Released On: 2 Mar 2012
Directed By: Tigmanshu Dhulia
Star Cast: Irrfan Khan, Mahie Gill, Vipin Sharma, Imran Hasnee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Critics Verdict: "Pleasure to Watch. Highly Recommended!"
By Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama - 3.5 stars
"In a defining sequence in the film, Paan Singh Tomar tells his superior that his mama [uncle] isn't a dacoit, but a baaghi [rebel]. In another sequence, during the course of an interview to a news-reporter, he makes a scathing remark, 'Bihad mein baaghi hote hain... Dacait milte hain Parliament mein'. That, in a nutshell, sums up the persona of the long-forgotten steeplechase runner, who felt miffed by the government's betrayal and became a dacoit of Chambal. PAAN SINGH TOMAR, a film helmed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, has taken a really lonooooong time to hit the screens, but despite the holdup, the film remains as pertinent and relevant in today's times as it was when Dhulia envisioned it.", wrote by Adarsh on Bollywood Hungama.
"On the whole, PAAN SINGH TOMAR shatters the standard rules of this genre. Besides, the film makes you cognizant that serious cinema can be uniformly delightful, like any other enthralling entertainer. If this variety of cinema allures you then chances are that you will take pleasure in watching PAAN SINGH TOMAR. Recommended!", Concluded by Adarsh.
By Dailybhaskar.com - 4 stars
"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."
"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!", Concludes on Dailybhaskar.com.
By Avijit Ghosh, Times of India
"Sportsmen and outlaws inhabit two different universes. One shines amidst the bright lights of glory, the other haunts the ravines of notoriety. But in director Tigmanshu Dhulia's biopic, Paan Singh Tomar, the two worlds collide. And the result is a rather exquisite blend of drama, humour and tragedy; altogether eminently enjoyable good cinema.", wrote by Ghosh on Times Of India.
"It is perhaps a sign of Bollywood maturing that another biopic on a famous athlete is in the making: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, on sprinter Milkha Singh. Till then, let us just relish the pleasure of watching Paan Singh Tomar.", concludes by Ghosh on TOI.
