Azhar: Yet another impressive test

Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Prachi Desai, Lara Dutta, Nargis Fakhri, Kunaal Roy Kapoor and Gautam Gulati

Rating: ***

Warning (it is confusing, but we have to tell you all too, as it was shown in the film): The film isn’t the biopic of Azharuddin’s life, but just a dramatised version of what may or may not be true.

This Friday marks the release of Azhar, the first of the three biopics based on the life of a cricket superstar. The movie focuses on the certain unfortunate events from the former Indian cricket captain’s life, which takes him through the tough, challenging and darkest years.

The movie starts with Azhar’s (Emraan Hashmi) narration, where he completes his first century in a test match. Whilst the celebration, comes a message which changes his life completely and puts his cricket career to a halt. Azhar is accused for match fixing and having association with MK Sharma, a bookie. This leads to the formation of Chandrachur committee and a ban on his career by the cricket board. This news accusing him of disrespecting the sport, love and the nation disappoints his fans and puts him to shame.

He meets his friend and lawyer, Reddy (Kunal Karan Kapoor), and narrates a story dating back to 1963, his childhood, where his family and more importantly his grandfather wish that he would become a cricketer and make the nation proud. This not only makes him strong by the sport, but also with his intentions, love and dignity.  Unfortunately, his grandfather soon passes away leaving behind his teachings and a wish with Azhar asking him to play 100 test matches in life.

He seeks Reddy’s help to get rid of the allegations. Reddy initially hesitates but soon accepts to fight for him against Mira (Lara Dutta), Azhar’s fan and opponent’s lawyer, who is quite skilled with her strategy, objectives and presentation. Azhar and Reddy try to find witnesses who can help them win the case, but fail. None from his team step forward when in need, which disheartens him even further. In spite of Reddy’s persuasion he refuses to seek help from his wives – Naureen (Prachi Desai) and Sangeeta (Nargis Fakhri). On the other hand, Mira investigates more and gets stronger with every hearing. Eight years pass by but unfortunately, nothing good comes along in Azhar’s defence, until Reddy finds a witness, which makes the climax quite interesting to watch.

One of the points which impressed me the most is the storytelling which oscillates between his personal and professional lives. The makers have made sure that both the lives, which are intertwined, are portayed well.  However, they have unfortunately focused more on the disturbing professional career and have whitewashed the personal life which points on his character. Music is decent and Arijit Singh’s songs add to the emotions. The tracks are well incorporated and thankfully not forced between the scenes.

Emraan Hashmi is strong yet soft and is convincing as Azhar. Prachi Desai looks beautiful and delicate as Naureen and emotes very well throughout the film. Lara Dutta as Mira is poised and portrays the character with the right attitude. Nargis Fakhri as Sangeeta is just as usual, thoroughly boring. All the TV celebs in the movie – Gautam Gulati, Shweta Kawatra & Varun Badola have done fairly well in their respective roles.

Overall, I wish the movie threw light on both the side of his life equally, but alas it didn’t. However, director Tony D'Souza and his team's efforts pay off as whatever shown in the movie doesn’t bore you at any moment. The movie isn’t spectacular, but not a bad one either.