Kangana Ranaut opens the year with an enthralling watch Panga which also stars Jassie Gill and Richa Chadha in pivotal roles. The film is helmed by Ashwini Iyer Tiwari.
The movie is based on Jaya’s passion for kabaddi and when it is reignited, she decides to make a comeback to the sport at the age of 32. But the story shows us will it be an easy ride back into the national team, now that she is juggled up with domestic responsibilities as a mother and wife?
Jaya Nigam’s (Kangana Ranaut) life is stuck in between motherhood and a job at the railways but when somehow a passion she had laid to rest years back, catches up with her again.
She was once the captain of the national kabaddi team and now her life riddles up between her seven-year-old son, Adi (Yagya Bhasin), household chores and a job.
She barely manages time for herself even though her husband, Prashant (Jassie Gill) is supportive enough and they share a wonderful relationship. Jaya is portrayed as a doting mother, extra cautious and always anxious. So when Adi got to know that she used to be a star player and wishes to see her play again, she decides to oblige, even if just to humor him for a short while.
Jaya soon realizes that her heart is set on regaining her lost glory and fulfilling a dream she left mid-way. From Meenu (Richa Chadha), her best friend and a kabaddi coach to Jaya’s mother (Neena Gupta) to even her teammate Nisha (Megha Burman), each character is stitched up perfectly and they play an important part adding up to the narrative of the film.
The narrative is filled with subtle moments like these that translate the eternal tussle between domestic responsibilities and fulfilling one’s dreams that many mothers go through. The screenplay brings out a story that is emotional, inspiring, nuanced and thoroughly engaging.
Prashant’s character is also heroic in his own silent way. The writing by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Nikhil Mehrotra, and Nitesh Tiwari is brilliant and is the backbone of the film. The music of the film hits the right chord.
On the performances front, Kangana is the heart and soul of the film. At home, she is the gentle, dutiful who desires to give her dreams a second shot but in the field, she is vulnerable and powerful, switching between the two facets of her character so swiftly and seamlessly that it is totally fascinating.
Indian Idol 11: Kangana Ranaut and Ashwiny Iyer grace the show to promote Panga
Richa Chadha is superb as she gets under the skin of her steely character and also brings in plenty of laughs.
assie Gill as the supportive husband is impressive and does full justice to a very well written role. Debutant Yagya Bhasin as Jaya’s driving force stands out with his comic timing. Neena Gupta in lesser words is superlative.
Overall, Panga is an ode to endless hours of work that mothers put behind their families and at the same time urges them to never give up on their dreams and to take that second chance. No doubt it is a well-crafted film which becomes a must-watch for everyone this weekend.
Check out the trailer:
Panga: Kangana and cast shine in feel-good flick (IANS Review; Rating: * * *)
