Rishabh Priyadarshi

Story: The real-life story of subedar Paan Singh Tomar, a seven-time national champion athlete and Army jawan who became a dacoit Paan Singh Tomar is fiction inspired by true events. The story is remarkable - Tomar is an army subedaar who gets into athletics only because sportsmen get more to eat. Beginning 1958, Tomar was a seven-time national champion in steeplechase, a grueling athletic event where participants jump over seven water hazards and 28 hurdles while running a distance of 3,000 metres. Born in the dacoit-infested district of Morena, Tomar was an Army jawan too. He didn't run for pleasure; only for better food that athletes were entitled to. How a simple jawan becomes a feared outlaw is the kernel of the film's story. The movie works because Irffan makes Paan Singh Tomar come alive as an athlete, as a husband and as a dacoit. This is a flawless performance from a consummate actor. As his wife, Gill comes up with a rare restrained performance. There is humour as well a delicate intensity in the romantic scenes between the two. Dhulia gets great work from the remainder of the cast. 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. Such a intense movie based on the reality of our country and dedicated to all forgiven athletes. Irrfan has done what he does best. Direction is admirable. Tigmanshu has done best job.