May 16, 18.35 PM IST || Pocket News Alert
The film Azhar is out in the theatres and is already creating waves with its power-packed storyline! The movie touches upon Azhar’s life from his meteoric rise to super stardom and the match-fixing scandal that marred the hero’s career. Emraan Hashmi as the legendary Mohammad Azharuddin has totally bowled over the audience and critics alike with his performance. Prachi enthralls all as the demure Naureen while Nargis looks scintillating in her role of Sangeeta.
Here are 6 most memorable moments from the film that fans are batting for!
1.) Azhar’s Nanujaan and his impact on Azhar: Azhar’s Nanujaan played by Kulbhushan Kharbanda sealed his fate of being the best cricketer there is right at his birth. An inspiration for Azhar, Nanujaan’s words constantly resonate with the cricketer through the film pushing him to give his best before every match!
“Tereko jawaab muh se nahi khel ke dena, tu muh se bolega toh kuch hi log sunaige bala bolega toh saari duniyan ko sunna parega”
2.) Reddy’s unconditional support towards Azhar: Kunaal Roy Kapur impresses the audience as Azhar’s dear friend and lawyer. Reddy is initially reluctant to fight Azhar’s case while Azhar refuses to hire a top lawyer in spite of being a rich man. The friendship and the camaraderie between the two has been beautifully portrayed as Reddy goes on to be the only friend who stands by him not only fighting his case but also giving stiff competition to the matchless Meera!
3.) Azhar defending Sangeeta and protecting Naureen: Though Azhar chooses Sangeeta over Naureen, the way he manages to protect and balance his relationship with both his wives is beautiful. This is seen especially in his refusal to bring both his wives as witnesses in the court case
4.) Azhar v/s Meera: Lara Dutta has absolutely aced it as the fiery headstrong lawyer out to get Azhar. Meera who is also one of Azhar’s biggest fans sets out bring the legend down. From the courtroom trails, Meera’s efforts to collect evidence against the cricketer, Azhar’s witty response to Meera depicting how easy it is to falsely accuse someone of wrongdoing until the end when he’s cleared of all charges are absolute applaud worthy scenes. “Tum bhi meri sabse badi fan ho na? Yaad hain meine tumhe court ke bahaar paise diye the?”
5.) Kapil’s speech on Television: Kapil Dev and Mohammad Azharuddin are known to share a great camaraderie. This translated on the silver screen too in one of the most poignant scenes in the film. Kapil’s speech broadcasted on television as he speaks about the greatness and innocence of Azhar is a definite tear-jerker
6.) The M. K. Sharma Revelation: M. K. Sharma’s testimony against Azhar only adds to his disgrace but the climax of the film is when it is finally revealed to the audience that Azhar did know the bookie. His acceptance of the cash only to have a change of heart in the middle of the series leading him to score a century and winning applause from his innumerable fans is wonderfully depicted. Azhar not only reprimands M. K. Sharma for offering the money but also threatens to reveal all his shortcomings!
“Mein teen cheezo ke liye famous ho – Main khuda mein manta hu, Meri do shaadiyaan hui hai aur Mere pehle teen matches mein century ka record hai” – Azhar
Catch Azhar at a theatre near you!
Though Azhar is not a biopic, it is based on some well-known incidents and facts of former Indian cricket captain Azharuddin’s life. The film is directed by Tony D’Souza and stars Emraan Hashmi, Prachi Desai, Nargis Fakhri and Lara Dutta along with others. Produced by Ekta Kapoor, ShobhaKapoor and Sony Pictures Networks, the film released on May 13th, 2016. It is a Balaji Motion Pictures and Sony Pictures Networks’ production.