Toofan Review - Solid Boxing Drama Which Hits The Right Punch With A Knock-Out Performances

Sports is crucial as it inspires and motivates to make your life better. After the huge success of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Farhan Akhtar collaborates with Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra once again for a boxing drama, Toofan, which also stars Paresh Rawal, Mrunal Thakur and Hussain Dalal in key roles.

Toofan is the coming-of-age boxing drama which tells the story of Aziz Ali (Toofan) aka Ajju Bhai (played by Farhan Akhtar), a small time goon whose life changes as Ananya Prabhu (played by Mrunal Thakur) enters his world. Thus begins the journey of Toofan from the street of Dongri to the boxing championship which is like a roller-coaster rides going through various ups and down both on and off the ring.

From the director of thrilling AKS, rebellious Rang De Basanti and inspiring biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag , Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra goes to the ground level and gives you the making of a champion. The film begins well in the present scenario showing Toofan preparing for the biggest fight of his life. The boxing-drama goes back into the flashback mode showing Aziz Ali's transformation from a trouble-maker youth to a professional boxing state level champion. Chance to meet his girlfriend changes him completely and he joins the boxing club under Coach Nana Prabhu (played by Paresh Rawal) for good where his boxing skills are recognized and from this point, the movie begins to roll out. The first half does have the typical Bollywood romance coupled with song-dance routine and light humor to keep you enlightened. The first half is fine but it is the second half which is pretty solid and the climax is highly effective.

Couple of scenes will steal the thunder - Farhan Akhtar winning his first state level championship, the training session where Farhan Akhtar practices to make a comeback with the Toofan title track will rock your body (thanks to Shankar-Eshaan-Loy) and finally the beautifully shot climax scene. On the flip side, the screenplay does loses the steam due to the inclusion of songs. the editing could have been better and the film definitely could go a long way to be trimmed by at least 15-20 mins. Though the songs are tuneful to ears, the boxing drama could definitely be more impacting barring few songs in the reel. Nevertheless, the screenplay is pretty tight and succeeds to keep you at bay. Background score deserves special mention. Cinematography is good. Boxing fight stunts are well-executed. I loved the rap song "Todun Taak" and the tuneful "Jo Tum Aa Gaye Ho" while others were ordinary.

Toofan is uplifted thanks to wonderful performances by the entire star cast. Farhan Akhtar gives his best as he has trained hard to get into the shape and appreciable sculpted physique clearly reflects in the movie. He emotes so appropriately that it is difficult to think of any other actor in this role. Paresh Rawal lends in good support.

Special mention for Mrunal Thakur who has certainly evolved as an actress. The gorgeous actress hits it right with her expression and portrays beautifully on screen. I also liked the performance of Hussain Dalal who brings in light moments to the intense drama. Surpiya Pathak and Vijay Raaz had miniscule role to play.

Overall , Toofan does comes in the right time when the world needs to step up and fight back, never losing the hope of giving up. Good 3/5

Toofan is produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidwani under the banner of Excel Entertainment in collaboration with ROMP pictures. The boxing drama is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.