Cast
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Emraan Hashmi
as Mohammad Azharuddin
Nargis Fakhri
as Sangeeta Bijlani
Lara Dutta
as Meera Verma
Prachi Desai
as Naureen
Kunaal Roy Kapur
as Ramakanth Reddy
Manjot Singh
as Navjot Singh Bachar
Rajesh Sharma
as M. K. Sharma
Kulbhushan Kharbanda
as Wajihuddin
Gautam Gulati
as Ravi Goyal
Varun Badola
as Kapil Jain
Hiten Patel
as Cricket Fan
Karanvir Sharma
as Manoj Shinde
Crew
Director
- Anthony D'Souza
Writer
- Rajat Arora
Producer
- Shobha Kapoor
- Ekta Kapoor
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Azhar examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Anthony D'Souza brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Azhar took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 182 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Azhar shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Man's Woman and Other Stories, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Azhar subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Tarang and Swayamvar explore similar territory, Azhar stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 13, 2016
- Runtime: 2h 10m
