Shane Nigam’s milestone 25th film, Balti, has arrived in theaters, offering audiences a gripping mix of sports drama and action. Released on September 26, 2025, the Malayalam–Tamil bilingual film is directed by debut filmmaker Unni Sivalingam and co-stars Shanthnu Bhagyaraj, Preethi Asrani, Alphonse Puthren, Selvaraghavan, and Poornima Indrajith. Produced under STK Frames and Binu George Alexander Productions, the movie blends the physical intensity of kabaddi with raw emotional storytelling. Let’s read the review of Balti Movie.
Balti Movie Review
The film is set in Velampalayam, a town on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border where kabaddi is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. The narrative follows the Panjami Raiders, a local kabaddi team that dominates tournaments and carries influence over the town’s streets.
The film’s commercial elements click effectively, with the kabaddi sequences and action blocks standing out. Composer Sai Abhyankkar’s background score adds solid impact to these moments, heightening their intensity.
Shane Nigam delivers a strong performance alongside Shanthnu Bhagyaraj, whose role brings a layer of mystery to the narrative. Director Unni Sivalingam showcases a mature approach in his debut, making the film promising.
While kabaddi forms the backdrop, Balti delves deeper into the personal struggles of its players. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, rivalry, and friendship push the characters into high-stakes conflicts, resulting in an emotional and action-packed showdown. The film’s gritty realism captures not only the intensity of the sport but also the fragile bonds that hold the team together.
Balti Cast and Performances
- Shane Nigam leads with a powerful performance, showcasing both athleticism and emotional depth. His role highlights the weight of leadership and the struggles of balancing ambition with loyalty.
- Shanthnu Bhagyaraj delivers a strong supporting act, bringing nuance to the rivalry and friendship dynamics within the team.
- Preethi Asrani adds emotional texture, anchoring the human side of the drama.
- Selvaraghavan and Poornima Indrajith bring gravitas, while Alphonse Puthren makes a notable appearance.
The ensemble cast successfully reflects the cultural and personal conflicts within the storyline, making the drama feel grounded and engaging.
Balti – Direction and Technical Aspects
Debutant Unni Sivalingam handles the subject with confidence. His writing focuses not only on the sport but also on how kabaddi influences relationships, status, and survival in Velampalayam.
Key contributions include:
- Cinematography by Alex J. Pulikkal, which captures the raw intensity of kabaddi matches and the atmosphere of small-town life.
- Editing by Shivkumar V. Panicker, keeping the narrative tight during action sequences.
- Music by Sai Abhyankkar, whose soundtrack blends energetic beats with emotional depth, elevating both the sport and drama.
Strengths of Balti
- Strong lead performance by Shane Nigam
- Authentic kabaddi action sequences
- Emotional depth in character conflicts
- Fresh direction from Unni Sivalingam
Final Verdict: Balti Review
Balti is a powerful sports-action drama that blends kabaddi’s intensity with human emotions of loyalty and betrayal. For Shane Nigam, it marks a career milestone, and for debut director Unni Sivalingam, it is a promising start. While it carries familiar tropes of the sports-drama genre, the authenticity of its setting, strong performances, and impactful kabaddi sequences make it a worthwhile watch on the big screen.
Fans of sports action films and regional dramas will find Balti both gripping and emotionally engaging.
Nera News Rating – ★★★☆☆
