Saala Khadoos
wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)
Been there, seen that. As predictable as the next underdog film. Good performances though.
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Saala Khadoos - Preview
It is safe to say that it is not fair to expect anything new from a film in this genre. Not just the 'what', even the 'how' follows a standard pattern to keep you interested. Starts with protagonist at a low; he/she achieves some success, faces a few hardships; successes and failures might alternate a few more times before the ultimate victory. Even so, the films are almost always watchable at least once. Either because of the heartwarming story or because of the specifics of the ups and downs or because of the performances.
The performances here seem to be on the mark with R. Madhavan as Madhi's coach. In the trailer itself, Ritika Singh shows the fire within Madhi. Yet, I hope there is something beyond the performances that Saala Khadoos can give us. No, not the romance, in fact let's hope that the romance doesn't get in the way of the story. But, something more to cheer for the khadoos.
Music Reviews:
Bollywood Hungama - "2/5"
Milliblog – in a 200 worder, As a combo, it flows so smootly and is darn good!""
Music Aloud - "8/10"
Rediff – "2.5/5"
- meeta, a part of the audience
There are guesses to make as far as a Hindi underdog film's climax goes. The problem with Saala Khadoos is that every minute in the film is predictable. There are some good performances, sure. Also, it invokes a sadness for the condition of sports in the country. That is predictable too. The system is the worst imaginable film after film with little glimmer of hope. Now, that is one sorry state of the state.
I guess, even sorrier is that is the fact that reality must be worse than what many of these films portray. Ah well...
Despite the predictability, some fine performances keep you engaged. R Madhavan might seem like a sulking loser. But, there are moments when you can see his resolve to be focused on the future of the sport in the country and nothing else. Viewers can take “he is stern for a good reason” personality as a given – that's how good the performance is. Ritika Singh too plays out various shades of Madhi quite well, maybe over-doing the boisterous bit a tad. Yet, not enough to hold it against her. Zakir Hussain does is annoying bit well enough for you to want to squirm every time he is on screen. And this is all despite the off dubbing.
That the actors cannot do more is to be blamed on superficially written characters. The script too is convenient when hardships suddenly smoothen out and smooth tiding suddenly become tough. Which is alright, because that is how life is. But here, it is rather unbelievable. The romantic arc, the change in heart come across as functional rather than organic to the story. The fire in the dialogue and spunk of the first half dies out in the second half and you are left with nothing but a predictable plot and performances you have gotten used to. The writers wanted to focus on the sport and nothing else, and that shows.
Other departments pitch in to that effect too. The cinematography is not unique but works well during the boxing matches. The songs, though mostly in the background, jar the flow of the film. Some lyrics stick though, like - Khwaab banke aaya tha tu, Yaad banke reh gaya1.
The drama though limited, is very typical to that of any film which wants a grand finale. This unfortunately, makes the film even more predictable than it already is.
Unfortunately, that is how the ball roles. Underdog films about the state of sports have to focus as much on being unpredictable as they have to on the topic itself. Else, they are bound to lose.
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1translation – you came as a dream, and turned into a memory. Can be interpreted as – you came as a dream come true and turned into a mere memory)
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...A touch like that is worth five pages of dialogue. Even the most minor characters give us a glimpse of a larger story. I’m thinking about the boxing committee member played by Radharavi, who’s there for all of five minutes. But we see him with Prabhu, and we sense their shared history, the true nature of which is revealed at the end. That something this deep, this dramatic is accomplished through a laugh-out-loud line (one of many) is the sweetest punch of all.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rakesh Reddy, Desi Martini : ...Another biggest plus in the movie is the music by Santhosh Narayan. The songs were offbeat and the BGM was awesome. He is indeed a talent. Cinematography was neat and editing was crisp and gripping. Overall, Irudhi Sutru is a perfect comeback for Maddy and a film to watch for sure for it's brilliant performances and a neat story of a boxer and his student. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Karthik Kumar, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Sudha Kongara scores high in her second outing with a genuinely moving film which is backed ably by remarkable lead performances. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...Saala Khadoos is emotionally gripping tale with heart and a punch. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...The characterizations though don’t have as much depth as was required to make this one worthy of attachment. There are quite a few unpalatable contrivances used to heighten the dramatics. Some of the confrontations between coach and pupil seem unnecessary. The tendency to veer off away from the objective of rags-to-riches glory also takes away from the overall excitement in this enterprise. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Pankhurie Mulasi, Movie Talkies : ...All in all Saala Khadoos is a well-intentioned film, which has its heart in place. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...Music by Santhosh Narayanan is good, especially ‘Saala Khadoos’, ‘Jhalli Patakha’, ‘Jagaa Khunnas’ and ‘Dil Ye Ladaku’. The background music is of top notch and works in the favour of the film. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Shaheen Raaj, Star Blockbuster : ...Last Word: Saala Khadoos is by far the best sports film so far since Chak De! India, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag Mary Com etc. A certainly not to be missed fare. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Meena Iyer, Times of India : ...Both Adi and Madhi are rebels. But their fights appear forced and out of sync. But then again, the film keeps you engaged till the proud-India bout in the climax because of the convincing performances. Madhavan is good as the cynical coach who wants nothing more than to earn his stripes. Ritika is raw yet manages a knockout performance. Nasser, Mumtaz and Zakir lend good support. ... full review
So-So, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...So yes, it needed to tone down its pitch in places and stay more focused, but there is so much to recommend Saala Khadoos. The fact that it is a sports film is reason enough to pop open the champagne since the genre is too rarely visited in Hindi cinema. As with most such films, the final outcome in the ring is not hard to predict here. The journey to that moment though is emotionally engaging and, after a point, nerve-wracking enough to draw cheers of delight. Adi and Madhi are worth investing in. That’s what makes this film worth watching. ... full review
So-So, by Sreeju Sudhakaran, Bollywood Life : ...Saala Khadoos could have been a decent sports drama, if it had the touch of a master storyteller like Shimit Amin. Sadly, it turns out to be neither as memorable as Chak De India, nor as inspiring as Priyanka Chopra’s Mary Kom. At best, Saala Khadoos is a strictly average affair! Watch it only for the performances of the lead actors! ... full review
So-So, by Mehak Khurana, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - While Madhavan is brilliant as the Saala Khadoos, Ritika Singh emerges as the hero of the movie. ... full review
So-So, by Ameet Bhuwan, Desi Martini : ...Nonetheless, SK is a strong film. It promised a nice sports film, and it delivers in huge measure. It is the years first decent outing at the theatres and is not to be missed at any cost. ... full review
So-So, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...This is also a Rajkumar Hirani production and Saala Khadoos bears an uncanny stamp of slice of life brilliance that's characteristic of his brand of cinema. It has the right balance of humour, drama and insight. It sheds light on the many fallacies of sports in India but it never gets preachy or boring. It always stays relevant and most importantly it engages you and entertains. This is Bollywood's happier answer to Million Dollar Baby. And to employ the old Mohammad Ali adage, this one floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee. ... full review
So-So, by Subhash K Jha, FirstPost : ...Alas, the film itself doesn’t match up to the glory of its stunning visual velocity or its leading man's towering performance. This is Madhavan’s Raging Bull. By far his career’s finest performance. The film could have been better, though. Much better. ... full review
So-So, by Sweta Kaushal, Hindustan Times : ...Yes, avoid this grumpy drama if you are looking for a good sports film. If you must, watch it for Madhavan’s power-packed performance.... full review
So-So, by RAJEEV MASAND, IBN Live : ...Saala Khadoos sticks to familiar ground as far as a sports film goes, although the climatic bout is genuinely thrilling. Amidst all the faux sentimentality, we still get a protagonist that we can’t help rooting for. That is the film’s real success. I’m going with three out five. ... full review
So-So, by Vivek, India Entertainment : ...Overall a moderate entertainer, which could have been much better. ... full review
So-So, by Ananya Bhattacharya, india today : ...At the end of the day, Saala Khadoos works because of the performances by its cast. Maybe the scene would have been a bit different had Omung Kumar's Mary Kom not been released just a year-and-a-half ago. Watch Saala Khadoos for its lead actors. ... full review
So-So, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...Watch or Not?: Not a must-watch! Saala Khadoos is a typical Bollywood sports drama that is highly formulaic. Also, there is little sport in this sports-based film. ... full review
So-So, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...But, unfortunately, much of it doesn't seem to work as the film, scene after scene, falls into a predictable rut and a ho-hum climax doesn't salvage the matter either. You walk out of the film feeling tad disheartened instead of that triumphant feeling that you expect from a movie belonging to this genre.... full review
So-So, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Moreover, the overly obtrusive background score and the songs that are frequently bunged in to heighten emotion are rather distracting. ... full review
So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...The film does have its share of endearing moments. One of them is a poster saying 'Harty Welcome' when Adi arrives in Chennai. One wishes the film had other such insights that made it different from the rest. Sadly, the film chooses to walk the predictable path, instead of carving its own. ... full review
So-So, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...Saala Khadoos is unable to rise above the predictability and time-worn clichés of an average sports movies. One hopes the Tamil version would have come together better.... full review
So-So, by Pallavi Patra, Zee News : ...Well, he did and with such a powerful climax! This sports drama will stay with you if you can embrace it for its lead performance. To put it more aptly, the leads definitely pack a punch! ... full review
Thumbs down, by SUSHMITA MURTHY, Deccan Chronicle : ...Blame it on the other glorious attempts at sports films that have spoiled us or a lack of soul in this one, there are too many déjà vu moments in the film. It explains itself when in the end, the screen reads, ‘This film is inspired by many true stories’. That’s what we thought. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Mohit Patil, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - A hackneyed, uninspired underdog story. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...SAALA KHADOOS is nowhere in the league of a good sports film, but considering the release it is lined up against this week, it is definitely worth a watch. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...Between its many, many confused, underdeveloped, raucous ideas, hides the film Saala Khadoos set out to be. Too bad it never made it to the screen. ... full review
Yoda61988996: Movie: Saala Khadoos, My Rating 4.5/5. This is a very good movie.. Madhavan and Ritika are a treat to watch. I have https://t.co/mwNVkAxc2h
yashdeeph709: saala khadoos what a movie fullon entertainment fantastic movie #maddy rocks and the new girl will get awards... https://t.co/LuY6MMRNi0
WordLinkSPORTS: 'Saala Khadoos' review: Arresting performances make it a captivating movie #sports https://t.co/82lCBWwJ1Z https://t.co/VEW8WNAXrf
TrustmeRs: WATCHED Saala Khadoos. 4.5/5
Trendulkar: Lovely performance by Ritika Singh in Saala Khadoos. Good movie.
topadultdating1: "Saala Khadoos" has rich production values and the music and picturisation are the big attractions in the tech... https://t.co/gPCqyhT62l
TheQuint: #SaalaKhadoos is predictable but brilliantly performed, says @rjstutee https://t.co/6BYaf5sIxR https://t.co/kuyJaMbKsy
THEOFFICIALB4U: Rajkumar Hirani and R.Madhavan used their best film-making skills on Saala Khadoos: https://t.co/Qvgl2FbFt3 via @YouTube
ShelkeMadhavi: Saala Khadoos = Action+ Passion+Amazing direction...#MustWatch #KhadoosPunch #BollyMirchi
ShamitaShetty: Watched Saala Khadoos.. Loved it! Maddy as usual is absolutely fantastic and n so is newcomer… https://t.co/avHe5yPxHy
Shakttimaan: Saala Khadoos.. What a macho performance by @ActorMadhavan Superb power packed punches(dialouges) Please do more bollywood movies...
service4ca: Loved saala khadus. Madhavan and all others have given power packed performance.
SemTashi: Is Movie ne toh dil mein chuliyan,,bhahut achha tha.... I really love this movie,,this 2 all team of Saala khadoos https://t.co/AWr7UKaW67
SajanCallMeSaj: Saw 'SAALA KHADOOS' , Simply brilliant.......!!!!!!! Transformation from the chocolate boy of the industry to the... https://t.co/8S7r0yNTt6
sajalmishra14: awsome movies in a row first airlift & now saala khadoos
rjhemani_08: Saala khadoos go for watch awesome acting of @ActorMadhavan and Ritika
reedhee: Saala Khadoos.....loved it...Boxing & only Boxing it is...Madhavan..ur too cute & Loved the jhalli too....best... https://t.co/950EbYmJwX
raniendu: Saala Khadoos ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
rakibaltaf: Saala Khadoos is love in its purest form.
radiochatter: If u like boxing, Madhavan and/or Rajkumar Hirani type of films then #SaalaKhadoos is the movie to watch. My review https://t.co/z29JhliHoR
pranoyMazumdar: I don't remember when I last saw such a beautiful bollywood movie. Hats off to Madhavan & co! \m/ Must watch... #Saala Khadoos :)
pavant56: Saala Khadoos ... My 5 star rating movie... Thoroughly enjoyed.. This should bring back Madhavan to frontline...... https://t.co/pRIOWD4UOg
news24tvchannel: 'Saala Khadoos': Clearly a champ - https://t.co/AZz4jbVtgC https://t.co/3aoFLbZQBD
Na7vs: R.Madhavan as usual is terrific in Saala Khadoos but its Ritika Singh who surprised me with her mind blowing performance on debut.
mottomuthu: #SudhaKongaraPrasad suberb film.ritika Singhacting outstanding&Maddyalso .Hatt's off to entireteam of saala khadoos https://t.co/eD3XkKTxVI
miyakusai: 'Saala Khadoos': Clearly a champ
MissTalks_a_Lot: First half of Saala Khadoos is really good! Didn't want intermission actually. @ActorMadhavan is looking so so so good!
MetroConfession: Saala Khadoos <3 https://t.co/3hXnnkpUDO
MeSorav22: साला खड़ूस को 3.5 स्टार : शानदार, बॉक्सिंग के अलावा भी बहुत कुछ है फिल्म में https://t.co/6OI6bAALbv #SaalaKhado… https://t.co/DhuStPlaIW
MehrTarar: Saala Khadoos: well-made w/ a cast that fits effortlessly into the story. @ActorMadhavan & @ritika_offl share a kickass chemistry, & are fab
KhosreSagar: Enjoyed to see you every time, best of best acting maddy sir. Inspiring movie credit goes to whole team of sala khadus @ActorMadhavan
khan_dashrath: Saala Khadoos is not Khadoos type of film.... It is perfect movie to watch:) Good Movie
khalidrafiq141: Saala Khadoos movie review: R Madhavan & Ritika Singh starrer is a refreshing yet clichéd take on sports culture i… https://t.co/1FUtMJZry9
Kaminapun: saala khadoos has been watched. it's nice. ritika singh is the new crush.
jeevani_111: Saala Khadoos is a Knock out !
jayantsjy: "Saala Khadoos " is entertaining , and intresting !
jayabharati43: Saala Khadoos is an excellent movie
indianews: Saala Khadoos review: Madhavan and Ritika's stellar act makes it a gripping tale!: Film: Saala KhadoosDirected... https://t.co/0XNauOWPWj
ImWinkle: Just watched....SAALA KHADOOS (MOVIE)....OWESOME DIRECTION EVERYTHING WAS GREAT.... MUST WATCH MOVIE......
iamshruti7: Saala Khadoos bhi dekh.. Superb movie..
iamgowtigow: Best sports movie after #chak de India #IrudhiSuttru #saala khadoos awesome acting @ActorMadhavan #rithika Singh a good message to parents
Hrishyvasudev: Irudhi Suttru - Awesome Movie! Must Watch! :) #saala_khadoos
hardikambaji: 'Saala Khadoos' is a super movie. A coach is always a coach (he is not a teacher) - his job is to get the hell... https://t.co/R2SYPftR5d
h_kotak: Saala Khadoos, Awesome Mvi! Watch out for both the Sarfira's as dey showcase Sheer Passion, Dedication,... https://t.co/CjJIZpkRPJ
gradwolf: My review of the pretty well done Saala Khadoos https://t.co/bJu6J6vMSw
GokulaSelvan1: Saala Khadoos nice and excellent movie. Worth a watch.
gayatri_gauri: #SaalaKhadoos packs few punches but watchable.My #review: https://t.co/YJgA7BoXFp
gauravkrai: my review of #SAALAKHADOOS Performances win close, over Predictability! [3/5] Films based on sports in India... https://t.co/MPYSlM630z
Gajendiraa: Irudhi sutru (saala khadoos) super movie. Please watch it in theatre.
ET_Lifestyle: #SaalaKhadoos review: Arresting performances make it a captivating movie. https://t.co/yKEliTSmgh https://t.co/lcK0SiNGkL
entropied: Bravo !! Saala Khadoos has a scene mocking conversions to Christianity..First time in a bolly movie.
DMmovies: Nonetheless, #SaalaKhadoos is a strong film. 3.0 stars for #IrudhiSuttru @utvfilms https://t.co/uoy4tu1ty8 https://t.co/Tv30XedQZO
djazzsubham: Saala Khadoos is a brilliant film..This film is one of the finest boxing films ever made in India.Do a favour for... https://t.co/UzYzZGQCbN
dipeshdoshi: Saala Khadoos – A Powerful Punch https://t.co/qyFSBpVM6M https://t.co/tdbK5CcjFG
dilipgangwar: star: 3 1/2 https://t.co/3c2lbSxa7y
dhun111: I rated Saala Khadoos (2016) 8/10 #IMDb. Good movie. If this was not about sports then I don't know what is! https://t.co/M0NSbsGv5k
dadhichhitesh: Superb!!! @ActorMadhavan well scripted great performance by all stars cast well directed 'Saala Khadoos' must watch https://t.co/gBFVeC8oL9
cinespeaks1: Review of Saala Khadoos."Lovable and Adorable Saala Khadoos" https://t.co/qmTZEJKrL0 #cinespeaks #SudhaKongara https://t.co/FRC8rdngrA
ChamCybil: Saala khadoos way better than Mary Kom. You actually feel for the characters. Kudos to https://t.co/jqPrQXZS7C https://t.co/vLKjaP0Mv1
btown_town: Movie Saala Khadoos(2016) - PUBLIC REVIEW - 4/5 STARS: https://t.co/b3L8kslJXv via @YouTube
Bipradip435: Movie: Saala Khadoos, My Rating 3.5/5. Good One https://t.co/ZaZLewtfKC
bhaumikshukla: Saala Khadoos - Movie Review (★★★) - A well made energetic movie based on sports, awesomely acted by R.... https://t.co/iNmkcVxM4d
BeingRohan_: Saala Khadoos is Superb Film. Don't miss it! Loved loved loved it. #RMadhawan https://t.co/z5M4c0Fdko
battlingwords: Saala Khadoos Review: A Simple Tale with a Beautiful Narrative https://t.co/rFjBKOLdjm https://t.co/qaHjiUUfJm
arzilmoorthy: "Irudhi Suttru / Saala Khadoos"... A heart-warming boxing drama https://t.co/vgLcjCNEEL
anoop_nk: #SaalaKhadoos Saala Khadoos is a well made film. Great perfomance by Madhavan and Ritika...
Anirudh6196: Irudhi Suttru (Saala Khadoos) was very good. Madhavan was exceptional and Ritika Singh just stole the show tbh. Ridiculously good.
AnilThakur_: Go for ‘Saala Khadoos’ with your expectations in check and you won’t regret! https://t.co/mtG91Jd7Uw
AbsoluteIndiavs: Movie Review : Saala Khadoos is bound to strike a chord with a cross section of viewers, irrespective of being sports lovers (cont)
abhishekson2014: Big thumps up for the movie "saala khadoos" @ritika_offl
abdielkul: I am a big fan sir.Saala khadoos is awesome. You look so handsome.I really love the wa https://t.co/BoDdmUn29l https://t.co/98V1r51gkJ
10hottkaran: Saala khadoos.. Interval.. Fantastic! R madhavan
WeCreate4: Saala Khadoos Movie Review: It has enough heart. It's the heat that is missing. https://t.co/XU5O7I97uf
toastingtoaster: Saala khadoos : An average sports story boxed and carried through by R Madhavan.. DECENT
tmmahes_m: Movie: Saala Khadoos, My Rating 2/5. Ok, watchable for timepass https://t.co/NyfspxI1Ot
TejasPlayGod: [3/5] SAALA KHADOOS Review https://t.co/jaTBRkmssf
RjDhvanit: Mirchi Amdavadi Bioscope - Saala Khadoos is a one time watch. 2.5 Mirchis out of 5. #SaalaKhadoos #RMadhvan... https://t.co/LXMzgYYJtg
rags300892: Saala Khadoos: A Promising Portrait That Just Lacks The Finshing Touches https://t.co/pwftd8iglO https://t.co/kc9JoDfs2Q
Ngn_ldkion: #iFollowBack #FF #SV साला खड़ूस : फिल्म समीक्षा: साला खड़ूस यूं तो एक बार देखी जा सकती है... https://t.co/Zo3yeNvh6y #TeamFollowBack #TFB
itsNaCool: Finished Saala Khadoos ... predictable ... one time watch . Madhavan was good in it . 3/5
inextlive: #hindinews Movie review: अच्छी पर अतृप्त छोड़ने वाली फिल्म है साला खडूस https://t.co/HlBEbd2BHk
FilmyChaupal: Saala Khadoos Purani Botal Nai Sharab.. 2**/5
DeshBha: Saala Khadoos movie review: R Madhavan, Ritika Singh's boxing camaraderie wins in an average movie!
aditya_grover: SAALA KHADOOS [Movie Review] Rating: 3/5 Reviewed by: ADITYA GROVER “SAALA KHADOOS” is heartfelt but flawed!... https://t.co/rwLIiRNCWk
yazalineelima: Madhavan Saala Khadoos Movie Review an average sports movie https://t.co/TTNtVyBL67 https://t.co/qgzBNE6nYo
SatyaLoquacious: My take Madhavan's latest - 'Saala Khadoos' doesn't hit out of its boxing (bo)ring. https://t.co/L6khCi4JU8 https://t.co/ic0s0fmXdM
na8ik: Saala Khadoos ain't that good.
MohanSSoor: 'साला खड़ूस' (रिव्यू) : मुक्केबाजी पर बनी फिल्म में दमदार मुक्कों की कमी https://t.co/1pYRZC3jcX
mechanchiii: Saala khadoos is a waste of money. Over acting at all points, poor dialogues, bad dialogue delivery, bad script... https://t.co/FNYLyJ5AnH
just_mohit: Watched Saala khadoos. One of the finest sports movie. Kudos to the team.
faridabadtutor: Saala Khadoos review: Neither an engrossing sports drama nor an inspiring story of an underdog #Haryana Having ass… https://t.co/VmKNp1VLB9
bboindia: #SaalaKhadoos review: #Madhavan, Ritika shine in a disappointing film https://t.co/Hda4S1Tvbe
arietovih: Saala Khadoos review: Madhavan, Ritika shine in a disappointing film
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: Boxing fights
- Language: A few abusive words including the one in the title
- Nudity & Sexual content: Alludes to molestation and officials taking advantage of women sportspersons. Nothing shown on screen though.
- Concept: An underdog film that highlights the abysmal state of sports in the country
- General Look and Feel: Rusty
![[UTV Motion Pictures twitter account]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (2)
Thanks for the review. If Mary Kom would not have released a while back, this film would have done much better. I liked the acting of all the stars and they have done justice to the role.
Very good movie. . Want to watch again and again. .
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