After more than one year of its proposed release date, Paan Singh Tomar has finally hit the screen. The genre of biopics has been a grey area in Indian Films so far. Indeed, biopics is a challenge solely because, the film maker has to create and maintain intrigue, by doing justice to the trajectory of the true story.  So, will the much awaited release of ‘Paan Singh Tomar’ be a path breaker? Can the acting prowess of Irrfan lend value to the character and the story? Will this film encourage Indian film makers to focus more on biopics? Honestly, when one would watch a film titled ‘Paan Singh Tomar’, one would do so with no preconceived notion, thanks to the lack of popularity (of the character) or rather the ignorance of the audience. However, in the first few minutes of the film, the step out line is crystal clear – The story of a runner (in the army) who went on to become a national champion and then turned out to be a dacoit. The story begins with a flash back, with a local journalist interviewing the most-wanted dacoit – Paan Singh Tomar. Set against the back drop of rustic Madhya Pradesh, the audience are taken through, a sequence of interesting scenes which establishes the genuine yet rebellious Paan Singh Tomar, the premise of the film. 

In fact the first half sees some instances of inspired screen writing by Tigmanshu. The earnest performance by Irrfan deserves a special mention. Tigmanshu's characteristic unconventional humor and great rustic dialogues clubbed with the genius of Irrfan make it an adoring and fascinating first half.  Mahie Gill who won hearts in the Tigmanshu’s earlier film ‘Biwi Saheb aur Gangster’ had a small role to play as Paan Singh Tomar’s wife, and does the role with great sincerity. 

However, the film loses momentum, gains length and cascades into layers of clichéd boredom in the second half. The film misses its sheen and spark as scenes unfold without creating interest. But the honest and earnest intentions of the film maker and producers have to be applauded for taking the effort and risks to portray an unsung hero on screen. The plight of Indian athletes is a known story but the consequence it has had is perhaps not. The film is claimed to be a dedication to all the unsung legends of sports who have met a tragic end like Paan Singh Tomar. 

The departments of cinematography, music, art direction and costumes support the script well doing good justice to the feel and look of the film. 

If only the second half was as good as the first, the film would have struck the right chord with the audience. In totality, you end up feeling remorseful for Paan Singh Tomar and ‘Paan Singh Tomar’, (the film) for it could have simply been better.  

Verdict: An ordinary film on an extraordinary hero