Perfection is always work in progress. So, if someone tells you that SAALA KHADOOS ( Tamil version – IRUDHI SUTTRU) the R Madhavan’s latest film punching above its weight- could have been better- they are stating the obvious.
If you look within the sports genre, suddenly India has been producing lot many and lot better movies. At least I am not complaining. After Joh Jeeta Who Sikandar and Lagan masquerading as sports movies, we now have Mary Kom, Bhag Milka Bhag. There are two on wrestling and a biopic on MSD on floor.
NO IT IS NOT A KNOCKOUT- BUT IT COMFORTABLY LAST THE ROUNDS.
This is one of the best of R Madhavan and in the category.
DO NOT BE A KHADOOS WATCH SAALA KHADOOS IN THEATER
It is story of a angry boxing coach Adi Tomar ( R MADHAAN) who was always of taking politics out of boxing. To further rub-salt on his wounds to take him out of active Boxing association arena by the ambitious but corrupt ZAKIR HUSSAIN. Adi is sent to Chennai. There he finds raw talent in a fish seller B Madhi ( RITIKA SINGH) and trains her to win the world championship.
OH YES, HERE WE NEVER COMPROMISE IN INDIAN MOVIES.
So when you see a coach and you see a girl punching we all know that sooner than later ( in this
case some 110 minutes) she will be a world champion. But this has story within story that has been well sketched and under played. Like that of Madhi’s elder sister Lux ( Mumtaz Sorcar) who box and wants to win so that she can join the police force. Nasser as the local junior coach at Chennai plays his role with all the facial expressions we have seen him in past.
The lead cast is perfect and R Madhavan Rocks. More is the girl RITIKA who at times overacts but she packs a punch or two in acting too.
Appreciate and acknowledge the sharp editing by Sathish Suriya and camerawork of Sivkumar Vijayan complimenting each other to push the film.
The movie is directed by Sudha Kongara. And not credited and may never be reed with – there are traces of Clint Eastwood of Million Dollar baby- but again I am not complaining.
