Paan Singh Tomar is a Hindi language film. It is based on the true story of a runner who turned into a rebel. The film is directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, who says that he has portrayed Paan as a rebel in the film ‘Paan Singh Tomar’, which is based on the real life of a sportsman-turned-dacoit from Chambal.
Paan Singh Tomar was an exceptional athlete, who ruled the steeplechase event (a 3,000 meter obstacle race that includes a water jump) at the Indian National Games for seven years (his record stood unbeaten for 10 years) and represented India at International Competitions.
He gives up running and his post as a Subedar in the Indian Army and goes on to become a dacoit, who wreaks havoc in the Chambal Valley.
Director of the film, Tigmanshu Dhulia says that he first learned about Tomar while working on the sets of Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen in Chambal. After resolving to make a film on Tomar’s life, he researched the film’s background for two years. Dhulia visited Tomar’s native village and interviewed his family members.
While talking to the PTI, Tigmanshu Dhulia said: “As a director, for me Tomar was not a dacoit, but a rebel. He is someone who has struggled a lot in his life”.
Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, who has also done some Hollywood projects, is essaying the role of Paan Singh Tomar. Irrfan Khan said: “It was a challenge for me to play Tomar. His life was full of uncertainty and confusion. I tried to portray him as he actually was in order to do justice to his role”. The film also stars Mahi Gill, Vipin Sharma, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Imran Hasnee, Ankur Jain, Rahul Sharma, Ankur Garg, Neeraj Jain, Varun Kumar Garg and Vikas Pachauri.
The film is produced by Ronnie Screwvala and is distributed by UTV Motion Pictures and UTV Spotboy Motion Pictures. The film was premiered at the South Asian International Film Festival on October 31st, 2010. The film will release in India on March 2nd, 2012.
