'Toofaan' teaser out: Farhan Akhtar shines in intense sports drama
A teaser of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directorial Toofaan got dropped yesterday. In it, we see Farhan Akhtar as a national-level boxer, for which he underwent mind boggling transformation. Notably, this is his second time playing an athlete, the first being Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013). Mrunal Thakur gives him company in this action-packed sports drama, slated to release on Amazon Prime Video on May 21.
Akhtar portraying role of a goon-turned-boxer, Paresh Rawal his coach
The two-minute-long teaser packs quite a punch giving a Gully Boy vibe. Toofaan shows Akhtar's powerful journey from a goon to a national-level boxer. He worked hard and long to get in shape. From gym to boxing sessions, the Don director left no stones unturned to get into a fighter's physique and mindset. The film will also star actor Paresh Rawal as his coach.
His Twitter post for 'Toofan' teaser says it all
The movie is truly a labor of love, says Akhtar
While sharing the teaser, the lead actor talked about the film being a "labor of love." "It fills me with immense joy to give you the first glimpse of a film into which we poured all our love, passion, exuberance, madness even. It truly is a labor of love and today I am so excited to share it with you (sic)," Akhtar's tweet read.
Pandemic delayed the movie indefinitely; Amazon came to the rescue
Initially, Toofaan had October 2, 2020, Gandhi Jayanti, as its release date. That was advanced to September 18, but due to coronavirus pandemic, it got delayed indefinitely. The makers eventually signed a deal with Amazon Prime Video, paving its way for a May 21 release. Interestingly, this is another of Amazon Prime Video's big movie premieres after Gulabo Sitabo and Coolie No. 1.
This is how Akhtar celebrated Boxing Day on Instagram
People had previously called for boycotting 'Toofaan.' Here's why
Akhtar had shared the first look of Toofaan on New Year's Day 2020, but was met with the wrath of Twitter trolls, mainly because he had opposed the newly-implemented Citizenship Amendment Act. Hashtags such as #BoycottToofan and #BoycottFarhanAkhtar were trending on Twitter at the time. However, the film seems to have moved past that hate and people are beginning to appreciate Akhtar's hard work.