The Panga trailer keeps the struggle and the triumph subtle yet very effective, feels Moumita Bhattacharjee.
Kangana Ranaut proves yet again that she is a fine actress with Panga.
The film tells the story of an ex-Kabaddi champion, who lives a life of domesticity.
She has a husband, a child and a railway job.
Life could have been smooth but a champion always yearns to remain one.
The trailer makes it evident that the film rests on Kangana's shoulders and she does a fab job.
Being a sports drama, it could have veered towards Dangal's territory of fiery grit and extreme struggle but director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari keeps it tight and to the point.
She has had strong female protagonists in her last two outings, Nil Battey Sannata and Bareilly Ki Barfi.
Panga will be no different.
But don't expect it to be a rousing film on female empowerment. It's just a tale of an ex-athlete trying to get her groove back.
While Kangana suits the character of Jaya to the T, Jassie Gill -- her loving and encouraging husband -- is the winner here. Jassie shows off a lovely personality, in the way he fends off his wife's kicks while sleeping and the way he eggs her on to grab the opportunity when it comes knocking.
We would have liked to see a little more of Neena Gupta in the trailer, as her banter with Kangana brings on a smile.
No attempts have been made to show Kangana's character as a feminist or an activist for women fighting against all odds to get what she wants.
There's a scene when the actress tries to have a conversation with a group of Kabaddi players but they don't recognise her. The hurt on her face is very real.
If you are looking for powerful one-liners to heighten emotions, you will be disappointed. The Panga trailer keeps the struggle and the triumph subtle yet very effective.
Panga will release on January 24.
Moumita Bhattacharjee believes that writing on movies is pure fate. She can be contacted at movies@rediff-inc.com
