Azhar (2016) User Reviews

Nice propaganda movie:

[chetan_r411 · 6/10 · 14 May 2016]

Nice propaganda movie

Nice and clever propaganda. The movie beautifully covers up the issue whether Azhar took money or not, they raised it just before the interval and conveniently covered it under many other aspects of his life. He has played for India and won many matches for the country so of course there will be many things to cherish and celebrate about him, which makes the movie interesting, no doubt. But the whole plot about the match fixing angle is so cooked up, they show him taking money from bookie, talking to the bookie on cellphone during the match and suddenly his conscience awakens up in the middle of the match. How convenient !! And look at the crookedness of the makers, before the start they announce that this is a work of fiction and at the end, Azhar's character tells us I leave it to you, whether you want me to believe or not. Yeah, we are stupid enough to believe, that you took the money but suddenly in the middle of the match, your grandfather's soul made you do the right thing.

The whole court case which tries to exonerate him in the movie, was in reality, about the ban on him by the cricket association and and not the actual match fixing, many cine-goers will not be able to realize this difference. This case was dragged for many years and was a low profile one, contrary to what is shown in the movie. Moreover, he is shown as a loving husband and family-man, who protects both his wives and families by not letting them come to court. So much so for a guy who even after marrying twice, had affair with Jwala Gutta and then had another affair with Shannon Marie. Someone has correctly said that some people want to change the definition of our heroes. Thank you Ekta Kapoor, till now you were making garbage movies, now you are making movies on garbage people. I wonder why Emraan accepted this role, probably because it was a tough role, tough to portray a wrong man as right and he must be given credit for his performance, he actually acted good, same goes for Prachi. Nargis and Kunal Roy Kapoor made caricatures of their characters as usual. However biggest achievement goes to the script writers for camouflaging this dishonorable man as a true sportsperson and patriot cricketer.

Less of a biopic, more of an entertainer!!

[nadkarnisumeet · 6/10 · 14 May 2021]

Azhar review :

Before reviewing Azhar, it's important to understand what a biopic means and how Bollywood has misunderstood it:

A biopic is a cinematic adaptation of various events of a non- fictional personality (living or dead) dramatising (to some extent) crucial aspects of his/her life.

Unfortunately, Bollywood mistakes biopic to be a cinematic "glorification" of a real life person to such an extent that it turns him/ her in to a superhero of sorts. It worked fine with 'Neerja' whose story itself, was heroic. But when you do that to a controversial figure like Mohammad Azharrudin, it ends up looking fake. Truly, the climatic revealation of why Azhar fixed those three international matches of his otherwise illustrious career takes away all the good the movie built up to right till then....

A long disclaimer read out in the start tells you that the movie is not a biopic but an adaptation of Mohammad Azharrudin's life for entertainment purposes. Wow! I wish they had also stated that it will end up making him in to a messiah of sorts while tarnishing his fellow players including Ravi Shastri and the legendary Kapil Dev.

Anyways, the film covers all the major events of the former Indian captain's life - from his childhood when his Nanajaan (Kulbhushan Kharbanda, endearing) motivates him to vent his anger through the cricket bat rather than words, his still unbeaten back to back three centuries on debut, his handling of resentful senior players on being suddenly elevated to captaincy position as well as his personal life - initially blissful with his first wife Naureen (Prachi Desai) and his subsequent affair with bollywood actress Sangeeta (Nargis Fakhri).

Presented in non linear format, the narrative flows well and certain scenes like Azhar talking cricket lingo in his awkward first meeting with Naureen and his ad shoot with Sangeeta which is the germinating point for their affair are well executed.

On the other hand, certain questions like how did Azhar learn his trademark flick shot, what made him the outstanding fielder he was, how did he handle the tremendous success he got as a captain before the match fixing allegations struck him are unexplored. I wish director Tony D'Souza had touched upon these aspects.

Even the match fixing scandal is fleetingly passed with one scene where the bookie (Rajesh Sharma) is introduced to Azhar in the dressing room and a few scenes later, a deal is struck between the two of them.

On the film's positive is Emraan Hashmi knocking it out of the stadium with a solid performance. He doesn't physically resemble Azhar but gets the cricketers mannerisms and body language spot on. Maturing as an actor with every film of his, Emraan has come a long way from his serial kisser days. Of course, he gets his lip lock in Azhar as well but now, the guy can act like never before...

The supporting cast is a mixed bag. Rajesh Sharma is convincing as the bookie. Prachi Desai is okey dokey. Nargis Fakhri still can't act and here, she doesn't even try. Azhar's fellow mates (Shastri, Siddhu, Kapil, Manoj Prabhakar) are too one dimensional and caricatured to leave a mark.

On the tech front, editing appears flawed with an entire scene repeated for no rhyme or reason. The two romantic numbers are soulful but the Oye Oye song is poorly recreated.

Overall, Azhar works better as an entertainer than a biopic. It's desperate attempt to make him a messiah is its undoing. One time watch, nevertheless!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

Certainly a 1 time for many reasons, after long time a good Film from Balaji

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 7/10 · 13 May 2016]

AZHAR REVIEW :- One of the most awaited film of Emran Hashmi's career from its trailer release to today. When i saw the Trailer of Azhar that time only, i decided to watch this film on First Day First Show. Reasons are known, Emran was looking promising after a long period plus i was interested in knowing our Cricketer Azharuddin's controversial life. Finally watched the Film and i am completely satisfied with this product, it completed all my expectations which were not high.

Acting- Excellent job by Emran Hashmi. I haven't seen his some acting oriented movies so i cant decide but still i say it is his Best Performance i've ever seen. His walking Style, Batting style, Dialogue delivery everything was perfect. Not award winning though, but still Kudos for him. Prachi Desai, Nargis Fakhri and Lara Dutta failed to match Emran. They didn't have much screen space, may be that was the reason but really their Make up talks louder than their Acting. Other star cast was strictly okay.

Music :- Certainly, not up to the mark. Songs just come and go. Nothing to remember. Same with Background Music.

Cinematography :- Worse. Really some scenes looks like daily soaps, especially Cricket match scenes. Disappointing field for the film.

Screenplay :- Good but not great. Good because of 130 minutes run time, and not great because editing could have been better. Many scenes and especially songs deserves cut. 2-3 loo breaks are there but still Film doesn't make you feel bore.

Dialogues :- Superb ! Clap worthy, whistle worthy and touching. I don't want to spoil much cause it will affect the impact of those dialogues.

Direction :- First of all i want to praise Tony D'Souza for daring to make controversial film like this and want to thank him for revealing some truths about Azharuddin. Direction is very good, surpassed my expectations. Tony crafted film very well, especially Interval and Climax scene.

Final Words :- Overall a good movie which deserved your one time watch for many reasons. We love you 'Fighter Azharuddin' forever. Thanks to Balaji Production for making this film so that we realise some unknown facts about our Azhar. Go for it, and don't watch it as a movie watch it as Azhar's real life story, movies like this comes very rarely. 7/10 stars by me.

Emraan is back with his absolute amazing talent

[khalid-71691 · 13 May 2016]

I am making it short and simple. Emraan just nailed it and other actors did their best too but Narghis Fakhri wasn't that good with her part. Story and narration is in the best way as possible so folks no way you should miss this movie.

Music is awesome but if you talk about playground then yes i admit it looks bit dull. Supporting crew are brilliant. Prachi has also done a good job and she looks cute all the time.

If you are a cricket fan then this movie wont disappoint you. Judge him love him or hate him you are going to love it.

Over all 9 out of 10

A Decent Watch!

[namashi_1 · 6/10 · 16 May 2016]

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.

Azhar Review: It's Time to Set the Record Straight

[DareDevilKid · 7/10 · 29 May 2016]

Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Walking 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.

Poor Filmmaking spoils the fun

[samarthtrivedi04 · 4/10 · 23 July 2016]

Finally up for my first review. Just watched Azhar. I have to say it is a rather disappointing movie. This movie is mainly spoiled by the director and the research team. One of the unintelligent moments of the movie were in the first half, he is said to be living in Hyderabad and has to go to Mumbai for a match, basically it's a long train journey and he is shown to leave in his whites(Tes cricket Uniform). It has a lot of stupid moments. Lack of character development. Lack of story development. Good performance by emraan, good job done by prachi desai, horrible job by nargis fakhri. The makers had a strong content which they have done a terrific job to spoil. 4/10.

it's good entertainment...

[RosanaBotafogo · 7/10 · 17 March 2021]

It looked boring, and it really was a little, if it weren't a biography it wouldn't be so interesting, despite the slight impression that it was a totally commercial film to clean the bar of Azhar, but it was worth it to plant that seed of doubt, to know the case and yes, it's good entertainment...

movie is on the life of Azhar

[chhabrarohit · 3/10 · 4 September 2016]

Now Bollywood made a movie with the mixture of sport and drama. Before seen the movie i read writer got inspired from the Azhar's life so this will be the good movie. But its not like that, the movie is quite simple and the dialogue delivery is not that level. Now a days the standard of Bollywood is so high . Emran Hashmi act Azhar role and he has done great job. In the movie writer tried to show how India board committee slaps a life ban on Azhar. This movie tells the story of Azhar how much he suffered. As i told story is quite simple but writer shown to the society about the Azhar.At least now people knows about Azhar. Media is the great medium to give the knowledge to society. I want to thanks writer,producer who told the story of Azhar by movie.

Loved the acting of emraan and Lara

[munish-kumar786 · 7/10 · 4 September 2016]

A biographic movie based on famous cricketer azruddin is it ? Don't know but really here i would like to tell is that loved this movie because of emraan hashmi's acting which really suits to him. This is really one among the best acting of emraan's film. No doubt Lara dutta is best to her act but in spite of her there is a new energy to the film because of azhar. This movie is full of entertainment and the suspense is been till the climax of the movie so i think it might be a big reason why one is not feeling any bore kind of feeling throughout the movie. If one is not at all fan of hashmi but must watch this movie because i think it has been a very interesting biography of a former sports person of India and who knows may be one's thinking got completely change after watching the movie may be towards BCCI or towards Azruddin. Overall one must go for the movie OK not for wright or wrong but can go for entertainment at least.

A fascinating character but a dispassionate film

[kumarvarun1989 · 4/10 · 10 October 2016]

Azhar lacks spine. It is evident in the long disclaimer preceding the film in which the team seems to be making a claim on cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin's colourful and controversial life as a source material yet maintaining that it is a fictional account. All to escape the legal battles the film could land them in.

Azharuddin (Emraan) is a fascinating character to have built a dispassionate film on. A man, who rose meteorically because of his game, the way he let his bat do all the talking on the field. He fell from favour just as fast because of his covetousness and his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal that rocked cricket. He is a man of frailties and shortcomings both on the field of cricket and in the arena of love. But instead of exploring the many shades of grey in him, Tony D'Souza attempts to defend and validate him. Such is the bias that the other players — Manoj, Ravi, Navjot (only first names, no surnames mind you) — get the wrong end of the stick.

Manoj is made to come across not just as jealous and vengeful but selfish, playing for himself than the country and crude and unrefined to boot. Ravi is nothing but a rake. As though that wasn't enough you have Kapil tell Azhar It's the good-for-nothing kids who trouble the class monitor the most. Poor Azhar! Such is the eagerness to justify him that D'Souza makes it seem as though the whole bad world is out to get him. From his haughty fan-turned-prosecutor Mira (Lara Dutta) to the condescending owner of the gym that he inaugurates. Why he took the Rs. 2 crore from bookie M.K. Sharma and what he did with the money is portrayed in such a way as to earn him some desperate brownie points. Even his walking away from an ostensibly fine marriage into the arms of actress Sangeeta Bijlani (Nargis) is turned into a soppy inevitability with him righteously mouthing lines like A broken relationships doesn't actually mean an end of it. But what of Naureen (Prachi), the one who was wronged? When it comes to the craft, the film looks too outmoded in the way it has been mounted — the loud background score soaring over everything else and dialoguebaazi in the name of conversations.

The lines, some of them utterly inane and vacuous, reminded me of heavy duty dialogues of Once Upon A Time In Mumbai. In that masala flick they seemed entertaining, here desperately out of place.

Azharuddin's love for his grandfather becomes a way to draw out melodrama; he gets selected in the national team just as granddad breathed his last. And then there is Azhar's father's obsession with his underwear: the mandatory crass comedy track.

In the name of acting you have Emraan being stiff, staring deep into the camera, looking far from his comfortable self. Prachi and Nargis weep buckets when they are not being coy. Nargis does it most inelegantly. If that wasn't all there is also Kunaal Roy Kapur as Azhar's lawyer. As yet another stereotype of the South Indian in Bollywood, he irritates to the hilt. So does the film.

However you judge him, don't miss the movie

[MovieRecipe · 8/10 · 13 May 2016]

The movie is not without its flaws though. The attention to detail is quite poor and product placements are too blatant.

But don't let that hold you back. The movie has all the elements of good, clean entertainment. Romance, humor, drama and some urgency make the movie a tight two hours that you won't be bored of.

I don't know whether he did it or not. The movie doesn't argue one way or the other. What it argues is legality of BCCI's verdict. Azhar was the scapegoat of a scandal that had involvement of many on the field and off the field.

Judge him however you want, don't miss the movie

~ MovieRecipe

Very good move from all perspective

[hassan-arafat · 7/10 · 12 September 2016]

Good family entertainer. Emran has did good acting and Narghis has also played her part in the way she could have, by looking glamorous. The story holds you to your seat. Whether you like Azhar or not, you would definitely like the movie. The other actors who played role of Sanjay, Kapil have done an OK performance. Azhar has been a man, who rose meteorically because of his game, the way he let his bat do all the talking on the field. He fell from favour just as fast because of his covetousness and his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal that rocked cricket. He is a man of frailties and shortcomings both on the field of cricket and in the arena of love. The director has explored shades of gray in him, Tony D'Souza makes little attempts to defend and validate him.

Irritatingly Yours

[lediscipledessocrates · 3/10 · 16 May 2016]

I had decent hopes from this movie. But they were dashed . With bad acting and a very mediocre screenplay , Azhar is to a certain extent intolerable .

Lara Dutta and Kunal Roy Kapoor lucidly ruin the film with astonishingly lousy acting. Lara Dutta couldn't have done better , given her skills, while KRK was given one of the most irritating characters to play in the history of stereotypical caricature cinema.

The director tries to play with non-linear storytelling in the form of flashbacks and what not , but that does't succeed in hiding the mundane .

Emran Hashmi who has acted well in the past as a beleaguered anti-hero , somehow does not seem convincing enough. In an attempt to emulate Azhar's demeanour he sacrifices the necessary cinematic elements of diction and intonation.

The movie could have been so much better given the real life events it tries to portray . Alas, it is not so.

I only have 3 points for it for now. If perception is relative I may augment the rating in the future .

Real Story movie of only some minutes

[maneet-jindal · 4 September 2016]

"Azhar" tells the untold story of legendary cricket Mohammaed Azharuddin (played by Emraan Hashmi) who was center of controversy due to one incident which changed his life.

I was expecting Emraan Hashmi to deep-dive into the character. Unfortunately, I was disappointed

Other actors like Lara Dutta and Kunal Roy Kapur gives a good performance. Prachi Desai does well in small role while Nargis Fakhri disappoints. The best part is it's last 20-30 minutes which is the complete powerhouse of the film. Finally, i'd say go for it once without thinking it won't disappoint you as such but also don't expect a masterpiece. In this I learned about characters hard work. Actulay this movie has pros and cons, but I only attract about only pros So the best part of movie is just 30 minutes but else movie is just time pass At last the story of Mohammaed Azharuddin known by the people who watched

Cricket based movie

[gopisureshkumar · 6/10 · 4 September 2016]

Tony D'Souza's fictionalisation of Azharuddin's life works in most parts, but comes out as a deeply eulogising exercise. The film doesn't address the greyer issues of Azhar's career, even when most of it is on the match-fixing allegations that the cricketer had to deal with.The film ends with Emraan saying today is 'Judgement Day' for Azharuddin. That to believe his story or not - the choice rests with the audience. Most people will believe Azharuddin's story. For Emraan HashmiAs most of us in this cricket loving nation would know, Azharuddin was a revered cricketer and the captain of Indian team, before he was banned from playing after he was accused of being part of a match fixing scandal in 2000.

Would have been much better like 'Azhar'

[navdp · 6/10 · 18 April 2018]

A poorly made movie which had a good story and a wonderful protagonist. Storytelling is the only thing which stands out. Director and Actors just donot add value to the movie. Characters r not at all worked out.

One of the most confusing films ever!

[Rawal_Afzal · 4/10 · 2 June 2016]

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.

Comedy or Propaganda?

[narulagaurav · 1/10 · 29 June 2017]

Azhar the Movie, like Azhar the Kaalpanik/ Fictional Character mentioned in a disclaimer (at the beginning of the movie) - both of them lack spine.

This movie is a sad attempt to justify a character who was poor as a husband, as a person and as a father. Quite frankly, and as several of the other reviews on IMDb are mentioning, this is a clear case of propaganda that the actual Azhar is trying to indulge in.

The famous match fixing scandal of the 90s dragged in some big players, both in SA and in India. The legal cases against them were substantiated, and these individuals were subsequently banned from the game for varying periods of time. Are we questioning the calibre of the courts when we try to show these folks, several years later, as upright? Seems kind of 'easy to portray, but difficult to believe'.

Azhar was first and always a cheat. In the game, in his marriage, in his relationships with his children (the famous affair with Jwala Gutta, who was his son's friend), and otherwise. Following the debacle in cricket, he went where most goons go - to politics. No guesses into the affiliation he sought and achieved.

Now coming to the movie. The acting is unconvincing. The plot is poor. Great actors wasted. Dialogues are juvenile, at the best. Melodrama misplaced. The characters are shallow. The direction a guffaw.

As a final statement, I'd like to say that there was no research. This is just the case of a cheat who is trying to show the world he was victimized, when it was actually the reverse. The scenes seem purported from La La Land.

1 star out of 10 is what this deserves.

Truly Disappointing

[virusharma · 2/10 · 15 May 2016]

Azhar Movie is biopic on Mohammad Azharuddin. He was involved in Match Fixing scandal. So when I started watching the movie I was expecting it would tell me how he took such bad decision but instead movie kept showing him as victim. Story could have shown why Hansie Cronje took Azhar name during controversy.There were lot of Grey areas which were not answered. Biopics are meant to reveal something but Movie just showed events which everyone knew.

I expected movie to show how he became cricketer. Show us how he used to practice but there were hardly any scene about that. Imran Hashmi did good job as far as looking like Azhar. Acting was not bad too.

This Movie had lot of potential but it falls flat on face.

another best performance by actor

[sourabhagrawal-17606 · 9/10 · 13 May 2016]

"As the tag line of the movie suggest, love him, hate him, judge him, however, if you look at the movie it simply gives the signal that the director only loves Emraan. Well, no one can judge anyone, yet the way the film is made is not par with the expectation of anyone who knows Azhar very well apart from knowing the makers of the movie." "In Jannat (2008), Hashmi played a match fixer and bookie, a role that perfectly suited his louche charm. Azhar sees him at the other end of the transaction, and Hashmi works hard to ensure his own rehabilitation as an actor." "Azhar could honestly have been a great biopic, even within its own self-imposed limitations. Instead, like Azharuddin, it chooses to ignore its own potential and thereby shoots itself in the foot."

Goof up between fact and fiction

[dineshprakash · 3/10 · 13 May 2016]

Makers were completely confused about their point of view while making this film so as I was confused to decide my side. Only, one page disclaimer of film is in detail which says that it doesn't claim to be real other wise all scenes are very hurried. Makers assumed that every one is well versed with the personal and professional happenings in Azhar life. Flashback type of narration is boring. Cricket scenes are not interesting. Dialogues by writer of film Rajat Arora, are OK but most of the time go over board like in beginning of film, Azhar voice over comes that as an Indian Cricket Team captain, public used to of treating him like Damad, what is it!!!? Wouldn't it be better if he said like Beta. Writer had to be aware that it is not "Once Upon A Time In Mumbai". If actor is unable to carry emotional scene then director shakes the camera like in the scene where Azhar gets news of his maternal grand father demise. Court room scenes are also more about heavy dialogues rather then witty and intelligent facts. In serious court scene they insert comedy which comes prominently eventually drastically reducing the required impact of scene. Casting is ridiculous. Not a single actor convinces about the real name, he was portraying including female one. Emraan Hashmi as Azhar is OK. Prachi Desai as his wife looks pretty and emotes well especially in the scene when she gets information about another girl in her husband life through his indirect confession on T.V. Kunal Roy Kapoor as lawyer Reddy is fantastic. Rest are nothing to be mentioned.

"Azhar" is a golden opportunity gone wasted

[ketgup83 · 5/10 · 13 May 2016]

Biopics are gaining popularity in Indian Cinema as it tells the true incident of a person or event portrayed on the silver screen. With Dirty Picture, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Manjhi-The Mountain Man following the trend, it is thoroughly inspiring and motivating. Will "Azhar" lives up to the reputation and gives you hard-hitting drama with realistic views on life ? Well, let us check it out…

"Azhar" tells the untold story of legendary cricket Mohammaed Azharuddin (played by Emraan Hashmi) who was center of controversy due to one incident which changed his life.

It takes nerve of steel to make biography of a famous personality who took 16 years of his life to fight for justice. First time film maker Tony D Souza does gives a sincere attempt but it too far from making any impact. The film talks about the cricket which is considered as the most famous game in India but matches shown in the film lacks the excitement. Tony D Souza only shows the brighter side of legendary cricketer but when a biography is being made, true introspection of a person's life should be depicted which include the grey areas as well. This is clearly missing in the film. The content of the film and even the characters have not been defined. The real-life drama has been tweaked into reel world with extra spices. The screenplay in the first half is pretty smooth but falls down in the later half. Art direction is good. Cinematography is excellent. Music is tuneful. Dialogues are too corny.

Being fan of Azharuddin, I was expecting Emraan Hashmi to deep-dive into the character. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The actor tries hard but falls flat on the face. Still his performance is sincere compared to his previous films. Other actors like Lara Dutta and Kunal Roy Kapur gives a good performance. Prachi Desai does well in small role while Nargis Fakhri disappoints.

Overall, "Azhar" is a golden opportunity gone wasted.

Fantastically hide the main reason.

[unique-pervez · 1/10 · 7 July 2016]

A movie which shows still how much mean minded people working in Bollywood film industry. At least did expect something difference this time but how some people can make a movie showing the main reason why azhar was eliminated from the team or why not even a single person come to stand with him. And when as the film shows Mr. Kapil stands (technically) with his its already too late for him so he also played a smart role in the whole conspiracy. He was only been out because cricket is treated as the 2nd god in India and they just can't stand with azahar not because of any other reason except religion. that this was the main reason why all this conspiracy was framed against him. I wish at least one person got the guts to show the truth. Apart from that emran is really doing his best. N.B: its also true if you show the truth Indian censor board will never let the movie released. LOL

Whether you're a cricket fan or not, Emraan Hashmi's performance keeps you glued

[theprincewarrior · 8/10 · 13 May 2016]

Everyone loves a sporting hero – the guy who comes from nowhere and wins hearts of the nation. It doesn't happen too often. What happens even lesser is when the very fans who put him on the pedestal, pull him down because they find him unworthy of the love and adulation. Azhar is the story of a fallen hero's fight for his lost dignity. From a lower middle-class background in Hyderabad, Mohammed Azharuddin (Emraan) rises to become one of India's most successful captains in the world of cricket. But the journey is speckled with controversies and scandals galore. On the personal front, he makes headlines when he romances a film heroine Sangeeta (Nargis) who he eventually marries after leaving his first wife Naureen (Prachi). On the career front, he is banned from playing cricket after being accused of match fixing. The film tracks Azhar's journey as he combats his inner battles with a clear mission – to have his name cleared. What's good: There are two ways to make a biopic – you either position it like a docu-drama or take the populist route. Director Tony D'Souza opts for the latter, which is a clever move because Mohammed Azharuddin was always a people's hero. For the most part of the film, the reconstruction of Azhar's life from real to reel is authentic. Tony begins his lead character's story on the right note – his entry on the cricket field on the day of his grandfather's death to Ravi Shastri's role in his selection. The film sails along seamlessly in the first half with the endearing portions between Azhar and Naureen being the highlights. The real Azharuddin has endorsed the film and it's commendable that he gave his nod to the portrayal of all the Grey areas in his life – his infidelity, insensitivity, betrayal, insult, and humiliation is there for public consumption. The most important part is the admission of accepting money from a bookie – even if for a larger reason. Tony has added some delicious moments in the film – look out for the fight with Manoj (Prabhakar) in the locker room; Ravi's (Shastri) wife barging into the spa looking for her philandering husband; Navjyot (Sidhu) refusing to support Azhar and even Kapil (Dev) looking the other way. Azharuddin, as we know him, was always a shy, awkward guy who didn't speak eloquently or display emotions openly. Emraan Hashmi gets the character perfect to the core – from the body language to the attitude. It's a credit to Emraan that you feel the pain of Azhar going from the most loved man to the most hated man in the country. There is a scene where Azhar is called for a ribbon cutting – Emraan's act in that will make you cringe. The conflict that Azhar feels before dating Sangeeta, whether real or aimed at whitewashing, is interesting and effective. As is Azhar's insistence of keeping his wives, parents and kids out of the court, despite being abandoned by his friends and colleagues. There is something uniquely real about Naureen's character from her appearance to her dialogues. Prachi brings to life the dignity and charm of Azhar's former wife with her performance. The non-linear format of the film accentuates the impact. Rajat Arora's dialogues add the necessary chutzpah to Azhar's character.

What's not: A major part of the film is in the confines of a courtroom. Sadly, that's the portion that seems dreary. Both the lawyers (Lara Dutta and Kunal Roy Kapoor) in the film are like caricatures. You also wish the film had dug deeper into the story. It feels incomplete; questions still remain unanswered. Nargis Fakhri looks glamorous despite her distracting duck pout but she should strictly avoid roles where she has to emote even remotely.