Expectations
Farhan Akhtar's 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' opened the Pandora box for films based on the lives of sport personalities. Our film makers instantly encashed on this new genre which involves high amount of curiosity attached to the real life of the star performer. While most of these films were made keeping in mind the dramatic story line, now comes 'Azhar'.
'Azhar' revolves around the match fixing controversies related to the Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin. There have been many speculations and different versions related to this controversy. Thus, right since its announcement the expectations were sky high which mildly dropped down after the association of the cricketer himself. As we all know when such personalities support the film, its obvious to have a one sided opinion related to that tale.
Story
'Azhar' is the story related to the blame and accusations on India’s cricketer Azhar (Emraan Hashmi). Azhar has been banned by the cricket council due to which he decides to seek justice from Indian government. He appoints his buddy lawyer Reddy (Kunal Roy Kapoor) to fight the case. On the other side, the case is led by Meera (Lara Dutta), who is known for her ferocious way of fighting and winning the case. Azhar seeks help from his cricket buddies but, none of them lend support. Meera also tries to get some negative statements from Azhar’s first wife (Prachi Desai), but fails. Reddy wants Azhar's second wife Sangita (Nargis Fakri) to give her testimony in the court but Azhar refuses. With no support and all charges against him, Azhar still try to prove his innocence.
The 'Glitz' Factor
Keeping the reality aside, the first half is engaging and entertaining with good amount of curiosity and smart presentation. There are some enjoyable scenes related to the cricket and match fixing events. The whole romantic part related to Emraan and Prachi (despite of being very small) is enjoyable. The cinematography is good and movie has been presented in a decent manner. Music has been a key factor in Emraan Hashmi's films; sadly out here except for "Itni Si Baat" there is nothing more to cherish. Background music gels with the film.
Emraan Hashmi delivers a fine performance and sticks to his character. He adds up the mannerisms of the real character and enhances his performance. Lara Dutta is superb in her supporting role and does full justice to it. Prachi Desai looks good and lends good support. Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Rajesh Sharma were good in their small role.
The 'Non-Glitz' Factor
The names of real characters are twisted along with the disclaimers stating that this movie is end result of fictitious story. This ends up confusing its audience and making it tough for them to believe over the real picture. The second half fails to hold your interest mainly due to the romantic track of Nargis which is over stretched and dilutes the intensity set in the first half. The forced humour in the court also fails to gel with the flow of the film.
There is absolutely nothing happening in the second half until the climax part where Kunal Roy Kapoor has his eureka moment and ends the case with some idiotic logics without any conviction factor or a soul attached to it. The courtroom proceedings lacked the much needed intensity. There should have been more matured discussions and hard-hitting presentations to make the film believable.
The remix version of 'Oye Oye' is horrible. Director Tony D'Souza dares to attempt a film on the controversies related to trials based on match-fixing over Mohammad Azharuddin but fails to do proper justice to it. There is no soul nor any hard-hitting factor attached to the film. Nargis Fakhri fails miserably in her half-baked character. Kunaal Roy Kapur is bad in his role. Shernaz Patel, Gautam Gulati, Manjot Singh, Barun Badola and others are wasted.
Final 'Glitz'
The basic premise is good and the movie has been presented in engaging manner. But with the thin line script and bland screenplay followed by lack of intensity, 'Azhar' bats on a wet pitch with no hopes for recovery.
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