As Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s upcoming boxing film ‘Toofaan’ (starring Farhan Akhtar) draws closer to its release on May 21, 2021, on Amazon Prime Video streaming platform, so has the razzmatazz around it.
Since the release of the film’s captivating trailer and with a rough idea about the film’s premise, it had driven us to a nostalgic trip as some snippets from the film’s trailer seemed somewhat partially reminiscent of the fan-favorite granddaddy of all boxing films – Sylvester Stallone’s 1976 film ‘Rocky’.
An apparent connection between ‘Toofaan’ and ‘Rocky’ is that both these titular characters were local goons before ostensibly getting their big breaks to become boxing champs. Rocky Balboa used to work as a debt collector in the slums of Philadelphia. While Farhan Akhtar’s Azil Ali grows up in Dongri and becomes a local goon who beats up people.
Another subtle similarity that can be surmised is that both the titular characters are shown to be underdogs. Rocky’s character from his coach Mickey’s perspective was a squandered talent. We somewhat get a similar vibe from Toofaan’s trailer vide a fleeting ring-side interaction with the boxing coach played by Paresh Rawal. In the scene, Rawal asks Farhan: “You wanna learn boxing to beat up guys?”
Further, during Rocky’s training montage sequence, the Italian Stallion is seen undergoing rigorous but unconventional training like using hooked meat as his punching bag while Farhan is seen landing powerful punches using a bunch of tyres in a modest Dongri gym. During their training, both Stallone And Farhan can be seen vigorously sprinting alongside a waterbody.
Despite the apparent similarities and knowing the cinematic flair of both Farhan and Mehra, we are sure that the film will essentially be an original and entertaining enterprise, which will, in turn, pave way for more filmmakers to attempt inspiring sports dramas.
Moreover, the multi-talented multiple Filmfare Award-winner Farhan Akhtar is comparatively a more intense and honest performer with a diverse acting range. He has delivered some heartfelt performances in films like ‘Luck by Chance’, ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, and ‘Karthik Calling Karthik’. Toofaan’s trailer further substantiates this and shows that he is in an incredibly good form.
Further, the ad-film maker turned feature filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (also a multiple Filmfare Award-winner) has already demonstrated his finesse to effectively execute hart-warming dramas (Rang De Basanti, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag).
Therefore, there is high probability that the creative synergies of Farhan Akhtar and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is bound to make ‘Toofaan’ a memorable film and will immerse the Indian audience in a never-seen-before, riveting on-screen boxing bout. We sincerely hope that their reunion can replicate the success of their previous venture ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’.