Azhar (2016)

Very well executed

Don't listen to the negative reviews

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

Azhar is a 2016 Indian sports drama film directed by Tony D'Souza. based on the life of the former Indian international cricketer, Mohammad Azharuddin. The movie is a real story of Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin The story is really good……a very good role played by Emraan Hashmi as Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin The story is written by Rajat Arora and is inspired from the life of Indian cricketer and former national team captain Mohammad Azharuddin. The movie begins with Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin (Emraan Hashmi) scoring a century in his 99th test match, but he soon faces allegations of match-fixing as his name has been linked with a London based bookie. The India cricket board slaps a life-ban on him. Azhar decides to challenge the ban in court with the help of his lawyer friend Reddy (Kunaal Roy Kapoor). Director Tony D'Souza and his writer Rajat Arora brilliantly capture the journey of one of India's greatest batsman, right from his birth to his eventual exoneration by the court, focusing equally on Azharuddin's storied career as well as the shocking scandal that derailed it. Along the way, he makes us remember that this man's career is indeed worth remembering, and the controversy that erupted toward the end of it needs to be looked at from a different angle. Tony's Boss and Blue suddenly feel like distant memories. Every body must watch this movie ,,…….its a good movie……..

First of all I must commend Emraan Hashmi for a pretty solid performance (Prachi Desai was also good). He clearly seems to have worked immensely hard to do the role and not only adopt the way Azharuddin used to walk, talk etc., but also his cricket shots, batting stance and style. This is really a tremendous level of professionalism, but......... The film somehow seemed very fake. The cricketers, the commentators, the courtroom drama, it all looked to be as if people were out there putting together a theatre show or something - worst of all being his own lawyer!Above all, I can't remember a film that contradicts itself so much and almost drifts away from the details related to earlier. I mean, if Azhar indeed took only to prevent the bookie from bribing others, then why did he take decisions in the game that translated into the opposition piling up a huge total? On the other hand, they also showed that Azhar had a change of mind which came into complete manifestation after the drop catch and the change of bat! So how does the pre-planning of something go hand in hand with the change of heart during the match? With this point, I don't feel the need to address any other flaw or problems. Baffling to say the least! I was like "Erm, what?!" after watching it. I wonder whether this really is the justification that Azharuddin gives for his deed?!The trailer was good, promised a lot, but hugely disappointed. Some real non-serious stuff, this.

Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)Rating: 3.5/5 starsWalking into the movie Azhar, you'll be expecting to see a lot of the preconceived notions you have about the man and the cricketer unfold on screen. By the time the movie is over, you'll be walking out questioning most of what you thought you knew, your preconceived beliefs having been dealt a severe blow.Director Tony D'Souza and his writer Rajat Arora brilliantly capture the journey of one of India's greatest batsman, right from his birth to his eventual exoneration by the court, focusing equally on Azharuddin's storied career as well as the shocking scandal that derailed it. Along the way, he makes us remember that this man's career is indeed worth remembering, and the controversy that erupted toward the end of it needs to be looked at from a different angle. Tony's Boss and Blue suddenly feel like distant memories.All Azhar ever wanted was to dedicate his life to playing cricket for India and fulfill his maternal grandfather's dream of him completing 100 test matches, which he tragically fell short of by a solitary match. And this dream, his every emotion, the man's simplicity, never-say-die attitude, introvert nature, and humble yet fighting spirit is captured to the T by Emraan Hashmi, who finally gets a movie deserving his talents after some time. He smashes every dialogue, every scene, every mannerism, every inflection in his tone, and every expression in his eyes for a six. When all's said and done, it may not go down as the year's best male performance, but it'll definitely be remembered among the year's ten best.Giving Emraan able support at every step are Lara Dutta and Prachi Desai as the prosecution lawyer and his first wife, Naureen. Lara's tough-as-nails over here. Prachi is a symbol of support and niceness and her performance shines. She surely nails the 'good' spouse part but she definitely has a lot more to offer in terms of acting and it would be great to see her in different kind of roles. Nargis Fakhri, however, is a complete letdown, and falters big time in both emoting and dialogue delivery. She towers over Prachi in height, but it's the other way around when it comes to their performances. Gautam Gulati is stylish in his small part, and his performance in the film should fetch him more urbane roles in the future. He exudes flamboyance as ex-cricketer and Azharuddin's teammate Ravi Shastri, and it'll be interesting to see what he can do with a meatier role.Matching Nargis in terms of disappointment is the timing of the film's music. The songs are no doubt chartbusters, but they do little to take the story forward, especially Nargis' Oye Oye track. A serious sporting flashback like Azhar needed songs that help its character's journeys progress, which, sadly, isn't the case. Also, Tony's Direction while good, stumbles slightly while handling the court room scenes, which form some of the major points in the movie.Azhar may not go down as one of the best biopics ever made. But, when the dust settles on the movie and its eponymous subject's story, quite literally, it'll emerge as a highly absorbing tale that takes you through a roller coaster of emotions and nostalgia. Perhaps, the best aspect of the movie is how it compels you to introspect and question whether Azhar was actually guilty. And, that itself is a rare feat for any movie to accomplish.

Before Emraan Hashmi begins to portray Azhar, A Disclaimer shows up, saying: The following film is NOT a Biopic on the sport legend, but a rather adaptation on the much-talked personality. So, 'Azhar' is not a biopic, even though it covers almost all highlights of Azhar.What works, despite that rather underwhelming disclaimer, is the fairly engaging narrative, held nicely by Director Tony D'Souza & Lead-Actor Emraan Hashmi, who bring merit & some sincerity in the goings-on. Though far from perfect, 'Azhar' is a decently made film, that certainly isn't anywhere close to being bad.'Azhar' is Based on the life of Indian cricketer and former national team captain Mohammad Azharuddin. Right from his triumphant success, to his controversial professional & personal life. 'Azhar' is interesting in parts. Watching Azhar romance between his two wives, as well as take on captaincy in the Indian Team, offer some genuinely arresting sequences. His triumph does leave a mark. However, when Azhar is dragged to court for "match-fixing", the courtroom sequences that follow, are plain ordinary. The courtroom sequences lack fire. Had these sequences been better, 'Azhar' would've been a far superior adaptation.Rajat Aroraa's Screenplay is quite decent, but why is the drama in the courtroom so lazily written? The Writing needed to be stronger, no two options on that! Even the dialogue, range from massy to entirely ridiculous. Tony D'Souza's Direction is well-done. He has handled the film competently. Cinematography is good. Editing is mostly crisp, but the second-hour could've been sharper. Music by Various Artists, is excellent. Background Score merits a special mention.Performance-Wise: Emraan Hashmi as Mohammad Azharuddin/Azhar, is at his most sincere. The actor is in form, delivering a credible performance as the legendary sportsman. This is among Hashmi's better works, without doubt! Prachi Desai as Naureen, the first wife of Azharuddin, is excellent. Nargis Fakhri as yesteryear actress Sangeeta Bijlani, the second wife of Azharuddin, looks hot as ever, but falls flat acting wise. Lara Dutta as Meera, who fights against Azhar in court, is strictly okay. Kunaal Roy Kapur as Reddy, who defends Azhar, adapts a south Indian accent so fake, that he turns him into a caricature. Rajesh Sharma as M.K. Sharma, a slimy match fixer, is top-notch, as always. Others lend fair support.On the whole, 'Azhar' isn't power packed, but its certainly watchable & also well-done in parts.