Presently there is nothing else that the film titled as ‘Paan Singh Tomar’ in Irfan Khan’s mind space.

Irfan is so much engrossed on the title character of this movie that he has put on hold all the other acting assignments and some new offers for the time being.

As he is doing the lead role in this film based on the life story of a person named Paan Singh Tomar, his concern for giving his best shot can be understood.

But the grueling effort needed to prepare for this role is a necessity that the actor cannot do away with.

Paan Singh Tomar from a small town in Madhya Pradesh was an athlete who dominated the steeplechase event at the Indian National Games for 7 years.

His record stood unbeaten for 10 years. But at a later stage of his life circumstances turned him into a dacoit named Baaghi who goes on to be a feared name in the Chambal Valley.

Speaking about his role, Irfan says “This is the most physically and mentally demanding film of my career. If I give attention to anything else I will not be able to do justice to this role. You see steeple chase is a far more complicated form of marathon run than other kinds. It demands a continuous rhythm as one runs and jumps. It is the most difficult task I have ever undertaken as an actor".

He also adds “I have steeple-chase experts constantly working with me. I am trying to stretch my body to its limit. I have to look convincing as this long-distance steeple chase runner. Otherwise the film falls flat. I cannot afford that risk at this stage of my career”.

Tigmanshu Dhulia is the director of the film being produced by Ronnie Screwvala.

Abhishek Ray is the music composer.

The film’s tale starts from 1950.

Pan Singh Tomar born into a poor family joined the army just to have good food. He goes on to become an athlete because someone in the army said to him that sports persons were given more food than the usual quota.

After his retirement, due to some reasons he begins to feel that he is being targeted by the country for which he dedicated all of his youth.  

This disillusionment leads him to take up the gun and go against the law of the land.

For doing the maximum justice to the bio- pic on the athlete turned gangster, director Tigmanshu Dhulia shot the movie at the real locations like the army bases where Pan Singh Tomar used to live and also in the Chambal valley where he spent the later part of his life.