Balti (2025) – Movie Review

Plot Overview:

Set in a modest town on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, Balti follows the journey of four kabaddi underdogs whose lives spiral into chaos when one bold move drags them into the violent rivalry of three gangster groups. What begins as a tale of sports and camaraderie soon transforms into a gripping story of betrayal, bloodshed, and revenge.

Direction & Writing:

Director Unni Sivalingam makes a striking debut, balancing sports drama with gangster grit.

The screenplay smoothly blends kabaddi sequences, brotherhood, romance, and emotional depth.

The first half is fast-paced and energetic, while the second half dives into darker emotional territory, culminating in a classic yet impactful revenge arc.

Performances:

Shane – Delivers a standout performance, excelling in action, romance, and emotional moments.

Preethi Asrani – Adds charm and warmth, pairing well with Shane.

Selvaraghavan & Alphonse Puthren – Command the screen with attitude, voice modulation, and intensity.

Shantanu, Shiva Hariharan, Jeckson, Poornima, Asha Madathil, Kiran Peethambaran, Arjun, Vignesh – Each contributes meaningfully, giving the film a strong ensemble feel.
Technical Brilliance:

Technical Brilliance:

Cinematography (Alex): Captures rustic landscapes, kabaddi action, and street fights with stunning detail.

Editing (Shivkumar Panicker): Keeps the pace sharp, ensuring the narrative never drags.

Music (Sai Abhyankar): Elevates the film with powerful kabaddi beats and emotional background scores.

Sound Design (Vishnu Govind): Adds balance and impact to both action and emotional sequences.

Action (Santhosh & Vicky): Choreography feels raw, intense, and grounded.

Production Design, Costumes & Color Grading: Authentic detailing by Ashik S, Melwy, and Srik Varier creates a gritty, realistic atmosphere.

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 Highlights:

✔ Engaging kabaddi sequences
✔ Strong performances by the lead and supporting cast
✔ High-quality music and sound design
✔ Balance of sports, drama, and gangster rivalry
✔ A well-executed cliffhanger ending

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⚖️ Verdict:

Balti (2025) is more than just a sports drama—it’s a theatre-worthy emotional rollercoaster that blends kabaddi thrills with raw action and an intense revenge narrative. An impressive debut effort that promises much more from Unni Sivalingam in the future.

⭐ Rating: 4/5