Cast: Kichcha Sudeepa, Suniel Shetty, Akanksha Singh, Sushant Singh, Kabir Duhan Singh, Sharath Lohitashwa, Avinash

Directed By: Krishna

Pailwaan is the story of a son wanting to keep the word he has given to his father, fighting for all things right and getting retribution. 

The film begins with allusions to Lord Krishna, which is also the protagonist’s name, and one gets to see more of these through the course of the film. 

The film follows the story of Krishna, an orphan, who fights on the streets for a wager to feed hungry kids. The size of the heart of young Krishna impresses Sarkar (Suniel Shetty), a champion wrestler, so much that he adopts him. And he imparts his wrestling knowledge to Krishna who grows up to become a very formidable champion in the sport. 

We meet the grown-up Krishna (of course, after a sufficient build-up) working out with mace and weights made of stones, like an ancient Hindu warrior. And then, in slow motion, he walks to the arena, where he is about to wrestle with an opponent who looks much bigger than him.

Director S Krishna gives a mythological undertone to his protagonist by portraying him as the reincarnation of Krishna, who is born to end the evils of modern times.

It is Sudeep’s show all the way and he manages to entertain, both with his charm and new, lean, muscular avatar. Suniel Shetty stands out as Sudeep’s father figure. Sushant Singh and Kabir Duhan Singh have limited yet important roles as the antagonists. Aakanksha Singh is breezy and suits her part.

The film has all the commercial element including romantic track, comedy scenes, emotions, foot-tapping songs and fight sequences.

But the director failed to keep up the grip of the story and it stretches to three-hour-long film. The film has some unrealistically shot wrestling sequences but Sudeep's realistic acting even in this masala potboiler will engage you in this film.

Pailwaan is an entertaining sports drama with all the commercial element and its all Sudeep's show and he is the reason to watch this film or you will get dissappointed with the age-old cliches of sports drama.