch it for Irrfan Khan. Because like good wine, one must savour his acting, scene by scene.
Komal Nahata, KoiMoi: Rating: 1 Star / 5
On the whole, Paan Singh Tomar does not have the commercial ingredients to score at the box-office. Had the second half been more weighty, it could have worked reasonably well but with the post interval portion looking like a routine dacoit drama, that won’t be possible.
So barring one naggy critic, everyone seems to highly recommend this movie. Our verdict – Must-watch!