AZHAR~ Emraan Hashmi's second innings.

Release date- 13th May 2016

One Word which describes the film- Optimistic

Best Dialogue- 'Sikka dono ka hota hai, heads ka bhi tails ka bhi, par waqt uska ata hai, jo palat kar upar ata hai.'

Genre- Biography/ Drama

Music- Amaal Mallik, Pritam

Producer- Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor

• Sony Pictures Networks

Writer- Rajat Aroraa

Direction- Tony D'Souza

Cast- Emraan Hashmi, Lara Dutta, Prachi Desai, Nargis Fakhri,  Kunaal Roy Kapur

Budget- 20 Crores approximately

The film starts with Emraan Hashmi telling the audience, 'Main Teen Cheezon Ke Liye Famous Hoon. Ek - Khuda Ko Maanta Hoon. Do Shaadi Hui Hai Meri. Aur Teen - Match Fix Karne Ka Ilzaam Hai Mujhpar. Main Azhar'.

When he says, 'Ek time pe India ka Captain tha, matlab India ka damaad tha', we know we are in for some great one-liners from the king of dialogues, Rajat Aroraa.

The film is shown from Azhar's point of view, how from being loved by the nation, he was shunned by everyone 'Ab Bhi Log Mujhe Dekhte Hain. Nazrae Wahi Hain, Nazariyaa Badal Gaya Hai.'

The story is simple, it's Emraan Hashmi, who with his brilliant portrayal of Azhar, assisted by powerful dialogues, makes the film worth watching. He has lost so much weight that in his clean shaven look, he actually looks like a 20s something, small town guy, with big hopes of making it into the Indian cricket team. Not only he copied his look, but also perfected his walk and the famous wrist shots.

Kunal Roy Kapoor, in a highly unrecognizable get-up, plays the role of Azhar's friend cum lawyer who believes in his innocence and works for years, to restore his honor.

Prachi Desai as the demure housewife and Nargis as the glamorous film-star are like chalk and cheese. Both of them have small yet significant roles which further add more dimension to the protagonist's character.

When Azhar says,'Woh Mera Ghar Thodna Nahin Chahti Thi, Aur Main Ghar Lautna Nahin Chahta Tha' and later, 'Maine use chhod to diya par kabhi chhod nahi paya' we understand that in life every relationship comes with a price.

Lara Dutta plays the role of a public-prosecuter who was once a big 'Azhar' fan. She tells her friend, 'Peeche abhi bhi bhaag rahe hai, bas wajah badal gayi hai.' She looks smart and confident and gets ample opportunity to leave an impact.

Apart from the main characters, other cricketers don't get any opportunity to rise and shine. Gautam Gulati as Ravi Shastri and Varun Badola as Kapil Dev disappoint.

Tony D'Souza, earlier known as Anthony D'Souza made his directorial debut with   Blue (2009') followed by Boss (2013). Azhar, is more believable than his last two ventures.

Both, Itni si baat' sung by Arijit Singh and 'Bol do na zara' sung by Armaan Malik are melodious and can be heard on loop.

The film collected approximately 21 Crores over the weekend, which is good, considering Emraan's last few films were completely rejected by the audiences.

    

In a line, despite the well played captain's innings in the film, people may not change their views about Azharuddin but Emran Hashmi successfully manages to leave an impact in his second innings as an actor.

Must watch for Emran Hashmi's fans and all those who love Rajat Aroraa's one liners.