Aaj kuch Toofan(i) karte?

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The problem with sports films in India: either you make a tear jerker or you create one with heavy dose of adrenalin rush. The former fits in Toofan nicely while the latter will have Chak De fit in. But a Chak De works better in the sports genre, for the fact that the genre is about the down and out scenario or the rise of the underdog or even rising from the ashes. The West (read Hollywood) has clearly laid templates and they usually do not move outside of that; unless you are creating a Moneyball or a Million Dollar Arm or Remember the Titans. Each had a story in the story. So, if it is the Longest Yard or the Million Dollar Arm or Curve Ball and the many other they produce, is all a template. But, remember sports movies inspite of being in templates are hard to make. They need to be believable and convincing. Production is hard and so are character building. Watching Toofan you shall realize the hard work that the lead (Farhan) has put in. Unless the characters look convincing, a sports film always has the problem of falling flat. 

This is where I personally would like to believe an underrated film like Mukkabaz should perhaps be placed at a higher pedestal amongst all the sports film in India. And of course, Prakash Jha's Hip Hip Hurray (not many would remember it, but this is a very 80's boys film and was on football). Mukkabaz had all the desired elements of a sports film and yes it never had a rosy ending where the underdog rises. It is the reality that thousands of sportsperson in India face day in day out. And Vineet Singh simply shone.

Coming back to Toofan and three reasons why the film works. The dedication of Farhan Akhtar that is writ large in every frame he appears. The way he has developed himself for the role simply illustrates his dedication. It is a story of the underdog and finally it is a tear jerker. All the classic ingredients to cook a masala cum sports thriller. 

But, unfortunately, Toofan may not work for more reasons. First, the casting. Farhan as the Dongri boy, simply does not stand convincing. In his dialogue delivery, mannerism and body language it is all SoBo writ very large and he cannot help it. They should have invested in someone else I guess. The guy with so much potential will be better behind the camera (he gave us Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya and the Don series) and he has already proven his mark. I am yet to see him in a role beyond Rock On and ZNMD where he is convincing. The problem with Farhan remains, the baggage he carries on screen after juggling numerous roles. I guess that overplays, every time he walks in.

The second reason for Toofan may not be working is the lack of authenticity in a sports film. Watching Rocky or Million Dollar Baby or The Fighter or The Raging Bull will probably help you realize the point I am making. And a movie like Toofan (much as it may like or dislike) is bound to bring in comparisons. And Toofan leaves lots of gaps.

The third aspect of the film is the plot. Were the end is known or anticipated, the process is important and that is why narration has to hold forth. It is the screenplay that further should have done the trick. You need to get the writing in place, else it has the problem of being a narration and that is about it.

The fourth being the character building for the rest. Mrunal Thakur, Paresh Rawal, Mohan Agashe, Vijay Raaz, Hussain Dalal, Supriya Pathak and some more. There was nothing much to play around as the screenplay restricted them.  

Toofan had the potential to strike it bigger especially after the collaboration of the director Rakesh Omprakash Mehra and Farhan Akhtar has been successful with Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (though I never could get myself to like the film). Yet the film just remains somewhere, as an opportunity lost. Imagine, a biopic like Mary Kom and Pan Singh Tomar where sports was the key and then you had Saina earlier this year. I am sure there is a stark difference between the first two and Saina. Toofan is somewhere between them. 

It premiered on Prime Video; go watch!     

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