Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Richa Chadha, Neena Gupta
Director: Ashwini Iyer TiwariΒ
Rating: 4/5
Review: Jaya Nigam aka Kangana Ranaut’s life is stuck in domesticity, in one side motherhood, and on the other a railway job. At one time, national kabaddi team captain, Jaya now shuffle her life in between her seven-year-old son, Adi (Yagya Bhasin), household task, her relationship with Prashant and boring, monotonous, and wearisome job. Her husband, Prashant (Jassie Gill) is supportive by nature and they share a wonderful relationship. Alike every mother Jaya is extremely and uncritically fond of, extra cautious and always anxious mother.
One day, Adi suggests that his mother should make a comeback in Kabaddi. Both his father Prashant and he begin chivvy Jaya. Jaya thinks that her age is the main barrier to follow her passion because she is not that fit for a comeback. Prashant and Jaya pretend to his son Adi to make comeback and a month later, she realises that her heart is set on recouping her past recognition and dream which she left mid-way. She begins her practice. At first, itβs difficult for her, but very soon, she gets energized about the whole process. After a seven-year intermission, she has finally found her place in the India team again.
The concept of the film is very nice. Not only in the making of the storyline, there is a lot of perspectives but also this is a very unique concept. Director Ashwini Iyer Tiwari invents an environment set in the by-lanes of Bhopal.
From Meenu a kabaddi coach (Richa Chadha) to Jaya’s mother (Neena Gupta) to even her teammate Nisha (Megha Burman) β everyone each is well-enlivening characters playing an inherent, natural part in the whole story.
At one point of the film, we saw how badly Jaya wants to come back, βMain kya kar sakti thi, aur main kya kar rahin hoonβ, as she says, holds back her tears and goes into the kitchen. In another scene, she tells Prashant that she always is to understand everyoneβs needs, when she looks at Adi and him, lot of happiness fill in her heart. But when she looks herself where she adds, “Par jab main khud ko dekhti hoon toh woh khushi nahin milti hain.”
The tale is pack into strong, dynamic yet elusive moments, the everlasting struggle between domestic responsibilities and dreams that many housewives go through. The screenplay that goes across with the journey of a mother who decides to give herself to fulfilling her dreams comes true. The whole story is an emotional, inspiring, fine distinction and thoroughly engaging and appealing. The dialogues are shimmering, blinking. The soundtrack (music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, lyrics by Javed Akhtar) are soulful and expressive. Music constructs in so smoothly and holds the right chord.
Kangana Ranaut as Jaya is terrific. She always, come across an excellent, magnificent, fantastic performance and not even for a single second, does she spoil the character.
The supporting cast gives their ace performances β Richa Chadha is superb. She also brings in plenty of laughs. Jassie Gill as the supportive husband is impressive and does full justice to his role.
‘Panga’ is a film that tribute to all mothers who always think their family, endless hours of work they take care all the member of the family, and at the same time urges them to never give up on their dreams, should take that second chance. This film gives an important voice when so many women drop out their dreams for the workforce, and family issues. Panga is an extremely well-crafted film. This film is an ode to motherhood and chasing one motherβs dreams, so every woman is must watch.