Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Mrunal Thakur, Paresh Rawal, Vijay Raaz, Hussain Dalal, Darshan Kumar

Director: Rakesh Omprakash Mehra

Rating: ***

Platform: Amazon Prime

After the award-winning film, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Rakesh Omprakash Mehra took the director seat and helmed the sports drama Toofaan, starring his favorite Farhan Akhtar. This time, the actor-director duo brings their stormy side with Toofaan. The audience waited too long for the flick and finally, the storm has arrived on the digital platform Amazon Prime. Based on the drop back of Mumbai, the film tells the inspirational story of a gangster who turned into a professional boxing player. Long story short, with this review, let's observe whether the film is a binge-watch or avoidable one.

Moving on the plotline, Toofaan is about a reckless guy Aziz Ali (Farhan Akhtar), famously known as Dongri's goon but kind-hearted. His faith makes him meet Dr. Ananya Prabhu (Mrunal Thakur), after which Gunda Ajju embarks on his path to become boxer Aziz Ali. To fulfill the dream, he joined boxing classes under the guidance of coach Nana Prabhu (Paresh Rawal). Even on being a stalwart Hindu, he trained Aziz and helped him in becoming a state champion. But the faith has its own destiny and as expected Aziz's life changes when his love story takes an unexpected turn.

Talking about the storyline, then writers Writers Anjum Rajabali and Vijay Maurya have tried their best to deliver the out-of-the-box sports drama but unfortunately, in order to cover all the social aspects, Aziz's inspirational story loses its aha moments. Some of the dialogues which referred to Hindu-Muslim debate and the inter-faith relationship turned the sports drama into an exaggerated film. But still, Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra dares to speak about the issue through the screenplay.

When it's about the good aspects of the Toofaan, then the physical transformation of Farhan Akhtar, the film's trailer that doesn't reveal much about the storyline, the actors' performance, background score that hits hard in audience minds are a few points which must be given their due credits. But if we turn the table, then the film seems to be more stretched and bored you at several points.

Rakesh Omprakash Mehra is a renowned director of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, though, the film was a long trip but worth a watch. But if we talk about Toofaan, then it's an extended one. Keeping this aspect apart, the director has brilliantly showcased the beauty of crowded Mumbai and Aziz's journey.

Speaking of the actor's performances, Farhan Akhtar's storm has won his fans' hearts. His physical transformation, Mumbai accent, and his bonding with Mrunal Thakur are exceptional. Mrunal fits perfectly in the shoes of Ananya. The audience will surely love her adorable style and her chemistry with Farhan. More about Paresh Rawal, then the actor doesn't need any introduction as he looks believable in the role of Nana Prabhu. Hussain Dalal, Vijay Raj, Supriya Pathak and Darshan Kumar have also done justice to their characters. Adding to Darshan's performance, the actor doesn't get enough screen space which is sad as the actor has a great potential. Well, we hope he'll get more good projects in the future.

Embracing all, the film was a sports drama, still, director Rakesh Omprakash Mehra connected the plot with interfaith marriage which was easy to avoid. But Mehra wants to convey a message that turned the film into a long-stretched one. When a film is about boxing, then was it important to embrace it with controversial aspects? Well, the plot was quite predictable and boxing sequences take the film to another level as they seem more realistic and excited. All-in-all, the film is a binge-watch because of Farhan Akhtar, so grab your popcorn and make your weekend more Toofaani.