2012 ‘पान सिंह तोमर’ Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia
Paan Singh Tomar (Hindi: पान सिंह तोमर) is an Indian biographical film, based on the true story of an athlete Paan Singh Tomar employed by the Indian Army and who won a gold medal at Indian National Games, but was forced to become a notorious bandit .
A Cinematic Passage to India || Film #6
The true story of a national steeplechase champion who after retirement went on to become one of the most feared and notorious rebels in India.
The problem with this biopic is that I didn't think it took full advantage of what is quite a remarkable person. It's unnecessarily long (a common theme in Indian films I've noticed), and even though that synopsis should be incredibly interesting, it just never is. Irrfan Khan who plays the titular role is a good actor, but here he just looks bored. Whether that's down to the real life character or the director I don't know but Paan Singh Tomar seems to have the same facial expression for every occassion.
A well made film, but just with not enough substance to justify its run time.
there is a scene in this movie where irrfan khan forces a half naked police officer at gunpoint to kneel down and apologise to his uniform for being an obvious failure to the honour his job entails. while on the surface level it looks a funny sight, i couldn't help but feel that it's a redemptive thought process included to combat the preceding one where irrfan rants about how the law enforcement forces are a failure, because he feels betrayed by their lack of incentive in rushing to his aid. even a film this daring, as far as challenging the government for its miserable treatment of former star athletes is concerned, cannot leave the truth at that, but is moulded…
"Paan Singh Tomar, at the end, is like Paan Singh Tomar. It may be impossible to fully know him, but it’s impossible not to like him."
Bollywood finally gets the biopic genre right. Irfan Khan's best performance to date.
I knew nothing of Paan Singh Tomar before watching this biography and am really glad as it meant that the story was very surprising. Tomar was a very successful athlete, who specialised in the 3000m steeplechase whilst in the army. His life after the army took a course that, because I didn't know his story, was completely unexpected. Great acting from Irrfan Khan in the title role.
This film makes India my 12th country in the 30 countries challenge.
One of my favorite actors, Irrfan Khan, does a stellar job in this amazing true story of a top athlete forced to turn dacoit (bandit we'd say, rebel he'd say) in order to get justice for his family. It shows a fascinating journey for a young village man who can run fast to an outlaw who has slid past justice towards vengeance. But without the hard and definite edges that other portrayals might be tempted to cling to.
My personal favourite from the oeuvre of Tigmanshu Dhulia. The movie highlights the sorry state of Indian sports and the dire straits that most of its sportsperson (except cricketers, of course) are left in, in the absence of monetary help and social recognition. What can be said about the great Irrfan, who brings Paan Singh Tomar alive on screen. His eyes do most of the acting it seems. Such a great actor who left us way too soon. RIP Sir! The movie is an amazing recounting of the journey of an Indian Army soldier-cum-athlete who brought laurels for India during his service years, and his metamorphosis into a rebel or an outlaw- a Baaghi as he calls himself, due to…
Good message I think. I was having a hard time staying focused but that’s not necessarily a criticism. I like the complexity of Paan’s character. RIP Irrfan Khan
Every Irrfan film makes so feel so sad and desolate these days.
But what a triumph this must have been for him. His acting is perfect, the physical strain he put himself under to achieve this role... just immensely tragic to see now that he is gone.
But every performance he is in convinces me he was one of the best actors cinema has and will ever see.
Nice but not a big fan.
filmy jingo lines and tone at certain parts come in the way of non crime part though later picks up and hits the spot more than often. Commendable but needed more grit and nuance ig.
What a fascinating film about a fascinating sportsman turned dacoit. Irrfan was great even if at times I couldn't dilineate between sarcasm and seriousness in his character.
One of my favorite actors, Irrfan Khan, does a stellar job in this amazing true story of a top athlete forced to turn dacoit (bandit we'd say, rebel he'd say) in order to get justice for his family. It shows a fascinating journey for a young village man who can run fast to an outlaw who has slid past justice towards vengeance. But without the hard and definite edges that other portrayals might be tempted to cling to.
One hell of a power-packed performance by Irrfan. He carries the entire film on his shoulder.
there is a scene in this movie where irrfan khan forces a half naked police officer at gunpoint to kneel down and apologise to his uniform for being an obvious failure to the honour his job entails. while on the surface level it looks a funny sight, i couldn't help but feel that it's a redemptive thought process included to combat the preceding one where irrfan rants about how the law enforcement forces are a failure, because he feels betrayed by their lack of incentive in rushing to his aid. even a film this daring, as far as challenging the government for its miserable treatment of former star athletes is concerned, cannot leave the truth at that, but is moulded…
I'm genuinely so disappointed with this movie. I've been trying to explore all of Irrfan's filmography and I saw this movie in my netflix menu and decided to watch it. I was instantly disappointed within the first 20 minutes where it sets the theme for essentially what's happening in the entire movie. There's horrible acting, which I'd honestly compare to high school plays. The dialogues aren't well written and this is the first time I've ever been disappointed by Irrfan's performance. It takes a historically great story of sports legend turned dacoit, Paan Singh Tomar and it essentially just dilutes it down to "Oh I love sports, wait the sports world and my country isn't just. Guess I have to…
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