926: 'Toofaan' Review: Farhan Akhtar Impresses In This Predictably Dull Boxing Drama

<div>The last time Farhan Akhtar and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra came together was for <em>Bhaag Milkha Bhaag</em>, a well intentioned but tiresomely told story based on the great Milkha Singh’s life. In <em>Toofaan,</em> all the trappings of a commercial sports biopic are again summoned and a few minutes into the film the fatigue has already set in.<br> <br> An underdog pulsating with passion, finds direction and purpose in life under the watchful eyes of his coach. All roads then lead to a nail-biting climax where his victory is inevitable. In <em>Toofaan</em> this trajectory remains unchanged. Ajju bhai (Farhan Akhtar) is the Dongri ka gangster who redeems himself as the skilful boxer Aziz Ali. <br> <br> However, in its eagerness to impress all, the film simply abandons this narrative track and dilutes its own message thereby making <em>Toofaan</em> feel bloated and even unnecessary. Trapped by the requirements of formula filmmaking, <em>Toofaan</em> is more gas than a raging storm that it was intended to be.<br> <br> VO: RJ Stutee</div>