Balti Movie Review: Kabaddi meets chaos in this gritty, emotion-driven sports drama

Balti, Shane Nigam’s 25th film, is a commendable attempt at merging the raw intensity of sports drama with the emotional weight of friendship and the unpredictability of crime. Set in Velampalayam, a kabaddi driven town straddling the Kerala -Tamil Nadu border, the film introduces us to a world where the sport is more than just a pastime – it’s a way of life, a symbol of pride, and often, a tool of power. Directed by debutant Unni Sivalingam, the film captures this world with confidence and texture, offering a grounded, character driven narrative that resonates more often than not.

The story follows four friends: Udhayan, Kumar, Suresh, and Mani – who rise as local kabaddi stars, steering the Panjami Raiders to regional fame. But as victories mount, so do tensions, egos, and entanglements with local politics and power figures. The first half does a fine job of establishing the milieu, blending match sequences with everyday skirmishes and layered relationships. Unni Sivalingam impresses with his control over the setting and tone, managing to make the film feel lived-in despite some obvious genre beats. The kabaddi scenes stand out as they are captured with long takes and minimal cuts, they bring an urgency and physicality that feels organic rather than choreographed.

As the film shifts gears in the second half, moving from athletic rivalries to personal betrayals and darker moral territory, it opens up emotionally. Though the transitions aren’t always seamless, the emotional beats deepen. The narrative explores how ambition, loyalty, and pride can push close friends toward conflict and ultimately, irreversible choices. The climax, though not entirely unexpected, is tense and satisfying, with just enough edge to leave a lasting impression. Even the sequel tease, while slightly abrupt, speaks to the filmmaker’s vision for a broader canvas.

Shane Nigam delivers a poised, deeply committed performance, capturing the inner conflicts of a man torn between team loyalty and personal ambition. Shanthnu Bhagyaraj is compelling in a more complex role, while Selvaraghavan, in a restrained yet effective turn, adds quiet menace. Alphonse Puthren offers welcome levity, and Preethi Asrani and Poornima Indrajith lend grace to their roles, even when underused.

On the technical front, Alex J Pulikkal’s cinematography deserves praise for its earthy tones and kinetic camera work, especially in the kabaddi scenes. Shivkumar V Panicker’s editing ensures momentum in the first half, while Sai Abhyankkar’s background score adds energy where needed, with Jalakkari standing out as the film’s most memorable musical moment.

While Balti treads familiar thematic ground, it does so with sincerity, heart, and a welcome sense of realism. It’s not just a celebration of Shane Nigam’s 25th film, it’s also a confident debut by a director who shows clear promise. With a more polished screenplay, this could have soared even higher. As it stands, Balti is engaging, well-performed, and worth experiencing on the big screen.

Balti Movie Rating: 3/5