Review: Azhar could have been a blockbuster

**1/2

Azhar is a sports biographical film written by Rajat Arora and directed by Tony D'Souza. The film is produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor and Sony Pictures Networks.

The film begins with a huge disclaimer which tells you what you are about to watch is not a biopic but a fictional film based on the episodes of the life of tainted captain of the Indian cricket team Mohammed Azharaddin.

‘Azhar’ has such a controversial figure Azharuddin at its centre, arising out of the fixing-maches-for-money controversy itself, which had a deep-seated impact on the game not just nationally but internationally. As most of us in this cricket loving nation would know, Azharuddin was a revered cricketer and the captain of Indian team. He was banned from playing after he was accused of being part of a match fixing scandal in 2000. His grandfather forecasted that he would play 100 tests but his dreams are shattered when he’s banned for 8 years after his 99th test. The film mainly focuses on his journey and struggle in court for eight long years after he was given a clean chit, due to lack of evidence. It seems that the movie is made to rectify the image of the tainted cricketer by showing him a victim of a larger conspiracy. 

The soundtrack of Azhar has music composed by Amaal Mallik. Pritam and DJ Chetas have composed one song each as guest composers. Lyrics are penned by Kumaar, Manoj Yadav and Rashmi Virag. The background score has been composed by Sandeep Shirodkar.  Some songs- ‘Bol do Na zara’ and ‘Itni si baat’ have picked up with the audience. However, they are not songs which you can immediately connect with and sing along throughout the week.  

An important angle of the film is the story of his two wives and the claim by Azhar that he loves both equally. Naureen (Prachi), his first wife never sees it coming and Sangeeta (Nargis) becomes Azhar’s second wife. 

About the sports angle in the film, the sports action was by Rob Miller of ReelSports. You are given a quick peek into the dressing room jokes, how cricketers are address amongst peers and how friends made on the ground don’t support the cricketer when he gets accused. The interesting twist in the tale is that of the assertive bookies, gold laden gangsters, phone calls and match fixing. This is what makes the film unique and could have helped it to become a blockbuster. Alas, it fails.

Performance wise, Emraan doesn’t even look like Azhar distantly. Yet his gait, blinking and gestures do emulate the cricketer considerably. The way he plays on the field is also commendable. Prachi is also another actor who feels and acts like a distressed first wife. 

What the film lacks is a non-biased opinion and a gripping story line. Not to forget, you are constantly comparing it with the life of the cricketer. Are you really supposed to or not?! If you figure out the balance between reality and fiction, do let me know.

I would say, watch it for Emraan Hashmi and some eye opening scenes about the cricketing world we so admire. 

However, if you don’t watch it, you won’t miss much. 

Reviewed by- Dolly Bolly