The most common representation of a dacoit is of a man dressed in ‘a black kurta and tika’. But with ‘Paan Singh Tomar’, actor Irrfan Khan may very well change the conventional image of a dacoit. Based on a true story, the film tells the tale of a simpleton farmer named Paan, a steeplechase champion who turns into a dacoit due to circumstances. While the internet has little to offer on this unlikely sports hero, it took Tigmanshu Dhulia and his team months of travelling, speaking and scouring through records to turn Irrfan into the once revered ‘daku’. Mahi Gill plays his fiery wife and love interest. Set for a March 9 release, we caught on with the reel Paan to know more about the unsung hero.
Describe Paan Singh Tomar:
Paan Singh Tomar is among the many talents that have gone awry because of how they were treated. Paan gave up his life for self-respect. A patriotic person, he brought many a laurel by running for the country in various events and yet he had to die as a hated dacoit. The film is a biopic. It talks about how the country treats talented people.
Paan Singh Tomar is among the many talents that have gone awry because of how they were treated. Paan gave up his life for self-respect. A patriotic person, he brought many a laurel by running for the country in various events and yet he had to die as a hated dacoit. The film is a biopic. It talks about how the country treats talented people.
Experience while making of the movie:
‘Paan Singh Tomar’ has travelled a long way, more than 10 years. Research was a tough job. There was no record of his work hence it took us all a really long time to retrieve all the information about him. We tried talking to other athletes and people who would have known Paan in any way. Some were more interested in talking about themselves, others asked for money to divulge any information.
‘Paan Singh Tomar’ has travelled a long way, more than 10 years. Research was a tough job. There was no record of his work hence it took us all a really long time to retrieve all the information about him. We tried talking to other athletes and people who would have known Paan in any way. Some were more interested in talking about themselves, others asked for money to divulge any information.
Preparing for the role:
There was a lot of research work involved in this movie, but even physically I had to learn quite a few things, with regards to language and the kind of racing. I like running but steeplechase is a different ball game. It’s technical and needs to be learned. Thankfully, I had the national coach training me for that. I also had to learn the typical dialect and style he spoke in. I think picking up the gun was the easiest part, thanks to my father who had a gun collection of his own and taught me how to shoot.
There was a lot of research work involved in this movie, but even physically I had to learn quite a few things, with regards to language and the kind of racing. I like running but steeplechase is a different ball game. It’s technical and needs to be learned. Thankfully, I had the national coach training me for that. I also had to learn the typical dialect and style he spoke in. I think picking up the gun was the easiest part, thanks to my father who had a gun collection of his own and taught me how to shoot.
Relating to the character:
Paan Singh was one of our own, but became a threat. He wasn’t very wise, but he knew never to compromise with his self respect. That’s the trait of Paan I relate with. He was a non-conformist and even I believe in the same theory. I liked his non-compromising attitude, bravery, courage and simplicity. He had strong feelings for himself and his country and I respect these values of Paan.
Paan Singh was one of our own, but became a threat. He wasn’t very wise, but he knew never to compromise with his self respect. That’s the trait of Paan I relate with. He was a non-conformist and even I believe in the same theory. I liked his non-compromising attitude, bravery, courage and simplicity. He had strong feelings for himself and his country and I respect these values of Paan.
The most difficult scene:
Playing a steeplechase athlete, running was not that difficult. If you are athletic then running should not be a problem. But the most difficult scene was when Paan has an emotional outburst. He questions himself, ‘I was running for the country, who, when and why gave this gun to me to fight?’
Playing a steeplechase athlete, running was not that difficult. If you are athletic then running should not be a problem. But the most difficult scene was when Paan has an emotional outburst. He questions himself, ‘I was running for the country, who, when and why gave this gun to me to fight?’
Co-star Mahi Gill:
Mahi plays the role of my wife. She is a fascinating actor. The dignity and restrain with which she played the character was commendable. There is so much of pathos and earnestness in her which makes her character and the film so good.
Mahi plays the role of my wife. She is a fascinating actor. The dignity and restrain with which she played the character was commendable. There is so much of pathos and earnestness in her which makes her character and the film so good.
The year long delay:
It has been a long time that the audience hasn’t seen any dacoit film; hence it would be a good time to release now. But then there are times when things are not in our control. But I am sure and hope that this delay is for the good. At this point, the audience demands entertaining and fresh subjects. They don’t want to see the noise, but seek substance in a movie. And this film offers all that and more.
It has been a long time that the audience hasn’t seen any dacoit film; hence it would be a good time to release now. But then there are times when things are not in our control. But I am sure and hope that this delay is for the good. At this point, the audience demands entertaining and fresh subjects. They don’t want to see the noise, but seek substance in a movie. And this film offers all that and more.
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