Movie Review (Panga)

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No matter how much people get disappointed with Bollywood, it has never ceased to satisfy an ardent lover of drama films like me. 
Let that be "Thappad" which shows how a wife who is ill-treated by her husband, stands out for her self-respect; "English Vinglish" which shows an Indian homemaker's longing to master the Lingua Franca(English) despite being ridiculed by her husband; "Nil Battey Sannata" which talks about a mother who dreams her daughter's future; "Queen" which teaches that women can be happy despite being single; "Dum laga ke haisha" which teaches that love conquers looks and a handful of other sports drama films.

In this lengthy list comes, Kangana Ranaut starer "Panga"(2020). 

Panga means "to pay back", "to retribute". 
It is based on the real life story of a Kabaddi player and former Indian women's team captain who had to let go her dreams and aspirations to take care of her family.

Being a typical sports drama film, it revolves around the life of Jaya Nigham, who quits her sport to take care of her prematurely born son. Life goes smoothly with a supporting husband and an adorable son  with a mediocre job in railways for seven years. Once when her son says that she is just selling tickets and does nothing so remarkable, she gets hurt. She starts questioning her self worth. When Prashant, her husband tries to console her, she daunts him for consoling her without advising Adi, their son. 

But as the movie progresses, Prashant discloses that Jaya used to be at the peak of her career when she fell in love with him and it was for their child Adi who was in need of constant care, she gave up on her dream— playing for India. This brings a change of mind in precocious, Adi.
He asks his father a million dollar question "Can't mom make her comeback at 32?" With that question, Jaya's path to her long lost dream begins. 
Though she doesn't think that she is physically or mentally fit to make a comeback as a kabbadi player, she pretends to practise everyday just to convince her son. And she eventually regains her past self and confidence that she doesn't want to leave. It's unleashed in a light-hearted way, how she makes her dream come true, fighting her vulnerabilities. It is not a cakewalk for her to compete the younger and more lithe players to make it to the finals. 

Despite having a clichéd theme, the movie is watchable with the outstanding performances of the major characters. Kangana's undaunted characterisation reminds the audience of "Queen"; the tiny tot, Adi steals the show with his innocence; Prashant, the supporting husband with a charming smile turns out to be a quick favourite; Jaya's boisterous friend— Meenu who still continues to be a kabbadi coach, Jaya's easy-go-lucky mother who pitches in when She has to leave her family for Mumbai, to be trained further, random friendly colleagues, her ever supporting neighbour, grumpy, apathetic boss and the seemingly grudgy, yet competent captain who underestimates Jaya's caliber all have their own charm.

The movie justifies its genre as a drama film. It's undoubtedly a motivating "rags to riches" story; Some scenes portray the nuances of middle class family's happiness— right from scooter rides and night outs; Kabbadi players might feel reminiscent of their sport. But the second half lacks needed twists as everyone knows that it's an unwritten rule that the protagonist wins ultimately. Hence the plot ultimately fizzles out.

Dialogues are written to the point, mellow with a tinge of subtle humour. Most of the power packed dialogues are delivered by the protagonist when in distress. Meenu's dialogues are limited yet she has a lasting impact with her flamboyant attitude. Prashant's smile overpowers his dialogues yet has achieved the needed effect. Music too is soothing and relevant to match the life in suburbs.

On the whole, the movie is for the drama lovers, feminists and who liked Kangana's performance in "Queen". It is a leisurely watch with occasional emotional outpours and a noble message that age and family don't have to hinder one's career. 

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