The trailer of Toofaan, the upcoming sports drama starring Farhan Akhtar, was released on Wednesday. The actor, who plays a small-time-goon-turned-boxer in the film, draws an analogy between boxing and chess.
“It has a physical, emotional, and mental aspect to it. So, it’s actually like playing chess, but you are using your body,” said Akhtar during a virtual press conference.
Toofaan will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on July 16. The film was originally slated to hit the platform on May 21.
Written by Anjum Rajabali and Vijay Maurya, and directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the sports drama also features actors Mrunal Thakur, Paresh Rawal, Supriya Pathak Kapur, Hussain Dalal, Dr Mohan Agashe, Darshan Kumaar and Vijay Raaz.
Set in Bombay, the film revolves around an orphan boy from the streets of Dongri, who, under forced circumstances, grows up to be a local goon. His life changes when he meets a bright and compassionate young woman named Ananya (Thakur) who guides him to the right path. With her love and guidance, he finds his calling in sports and becomes a world-class boxer.
Speaking about Thakur’s performance as Ananya, Akhtar said, “She has owned it. It belongs to her. Sometimes you need a push in your life to keep you going. It can be anyone. Ananya is that.”
As per the official synopsis, the city of Bombay, a melting pot of various cultures and religions, is like a third character in the film.
Akhtar mentioned how he got help from co-actor Hussain Dalal, who hails from Dongri, to learn the lingo and body language of the people of the neighbourhood.
Recommended
The actor also spoke about the training he underwent for the film. “Toofaan is a true labour of love. No matter how physically strong one is, stepping into the shoes of a boxer is a whole new ball game. It took 8 to 9 months of rigorous training for me to get into the skin character and it made me realise how physically, mentally and emotionally demanding the sport actually is.”
He said he had undergone “leap training” in boxing since he covered in one year what usually takes up to four years.
Toofaan is produced by Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, which is co-owned by Ritesh Sidhwani, and Mehra’s ROMP Pictures.
The film marks the second collaboration between Akhtar and Mehra, after Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), also a sports film. It is the duo’s first digital release.