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Action drama

Paltan (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Paltan (2018) movie poster

Paltan is a 2018 action drama directed by J.P. Dutta, starring Jackie Shroff as Maj. Gen. Sagat Singh, Sonal Chauhan and Esha Gupta. It runs 2 hours 30 minutes and earned $1.1 million worldwide. Critics gave it 29% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10.

IMDb rating
5.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
29%
worldwide gross
$1.1M
Echo Score
31
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Paltan (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 30m (150 min)
Director
J.P. Dutta
Genres
Action , Drama , History , War
Original language
Hindi
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Paltan About?

The premise of Paltan without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

During a period of heightened tensions, Indian soldiers confront a powerful Chinese force in this action-packed war drama. Paltan depicts the events of the 1967 Nathu La clashes, exploring the complexities of India-China relations and the importance of unwavering vigilance. The film portrays the bravery and sacrifices made by Indian troops amidst a dangerous military standoff.

Paltan Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • border
  • 1960s
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Cast & crew

Paltan Cast & Characters

Jackie Shroff leads the cast as Maj. Gen. Sagat Singh, with Sonal Chauhan as Maj. Bishen Singh's Wife and Esha Gupta as Savita Singh. Directed by J.P. Dutta; 13 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Paltan

· 9 more
Ratings

Paltan Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Paltan 29% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 31/100, strongest in art & craft (35) and weakest in rewatch factor (30).

31 /100

Paltan Echo Score Breakdown

Paltan struggles to engage due to uneven execution and limited emotional depth. Critics frequently highlight the film’s one-dimensional approach and tentative dramatics, while viewers point to sluggish pacing and formulaic sequences. Although some users appreciate its straightforward historical depiction, the overall tone is marred by lackluster set design and inconsistent narrative drive. The mix of bland action beats and muted performances dilutes the intended impact. Overall, the film offers informational value about the 1967 conflict but falls short of sustained engagement.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 35

    In terms of art and craft, the film exhibits uneven direction and inconsistent visual quality. Critics note blurry scenes that undermine production value, while some viewers recognize moments of justified cinematography but find them sporadic. The editing fails to build cohesive tension, leading to flat transitions and limited sense of scale. Overall, the technical execution feels underwhelming and detracts from the film’s intended cinematic impact.

  • Character & Emotion 30

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are generally regarded as below average with limited depth. Observers describe the ensemble as composed of capable actors who nonetheless inhabit underwritten roles, resulting in one-dimensional portrayals and stilted chemistry. Occasional commendation for select supporting turns is overshadowed by overall flat delivery. Consequently, the emotional resonance remains shallow and the audience struggles to connect meaningfully with the characters.

  • Story & Flow 30

    In terms of story and flow, Paltan is perceived as sluggish and predictable. Viewers and critics alike cite slow pacing in the first half and repetitive tropes reminiscent of previous war dramas, leading to waning engagement. Although the narrative offers some historical insight, the lack of original conflict development and tentative dramatization reduce its tension. The film’s structuring fails to deliver a coherent arc, leaving it more informative than emotionally compelling.

  • Sensory Experience 32

    Regarding sensory experience, the soundtrack and visual design are inconsistent. Critics point out blurry or smartphone-like imagery and a heavy-handed score that at times overwhelms scenes. Some users acknowledge simple production choices as honest but overall note a lack of immersive sound design and visual cohesion. The result is a muted audiovisual landscape that neither heightens dramatic stakes nor reinforces on-screen action.

  • Rewatch Factor 30

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film offers limited replay value beyond its historical context. While a few observers appreciate factual representations of the 1967 border engagements, most find the dramatic beats too predictable and the performances too muted for repeat viewings. The absence of standout set pieces or narrative surprises further diminishes its appeal over time. Ultimately, the movie provides informational interest but lacks sufficient entertainment incentive to warrant revisiting.

Plot

Paltan Plot Summary

What happens in Paltan from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In October 1962, a Rajput Battalion is stationed at India’s border near the Namka Chu river in Arunachal Pradesh. This battalion suffers a devastating blow when an unexpected attack leads to their complete annihilation during the early morning hours.

Fast forward to 1966, where Maj. General Sagat Singh (Jackie Shroff), the General Officer Commanding of the Mountain Division, assigns Lt. Col. Rai Singh Yadav (Arjun Rampal), the commanding officer of the 2 Grenadiers, to secure the strategic Nathu La pass. Recognizing the pass’s critical importance to Sikkim, Gen. Sagat impresses upon Rai the necessity of holding this position at all costs, leading to a tense standoff. We also meet Maj. Bishen Singh (Sonu Sood), Rai’s second-in-command, and Capt. Prithvi Singh Dagar (Gurmeet Choudhary), who views Bishen as his role model.

Full summary

The whole story of Paltan, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Paltan Box Office

Paltan grossed $1.1 million worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.1M

International
$1.1M
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Paltan?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

What year does the initial attack on the Rajput Battalion take place?

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FAQ

Paltan FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Paltan, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Paltan?

Paltan runs 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes).

When was Paltan released?

Paltan was released on September 7, 2018.

Who directed Paltan?

Paltan was directed by J.P. Dutta.

Who is in the cast of Paltan?

Paltan stars Jackie Shroff as Maj. Gen. Sagat Singh, Sonal Chauhan as Maj. Bishen Singh's Wife and Esha Gupta as Savita Singh, among 13 credited actors.

How much did Paltan make at the box office?

Paltan grossed $1.1 million worldwide.

How is Paltan rated?

Paltan has 5.2/10 on IMDb, 29% on Rotten Tomatoes and 62% on TMDB.

Does Paltan have a post-credit scene?

No. Paltan has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Paltan in?

The original language of Paltan is Hindi.

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