Running man

STRADDLING THE UPPER echelons of both Bollywood and Hollywood, Irrfan (formerly Irrfan Khan), it appears, is impervious to the critics’ notoriously acidic barbs. Every project the classically-trained thespian puts his name to instantly garners plaudits in both hemispheres. Whether it’s his moving portrayal of a disenfranchised resident of India’s financial capital in Mumbai Meri Jaan, a cameo in the Owen Wilson film The Darjeeling Limited or the hardnosed yet upstanding police officer in Slumdog Millionaire, the subtle nuances in every performance carry with them a certain hallmark, enticing audiences to follow his career with enthusiasm.

His latest release, Paan Singh Tomar (out this week on DVD across the Emirates), is yet another vehicle for Irrfan’s brooding intensity to shine through.

Based on the eponymous hero’s life, Paan Singh Tomar charts the true story of the Indian army athlete who won a gold medal at the 1950 Indian National Games, yet had to retire and return home to settle a land dispute in his village. After failing to come to terms, the tribe challenging for the protagonist’s property murdered Singh’s mother, forcing him to become a ‘baaghi’ (or rebel) and form a gang to wreak havoc in an attempt to avenge her death.

“It has been very satisfying for me, bringing this man’s incredible life to the screen,” Irrfan told City Times over the phone from the official launch of the DVD in Mumbai. “I found out so many things about him. The situation he found himself in after his mother died had to be shared. It was reported in the news at the time, but on the big screen hopefully this man’s legacy will live on forever.”

Achieving critical acclaim across the board when it was released in cinemas in early March, the 49-year-old actor, initially a little apprehensive about the response, was taken aback by how the movie was received.

“Some people were worried about the interpretation we would take. Even though the story is pure drama, there were interested parties who weren’t sure how the journey would look on screen. The biggest compliment came when we received congratulations from those who actually knew him,” Irrfan said. “People were overwhelmed and upset that this man was treated this way. He was a national hero and was forced into a life of crime by elements he could not control.”

Paan Singh Tomar is another character in a long line of highly dramatic roles Irrfan has played in recent years. Seemingly drawn to socially conscious pictures, the star stated that these are the more interesting projects, but qualified his sentiments by revealing entertainment is the priority.

“A film works for me when the character has something to say. There have been many one-dimensional films that I have done that purely entertain. Those are obviously worthwhile and fun to do. But as an actor you want to have a voice that resonates with audiences and hopefully makes them think a little whilst being entertained. Like with Slumdog, there are so many layers to the movie that even on the fifth viewing you get something more and it can make you perceive what the story is trying to say in a different light.”

It was then put to the actor why he believes he has been so readily accepted in both major industries and why he continues to receive offers for high profile productions including the villainous Dr. Ratha in the upcoming multi-million dollar Spider-Man reboot, The Amazing Spider-Man, opening in July.

“I think it’s the way I play characters that appeals to an American and European audience as well as at home,” Irrfan explained. “The American market is the world market, so of course I have to adapt how I play certain aspects depending on where I am. That seems to work, but overall I just give myself to the part no matter where the movie comes from.”

And could he reveal anything about Spidey and his time on set?

“It’s a fantastic cast that I’ve been put with, but we’re going to begin the press campaign in the coming months, so there is not much I can say about it at the moment.”