Film: Toofaan

Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Mrunal Thakur & Paresh Rawal

Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

OTT: Amazon Prime Video

Rating: 3.5 Moons

After collaborating for the 2013 hit biographical sports drama Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Farhan Akhtar reunite for yet another sports drama called Toofaan. Just like its name suggests, the film creates a storm with powerful performances and an impactful storyline.

Starring Farhan, Mrunal Thakur and Paresh Rawal in lead roles, Toofaan is not just any other sports drama, it has a very evident point to make on love and supportive partners. It does present an inspirational story but isn’t that common in every other sports film? What’s new here is how Rakeysh softly weaves a sweet tale of love to make it even better.

RECOMMENDED READ: PeepingMoon Exclusive: To all those criticising Toofaan, all I want to say is, 'Get Well Soon'- Mrunal Thakur on film being accused of promoting 'love jihad'

The 2-hour-40-minute long film begins with Aziz Ali aka Ajju Bhai’s (Farhan Akhtar) introduction as a Dongri goon and street-fighter. Excellent at packing punches, Ajju wants Nana Prabhu (Paresh Rawal) to train him in boxing and fulfill his partner Dr. Ananya’s (Mrunal Thakur) dream of becoming a national boxing champion.

Supporting and pushing him from behind at all times, Ananya stands strong with Aziz, despite her father Nana’s disapproval. However, Aziz faces a major setback when he gets involved in match-fixing and is banned from the ring for five years. What follows is an inspirational comeback where Aziz packs a punch like never before after returning to the ring.

In Toofaan, the Aziz-Ananya love arc runs parallel to the sports one, but in lesser measure, since the latter is the primary theme of the film. But one thing is made clear – Toofaan is as much about boxing as it is about love and supportive partners. Though the film seems to be stretched more than needed especially in the second half. But that’s all forgivable because every character delivers a top-notch performance.

Farhan steals the show. The actor underwent extensive physical training for the role and it is quite visible with him going from paunchy to ripped. He also worked on getting a flawless Bombaiya accent. This is without doubt one of his finest performances. Giving him a thrust is the impeccable Mrunal who shines in every scene. She is strong and sensitive in equal part which balances the rough energy of the film. Not only is her acting naturally beautiful but her aura is charming, much needed for a strong sports drama like this one.

Paresh Rawal is at his best as Farhan’s coach and Mrunal’s Islam phobic father. He owns every scene he is a part of. Supriya Pathak Kapur, Hussain Dalal, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Darshan Kumaar, Vijay Raaz and child artiste Gauri Phulka deliver great performances as supporting actors.

Rakeysh’s direction is excellent. However, the film could have been chopped to make it a better experience for all. Anjum Rajabali and Vijay Maurya make it a point to match the flow of the film with their dialogues. The background score sets the tone and music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Dub Sharma and Samuel Shetty-Akanksha Shetty is as inspiring as Eye of The Tiger was for the Rocky films. Meghna Sen’s editing could have been better. But cinematographer Jay Oza captures both the ring and Mumbai’s gullies vividly. Watch Toofaan for Farhan’s commendable performance as ‘Boxing Ka Amitabh Bachchan!’

PeepingMoon gives Toofaan 3.5 Moons!