First of all I must commend Emraan Hashmi for a pretty solid performance (Prachi Desai was also good). He clearly seems to have worked immensely hard to do the role and not only adopt the way Azharuddin used to walk, talk etc., but also his cricket shots, batting stance and style. This is really a tremendous level of professionalism, but.....

.... The film somehow seemed very fake. The cricketers, the commentators, the courtroom drama, it all looked to be as if people were out there putting together a theatre show or something - worst of all being his own lawyer!

Above all, I can't remember a film that contradicts itself so much and almost drifts away from the details related to earlier. I mean, if Azhar indeed took only to prevent the bookie from bribing others, then why did he take decisions in the game that translated into the opposition piling up a huge total? On the other hand, they also showed that Azhar had a change of mind which came into complete manifestation after the drop catch and the change of bat! So how does the pre-planning of something go hand in hand with the change of heart during the match? With this point, I don't feel the need to address any other flaw or problems. Baffling to say the least! I was like "Erm, what?!" after watching it. I wonder whether this really is the justification that Azharuddin gives for his deed?!

The trailer was good, promised a lot, but hugely disappointed. Some real non-serious stuff, this.

Before Emraan Hashmi begins to portray Azhar, A Disclaimer shows up, saying: The following film is NOT a Biopic on the sport legend, but a rather adaptation on the much-talked personality. So, 'Azhar' is not a biopic, even though it covers almost all highlights of Azhar.

What works, despite that rather underwhelming disclaimer, is the fairly engaging narrative, held nicely by Director Tony D'Souza & Lead-Actor Emraan Hashmi, who bring merit & some sincerity in the goings-on. Though far from perfect, 'Azhar' is a decently made film, that certainly isn't anywhere close to being bad.

'Azhar' is Based on the life of Indian cricketer and former national team captain Mohammad Azharuddin. Right from his triumphant success, to his controversial professional & personal life.

'Azhar' is interesting in parts. Watching Azhar romance between his two wives, as well as take on captaincy in the Indian Team, offer some genuinely arresting sequences. His triumph does leave a mark. However, when Azhar is dragged to court for "match-fixing", the courtroom sequences that follow, are plain ordinary. The courtroom sequences lack fire. Had these sequences been better, 'Azhar' would've been a far superior adaptation.

Rajat Aroraa's Screenplay is quite decent, but why is the drama in the courtroom so lazily written? The Writing needed to be stronger, no two options on that! Even the dialogue, range from massy to entirely ridiculous. Tony D'Souza's Direction is well-done. He has handled the film competently. Cinematography is good. Editing is mostly crisp, but the second-hour could've been sharper. Music by Various Artists, is excellent. Background Score merits a special mention.

Performance-Wise: Emraan Hashmi as Mohammad Azharuddin/Azhar, is at his most sincere. The actor is in form, delivering a credible performance as the legendary sportsman. This is among Hashmi's better works, without doubt! Prachi Desai as Naureen, the first wife of Azharuddin, is excellent. Nargis Fakhri as yesteryear actress Sangeeta Bijlani, the second wife of Azharuddin, looks hot as ever, but falls flat acting wise. Lara Dutta as Meera, who fights against Azhar in court, is strictly okay. Kunaal Roy Kapur as Reddy, who defends Azhar, adapts a south Indian accent so fake, that he turns him into a caricature. Rajesh Sharma as M.K. Sharma, a slimy match fixer, is top-notch, as always. Others lend fair support.

On the whole, 'Azhar' isn't power packed, but its certainly watchable & also well-done in parts.

AZHAR REVIEW :- One of the most awaited film of Emran Hashmi's career from its trailer release to today. When i saw the Trailer of Azhar that time only, i decided to watch this film on First Day First Show. Reasons are known, Emran was looking promising after a long period plus i was interested in knowing our Cricketer Azharuddin's controversial life. Finally watched the Film and i am completely satisfied with this product, it completed all my expectations which were not high.

Acting- Excellent job by Emran Hashmi. I haven't seen his some acting oriented movies so i cant decide but still i say it is his Best Performance i've ever seen. His walking Style, Batting style, Dialogue delivery everything was perfect. Not award winning though, but still Kudos for him. Prachi Desai, Nargis Fakhri and Lara Dutta failed to match Emran. They didn't have much screen space, may be that was the reason but really their Make up talks louder than their Acting. Other star cast was strictly okay.

Music :- Certainly, not up to the mark. Songs just come and go. Nothing to remember. Same with Background Music.

Cinematography :- Worse. Really some scenes looks like daily soaps, especially Cricket match scenes. Disappointing field for the film.

Screenplay :- Good but not great. Good because of 130 minutes run time, and not great because editing could have been better. Many scenes and especially songs deserves cut. 2-3 loo breaks are there but still Film doesn't make you feel bore.

Dialogues :- Superb ! Clap worthy, whistle worthy and touching. I don't want to spoil much cause it will affect the impact of those dialogues.

Direction :- First of all i want to praise Tony D'Souza for daring to make controversial film like this and want to thank him for revealing some truths about Azharuddin. Direction is very good, surpassed my expectations. Tony crafted film very well, especially Interval and Climax scene.

Final Words :- Overall a good movie which deserved your one time watch for many reasons. We love you 'Fighter Azharuddin' forever. Thanks to Balaji Production for making this film so that we realise some unknown facts about our Azhar. Go for it, and don't watch it as a movie watch it as Azhar's real life story, movies like this comes very rarely. 7/10 stars by me.