Paan Singh Tomar

In the film's present-day framing, a reporter interviews Paan Singh Tomar to tell his side of the story. To gain access, the journalist agrees to surrender his niece as a surety to Paan's men. The interview sets the stage for the flashback that follows.

The flashback opens in the 1950s as Paan serves in the Indian Army while his wife Indra and mother stay in Morena. He receives news that his wife has given birth to a baby girl, a personal milestone tethered to his duty. His family anchors his early years before the conflicts with discipline intensify.

A late report lands Paan on 10 rounds around the parade ground as punishment for reporting late. Rather than demotivate him, the drill becomes a source of thrill, and he finishes the run with unusual speed. The episode reveals his natural pace and growing confidence.

Though he initially shows little interest in sports, officers move him to the sports division because they offer a more lenient diet. He also trains to operate firearms and proves himself as a capable marksman. These choices shape his early career beyond routine military duties.

Under coach Randhawa's guidance, Paan shifts to the steeplechase and trains hard. He competes in the Indian National Games, winning the gold medal in the steeplechase and continuing this streak for years. His athletic success cements his reputation as a top national athlete.

Paan travels to Tokyo for the 1958 Asian Games but fails to win. He attributes it to not adapting quickly to track spikes provided only in the final event. He also laments that sportsmen were not allowed to participate in border wars, a frustration that colors his career.

Continuing to compete internationally, Paan wins the gold medal in the steeplechase at the 1967 International Military Games. The victory solidifies his status as a premier athlete in military sports. His success adds to his growing legend in the Chambal region.

Matadeen visits from Paan's native area to discuss illegal land acquisition by Bhanwar Singh. The discussion foreshadows the escalating family conflict that will culminate years later. Paan begins to weigh returning home to settle the dispute.

Paan retires from the Army to focus on the family dispute, but local authorities provide little help. He seeks intervention from a District Collector and police without success. He even declines a coaching role, choosing to prioritize his family's safety and property.

Hanumant is beaten by Bhanwar Singh and his goons, driving Paan to protect his family. He tells his son to rejoin the Army and stay away from the dispute, a decision that deepens the cycle of violence. The incident marks a turning point toward vigilantism.

Following the family crisis, Paan forms a gang and turns to kidnapping and extortion to build an arsenal. He and his men use police uniforms and vehicles to slip through scrutiny across MP, UP, and Rajasthan. The Chambal region quickly becomes their domain.

In a village where Paan's gang seeks shelter, a Sarpanch who pretends to be a friend betrays them by tipping off the police. The ensuing raid kills Paan's elder brother, and Paan retaliates by killing the Sarpanch and eight other people. The act deepens his notoriety and the national attention around his case.

The killing of nine officials triggers a nationwide furor. Police and rival gangs urge Paan to surrender, but he refuses to yield. He asserts that the system failed him when he needed help as an athlete and now expects him to surrender without support.

A trusted informer leads police to Paan's hideout, triggering a fierce night shootout. All gang members, including Paan Singh Tomar, are killed by a police team on the night of 1st/2nd October 1981. The film closes with the end of Paan's violent saga and the media coverage that followed.