Saala Khadoos (2016)

Saala Khadoos (Tamil: Irudhi Suttru) — 2016 — Action / Drama / Sport A bruising, emotional underdog story about redemption, grit and the price of ambition. Former boxer-turned-coach Prabhu (R. Madhavan) is a hot-headed, rule-breaking trainer whose career was derailed by corruption in the boxing establishment. Transferred to Chennai, he discovers Madhie (Ritika Singh), a tough, raw teen from a fishing community with extraordinary natural talent. Prabhu pushes her hard, battling not only her stubborn playfulness and distrust but also his own demons, organizational politics and a resentful selection panel. As Madhie rises from street-sparring to national contention, their volatile coach–athlete bond — complicated by unrequited feelings and past rivalries — drives the story toward a tense, hard-fought climax. Seeing the film you’ll get intense, close-up boxing sequences and gritty training montages, a vivid sense of North Chennai’s working-class world, and an emotional arc that swings from anger and despair to hope and triumph. The performances are raw and physical: the coach’s abrasive obsession and the heroine’s fierce determination make the stakes feel urgent and believable. The film blends sports action with social commentary (corruption, gender and class barriers) and delivers both adrenaline and heart — a satisfying, moving watch for anyone who likes tough, character-driven sports dramas about resilience and redemption.

Actors: Madhavan, Nassar, Radha Ravi

Director: Sudha Kongara

Runtime: 109 min

Genres: Action, Drama, Sport

7.6 /10 7.6 /10