May 14, 2016 12:20 PM
177580 Views
(Updated May 14, 2016 12:42 PM)
Going by what the trailers said, it’s a ‘biopic’ and when the initial disclaimers start to roll over the screen(practically many of them) stating that ‘it’s an imaginary film based on various episodes and any resemblance to real events and is a mere coincidence’. That cleared the first part in my head! Like everything is going to be writers imagination and nothing ever happened in reality(yeah, right!).
Believing that Tony D’Souza, director of Azhar, is clearly talking about the riotous and adventurous life of a fine cricketer in history of Indian cricket. But we all know how this can go south, though made with all the good intentions.
What I fail to STILL understand is the disclaimer. Sorry, but it’s still stuck like a glue in my head and can’t stop thinking about it. Why didn’t they just name the movie something else, and not Azhar?
Getting back to the ‘imaginary’ plot, as we are cricket-worshipping country, everyone is aware of the match-fixing scandal in 2000. Azharuddin was a valued cricketer and then captain of team India was banned from playing after being accused of match fixing. The movie revolves around his(imaginary) struggle to get the ban lifted and also shows us glimpses of his Hyderabadi household. His journey of becoming famed cricketer on insistence of his maternal grandfather. One piece of dialogue that sails through the whole movie is ‘tera balla bolega, toh sab sunenge’, kind of inspirational wave that flows during the movie. Inspires Azhar to stick to his grounds.
Has to be a biopic, still can’t believe it’s a kalpanik chalchitra. On contrary, there are other cricketers like Kapil, Sachin, Manoj, Vinod and Ravi(not the Dev, Tendulkar or Shastri, it is imaginary flick) who come in at 11th hour to save him from the lifetime ban and acquit him of the accusation. Speaking of his scandalous life, how can I not mention Sangita(not Bijlani) and his first wife Naureen. Everything that can create good rumour filled move, it is here.
Tony D’souza while filming maybe only thought of characters that needs to be played. As the actors do not resemble to their original characters at all from that time. Still, I would say Emraan took the movie all the way for 2 hours. His gait, stance and way he talks, everything will remind you of original Azhar. Though the whole body is different from the real character, Emraan plays it with so much sincerity that I was convinced is the only one making sense in this imaginary flick. Then there is Prachi Desai, her secondsie with Emraan, playing the role of Naureen. She definitely looks vulnerable and daft like her role expected her to be. Nargis playing the character of Sangita, needs more looks to look anything like Sangita(yes, Bijlani). This Rockstar actress has come a long way but still miles to cover. Lara Dutta as prosecutor, gives a crisp shade to her character and impressive, but loses at the end.
Going to Emraan Hashmi movie, the money is never worth without some steamy scene or sensual kiss. So let me tell you something, you won’t be disappointed, for now.
The truth needs to be said, with all the sing-songs and melodrama in living rooms and court room, I would suggest watch it for Emraan Hashmi or for love of cricket. If nothing works then dodge it.
