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Saala Khadoos review: Madhavan and Ritika's stellar act makes it a gripping tale!

Film: Saala Khadoos

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Film: Saala Khadoos
Directed by: Sudha Kongara
Starring: R Madhavan, Ritika Singh, Mumtaz Sorcar Naseer and Zakir Hussain
Rating: *** (Three stars) 

What's it's about:
When his coach sabotages his career over money, it turns boxer Aditya Tomar (Madhavan) into an angry and bitter man. In retirement, he finds himself as the coach of the women’s boxing team in Delhi. But he is frustrated by the internal politics, which doesn't allow talented boxers even reach the ring, leave alone win. He sees mediocrity flourishing in the sport he loves and he takes on his superiors. But the system overpowers him and he is forced to take a transfer to Chennai. There is no talent in the existing team there, but he finds it in the sister of one of the boxers, a fisherwoman Madi (Ritika Singh). But she isn't interested in sport. She is hotheaded and independent, only agreeing to come for practice in exchange for money. He dreams of finding and grooming a boxer who can represent India and bring home the Gold. Will his dream come true?
 
What's good:
Saala Khadoos explores the murky world of sexual favors, corruption and favoritism even in a sport like boxing. Director Sudha Kongara manages to build the relationship between the coach and his protégé brilliantly. From the indifference to hostility to the grudging respect and finally love. The emotional highs have been handled very well - the moment Adi finally loses faith in Madi and leaves will break your heart. When Madi is in the boxing ring being destroyed by her opponent, you will feel her pain. That's quite an achievement given that you know she will triumph in the end. Still, the tension, the rage, the helplessness and finally the triumph on screen strikes a chord. Madhavan delivers a knockout punch as the hard-shelled coach. Casting Ritika Singh (a boxer) could have gone wrong, except that she takes to acting as if she was born for it. Whether she is inside the ring or outside, she doesn't waver from her character even for a second. Her transformation from a hothead to the broken and subdued girl is noteworthy. It is a beautifully measured movie that reiterates the power of pure storytelling, which is often underplayed because of sensationalism. Apart from the principal actors, each person in the cast delivers a fine performance. Zakir Hussain and Naseer are brilliant as always.
 
What's not:
The songs could have been done away with. Yes, the screenplay is sometimes predictable and there are many scenes that will remind you of Chak De! India, Mary Kom and even Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. The problem in a sports film is usually that there is nothing we haven’t seen before. This one too succumbs to the same syndrome.
 
What to do:
Saala Khadoos is emotionally gripping tale with heart and a punch.

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