After Bareilly ki Barfi (2018), for which she won a Filmfare award for ‘Best Director’, Ashwini Iyer Tiwari is back, this time with an ode to the sports-drama genre with a stellar star cast.
The story of Panga seems to be conceived from the life of a national level Kabaddi player in July 2018. Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, who has also co-written this film, has followed the triumphs, struggles and overcoming stereotypes of this Kabaddi player, who at the age of 32, and after being a mother, makes a comeback to the sport to represent the country.
Kangana Ranaut is back with her sincere performance, intense emotions and hitting the right note. She plays the character of Jaya Nigam, a former national level Kabaddi player, who played for the railways. In the present time, she is married, has a son and works the government job. The premise of the film, with a former player making a comeback is quite formulaic. But what makes it different, is the distinct way of showing conflicts.
The conflicts here are quite internal. Kangana’s character is shown at this cusp of vulnerable and fragile, but also on the other hand, motivated and inspired. Not just her, but the ensemble of supporting cast also adds onto to the sincerity with which Nitesh and Ashwini Tiwari have written this piece. Jassi Gill plays the supporting, quirky husband, while Richa Chadda plays the mentor/friend character. The film also sees Neena Gupta, Rajesh Tailang and a few more in the film.
This film releases on January 24th, 2020, may bring out Kangana’s best performance since Queen (2014).
Watch the trailer here –
