Saala Khadoos, written and directed by Sudha Kongara, fails to rise above the timeworn clich©s of the genre, but nevertheless succeeds in creating a credible world and, thanks to affecting performances from its principal players, gives us characters that we can care about.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 cant help rooting for. That is the films real success. Im going with three out five.

On the whole, Saala Khadoos is a heartwarming entertainer which will grow by positive word of mouth. But its low-key promotion and ineffective trailers have ensured a very dull opening for the film and given that the game today is of the first weekend, its box-office prospects will, unfortunately, not at all match its merits.

Saala Khadoos doesnt have too many laugh-out-loud moments if you discount the unintentional ones. Like when a black-eyed Ritika envisions Madhavan in a burly, bald baddies face at a key, dramatic juncture of the final fight or how her Russian opponent specially lost weight to specifically fight her and move from heavyweight to lightweight boxing.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.

Moreover, the overly obtrusive background score and the songs that are frequently bunged in to heighten emotion are rather distracting. Saala Khadoos, for all the storm that it seeks to whip up in the ring and outside it, does not string together enough points to be declared an outright winner.It has enough heart. Its the heat that is missing.

You know that a sports film is good when it gives its audience an adrenaline rush and makes one root for a character despite knowing fully well that the match result lies not in your cheers, but the directors cut. Saala Khadoos unfortunately does neither.

This one’s straight from the heart. Full marks to her for convincingly depicting a story of an underdog girl and her coach fighting against all the odds as they race towards victory.On the whole, SAALA KHADOOS is an euphoric and electrifying film with amazing performances from the lead cast. It is definitely engaging, and inspiring. It truly deserves an ovation and is worth your time and money. SAALA KHADOOS delivers a solid punch. Winner!

2016 has started with a bang. Last week #Airlift. This Friday #SaalaKhadoos. What. A. Film. Engaging. Inspiring. Deserves an ovation..SaalaKhadoos springs a big surprise. The characters, writing, edit, background score – top notch. High point: Nail-biting finale…Madhavan is terrific. Ritika is a revelation, a firebrand. Nasser and Zakir Hussain first-rate. Every character shines in #SaalaKhadoos…Director Sudha Kongara deserves distinction marks. This one’s straight from the heart. #SaalaKhadoos delivers a SOLID punch. Winner!

The beauty of Saala Khadoos is that its building to a finale that you can see from light years: a grand international match with a badass Russian boxer who, we all know, will be biting the dust by the end of it. You see, the writers have done such a fine job that it doesnt shock the viewers at all. And if you dare differ by mentioning films like Mary Kom and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, then hey come on, havent you heard of coincidence? PK succeeded Oh My God. Saala Khadoos releases after Chak De India, Mary Kom and Hawa Hawai. Well, that doesnt make it a bad film, its just bad timing. PS: For the na¯ve ones who believed this review, let me introduce you to the word, sarcasm.

The films strength lies on the broad shoulders of R Madhavan and Ritika Singh. Both give immensely watchable performances and thats what makes the first half an easy watch. Even the boxing matches look natural, but not nail biting enough. However, the dialogues do not have the required impact, and the film lacks surprises. Also you cant ignore the shades of Chak De India and Million Dollar Baby.

It starts off with promise, and showcases some great talent in the ring, and off it, but the narrative never allows it to soar.Despite the flaws, its the performances that redeem the movie. However, Adi and Madhi never emerge heroes, and thats a failing on the writing.While Saala Khadoos has some powerful moments, its not a knockout!