Table of Contents
Do You Love Cricket and Drama?
If you enjoy stories packed with action, emotion, and a touch of controversy, then the movie Azhar might just be your perfect watch. Based on the life of one of India’s most iconic cricketers, Mohammad Azharuddin, this film takes you through his rise, fall, and redemption. But is it worth your time? Let’s dive into the details!
Plot Summary: The Rise and Fall of Azharuddin
Azhar follows the journey of Mohammad Azharuddin, an extraordinary cricketer who becomes a national hero, only to be embroiled in one of the biggest scandals in Indian cricket history—match-fixing. The story starts with Azhar’s humble beginnings and his meteoric rise to fame. With his charisma and unmatched talent, he wins the hearts of millions. However, his career takes a dramatic turn when allegations of corruption surface, putting everything he has at stake: his reputation, career, and personal life.
The film portrays Azhar’s struggle to clear his name, his relationships, and the emotional toll the controversy takes on him. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and the movie captures the highs and lows with a blend of drama and sentimentality.
Cast and Characters: Who Stood Out?
Azhar boasts a talented cast that brings this story to life:
- Emraan Hashmi as Mohammad Azharuddin: Emraan delivers a heartfelt performance, capturing Azhar’s charisma and vulnerability.
- Nargis Fakhri as Sangeeta Bijlani: Nargis portrays Azhar’s second wife with elegance and grace.
- Prachi Desai as Naureen: Prachi shines as Azhar’s first wife, bringing depth and emotion to her role.
- Lara Dutta as Meera Verma: Lara’s role as a tough lawyer adds intrigue and power to the courtroom drama.
Other notable performances include Kunaal Roy Kapur as Azhar’s lawyer and Gautam Gulati as his teammate. Each actor adds a unique flavor to the story, making it engaging and relatable.
Quick Facts Table
| Movie Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Azhar |
| Release Date | 13 May 2016 |
| Lead Actor | Emraan Hashmi |
| Lead Actress | Nargis Fakhri |
| Movie Director | Anthony D’Souza |
| Movie Producers | Aman Gill, Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, Firuzi Khan, Sameer Nair |
Behind the Scenes: Production Details
Directed by Anthony D’Souza, Azhar is produced by some of Bollywood’s biggest names, including Ekta Kapoor. The movie was shot across India, giving it an authentic feel. The cricket scenes and courtroom drama are highlights, showcasing the director’s attention to detail.
Box Office Performance
| Collection | Amount (Net) |
|---|---|
| India | ₹38.5 crore |
| Overseas | ₹18 crore |
Despite mixed reviews, the movie performed decently, especially among cricket fans who were intrigued by Azhar’s story.
Audience and Critical Reception
Azhar received a rating of 5.7/10 on IMDb based on 33 votes. While some praised the performances and emotional depth, others felt the screenplay could have been tighter. Audiences particularly loved:
- The engaging courtroom drama.
- Emraan Hashmi’s convincing portrayal of Azhar.
- The emotional storyline that sheds light on lesser-known aspects of Azhar’s life.
Why Watch Azhar?
Here are some reasons to add Azhar to your watchlist:
- Cricket Enthusiasts: If you love cricket, this movie gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of a cricketing legend.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: The film’s mix of personal struggles and professional challenges keeps you hooked.
- Courtroom Drama: The legal battles are intense and add a gripping layer to the story.
- Fantastic Performances: The cast’s dedication and chemistry make the characters relatable.
Fun Facts About Azhar
- The movie is inspired by real-life events but takes creative liberties to dramatize the story.
- Emraan Hashmi trained extensively to mimic Azharuddin’s unique batting style.
- Mohammad Azharuddin himself was consulted during the making of the film.
Achievements and Awards
- The film received praise for its performances and storytelling.
- It sparked debates about Azharuddin’s controversial career, reigniting public interest in his life.
- While not a blockbuster, its box office collection of over ₹56 crore (net) marked it as a moderate success.
Similar Movies You Might Enjoy
If you liked Azhar, here are other movies that might interest you:
- MS Dhoni: The Untold Story: A biographical drama about another cricketing legend.
- 83: Relive India’s historic cricket World Cup victory.
- Bhaag Milkha Bhaag: The inspiring story of India’s flying Sikh, Milkha Singh.
What Do You Think?
Have you watched Azhar? Did the story inspire you or make you curious about Azharuddin’s life? Which part did you like the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!