11 Things that you need to know about the movie Azhar

Cricket fans are set to relive some of the most dramatic moments of India’s former skipper and flamboyant batsman Mohammad Azharuddin’s life in his upcoming biopic movie Azhar. The most successful Indian Test captain of his era, Azharuddin, fondly called as ‘Azhar’, was all about confidence, exuberance, and style. The movie, which is set to release this weekend, has created a lot of buzz and has curious fans waiting see Azharuddin’s side of the story.

1. Plot:

The story of the movie is totally based on the life incidents and facts of Azharuddin. In short, it traces some of his most intriguing life incidents.

2. Lead roles:

Azhar’s role is essayed by actor Emraan Hashmi, his first wife Naureen’s role is played by Prachi Desai and the role of his second wife Sangeeta Bijlani is played by Nargis Fakhri.

3. Co-stars:

The teaser and trailer of the movie suggest former India cricketers and Azhar’s teammates Ravi Shastri and Navjot Singh Sidhu having a considerable presence in the movie. Bigg Boss 8 winner Gautam Gulati will be seen portraying Ravi Shastri’s role while Manjot Singh will act as Navjot Singh Sidhu.

4. Banner and Direction:

The movie has been directed by Tony D’Souza and produced by Ekta Kapoor under the banner of Sony Pictures Network.

5. Shot at some of the best cricket ground in the world:

The first schedule of the movie, which was completed in October 2015, was shot at popular Test venues namely The Oval, Canterbury, Derby, Edgbaston and the ‘Mecca of Cricket’ Lords’. Some parts of the movie was also been shot at Harleyford Manor, Mayfield Lavender Farm, and Windsor.

6. Controversial Content:

Mohammad Azharuddin’s life and career were filled with extreme ups and down including highly controversial incidents such as the match-fixing scandal and his relationship with actress Sangeeta Bijlani. So, keeping these facts in mind, one can definitely expect some controversial content in the movies and leave the cinema halls with astonishment.

7. Charges for extra kisses!:

Nargis Fakhri, who portrays Sangeeta Bijlani’s role, revealed some interesting behind the scenes story. While shooting the song ‘Bol Do Na Zara,’ she could barely speak as she was just kissing Emraan Hashmi repeatedly during the shoot of the song. She says that her lips were always stuck to Emraan’s and she even suspected of someone playing a prank on her. She found it ridiculous to do retakes of kissing scenes and wanted to charge extra for all those kisses! “I was not aware that there would be these many kissing scenes. I was like, I will charge extra as this is ridiculous, as there were retakes and re-shoots. So I was like, is this a joke,” The Actress said in an interview.

8. Hairy problems:

Nargis Fakhri raised many eyebrows in an interview with a comment which could make people cringe. As per source, Bollywood actor Emran Hashmi opted for a fake moustache in the movie.  “He’s done that a lot. For me, it was pretty gross. You see that moustache? How do I know that’s not made from pubic hair? I had to kiss that. Not once. Several times! The moustache was annoying as hell,” Nargis revelas why it felt gross to serial kisser of Bollywood. Though her doubt seems a bit shocking, it perhaps leaves the sort of valid doubt in everyone else’s mind.

9. Legal troubles:

The movie has already attracted legal troubles before its theatrical release. Reportedly, Sangeeta Bijlani, Azharuddin’s estranged wife, is planning to sue the makers of the film if she feels that her character is being portrayed in a bad light and is shown to be a home-breaker.

10. Retro Rejoice!

The popular 90’s song ‘Oye Oye’ from the 1989 superhit film ‘Tridev’ has been remade for the movie.

11. Former cricketers concerned:

Manoj Prabhakar (who is said to have been the key witness in Azharuddin’s match-fixing scam) along with veteran cricketers Kapil Dev, Navjot Singh Sidhu and Ravi Shastri seem to be too concerned about how their characters have been portrayed in the film nad have reportedly asked the makers to screen the film before its release.