Krishna, portrayed by Sudeep, is an orphan, but wrestling gymkhana owner Sarkar, brings him up as his own son. Fondly called Kichcha, the youngster grows up to be a fierce wrestler, but a conflict arises when he decides to pursue love. Will his passion for wrestling have to suffer in the face of love?
With wrestling as the backdrop, Pailwan tells a father-son story. The story of Lord Krishna is used as a motif throughout the film, which tells about a son’s attempts, despite all the odds, to keep his word to his father. While the fight sequences are obviously blend into the story nicely, and is well-choreographed, the love story too is nicely woven in.
In fact, the three hour-long Pailwaan – a tad too long, particularly dragging in the first half – is an entertainer with all the needed masala elements, with comedy, romance, fights and emotions. The movie is Sudeep’s vehicle through and through, and the work he has put into his new lean, muscular physique shows to his advantage. It is good to see Suniel Shetty return in good form, as the father. The antagonists played by Sushant Singh and Kabir Duhan Singh are competent. Aakanksha Singh brings the breezy romance element to the film. Arjun Janya's soundtrack works very well for the film, which families are sure to find entertaining.