‘Balti’ review: Netizens call Shane Nigam starrer one of the best theatre watches of the year

‘Balti’, starring Shane Nigam, Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, Preethi Asrani, Selvaraghavan, and Alphonse Puthren, is garnering largely positive buzz on social media following its theatrical debut on Friday.

Directed by debutant Unni Sivalingam, Balti marks Shane Nigam’s 25th film as a lead and is a sports crime drama set against the backdrop of the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, blending intense kabaddi sequences with gritty underworld conflicts.

One user wrote,"#Balti is a mass entertainer set on the Kerala–TN border. The kabaddi scenes and action are exciting, boosted by Sai's strong music. #ShaneNigam and others delivered their best. The second half feels a bit usual, but the making and technical quality make it a solid watch."

Another called it their "Best Theatre Watch of the Year", adding, "Literally a Super Engaging Action Sports drama from Mollywood. Second half is more gripping than the initial half. The Main Backbone is #SaiAbhyankar’s background score."

Action and character arcs win viewers

While some felt the storyline leaned on familiar tropes, most agreed that the execution, emotional beats, and action choreography stood out. One post rated the film 3.25/5, summarizing: "What if the lives of four friends marred by three criminal gangs form the crux of the story? The action sequences are top-notch in this sports crime drama with different shades to @imKBRshanthnu. Probably, the most detailed character arc for him."