Balti Movie Review

Where friendship meets fury, and the game turns into survival.”

Balti, starring Shane Nigam and directed by Unni Sivalingam, is an energetic blend of sports drama and gangster action that offers audiences a vibrant cinematic experience. While its kabaddi backdrop provides an interesting starting point, the film truly shines when it shifts gears into a high-voltage action drama filled with raw energy, layered characters, and gripping confrontations.

The story revolves around four kabaddi-loving friends whose bond off the field is just as strong as their teamwork on it. At the center is Udhayan (Shane Nigam), the group’s reluctant yet dependable leader, whose quiet charm and innocence make him instantly relatable. He spends his time navigating small-town life, harboring a shy crush, and enjoying carefree moments with his friends. The turning point comes through Kumar (Shanthanu Bhagyaraj), the impulsive and ambitious member of the group, whose choices drag them into the unforgiving world of local loan sharks. Shanthanu is a revelation, delivering a nuanced performance that is both unpredictable and engaging.

Director Unni Sivalingam cleverly uses the kabaddi setup as a springboard, gradually transitioning the narrative into an intense gangster saga. The second half brims with drama, suspicion, and betrayal, keeping viewers invested in the friends’ fate. The world of loan sharks and financiers is brought alive with stylish characterization and sharp detailing.

Selvaraghavan is particularly impressive as Bhairavan, a ruthless financier whose menacing presence and layered backstory make him a standout antagonist. Supporting performances by Alphonse Puthren as the flashy Soda Babu and Poorinam Indrajith as G-maa inject flair and unpredictability into the narrative. Complementing the action is Sai Abhayankar’s pulsating score, which elevates even the simplest of scenes and adds urgency to the unfolding drama.

Shane Nigam anchors the film with sincerity, while his chemistry with Shanthanu forms the emotional core of the story. Though Preeti Asrani’s role is brief, she brings warmth to her limited screen time.

What makes Balti engaging is its unapologetic embrace of pulp action and gritty drama. While not aiming for perfection as a sports drama, it confidently thrives as a gangland entertainer. With its energetic storytelling, strong performances, and a gripping second half, Balti emerges as a solid, entertaining watch for fans of action-driven cinema.

Cast: Shane Nigam, Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, Preethi Asrani, Alphonse Puthren, Selvaraghavan and others.

Produced by : Santhosh T. Kuruvilla & Binu George Alexander.

Directed by:  Unni Sivalingam

Rating…4.1/5

PR Yuvraaj

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