Chandigarh
13 July 2021
DIVYA AZAD
Ahead of the launch of Toofaan on Amazon Prime Video, the toofaani team – Farhan Akhtar, Mrunal Thakur and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra – today visited the city of Ludhiana, via a unique virtual city tour. The first of its kind virtual tour which covers multiple cities across India, will see the team interact with media, fans and local heroes from various states. Media was also treated to an exclusive sneak peek into the making of the film, adding to the anticipation and excitement.
Lead actor and co-producer Farhan Akhtar, excited about his virtual city visits for Toofaan, says, Chandigarh, like every other city, it is a land of great culture and inspiring stories. It is home to some iconic sports personalities in the country and is making us proud of their contribution. As a producer and actor, I am thrilled to have gotten a chance to interact with the local media in Chandigarh and give an insight into the powerful and inspirational story of Toofaan. It is overwhelming to see the love and support this city has continued to give me throughout the years.”
Continuing further about his role, he adds, “With Toofaan, I have learnt that no matter how physically strong one is, stepping into the shoes of a boxer is a whole new ball game. While I underwent rigorous training for 8 to 9 hours a day to physically and emotionally prepare for the role, I hold this character and story close to my heart, and hope the audience will too.”
Sharing her excitement about the virtual city visits, lead actress Mrunal Thakur shares, “I echo Farhan’s thoughts that Chandigarh, has been a great contributor to the sporting universe and it brings me great pleasure to be interacting with people from here. Some of my best memories from this city are about gorging on some of the most delectable Punjabi cuisine like Makke di roti and sarson da saag. Every time I visit this city, I make sure to take some time out and try out the sweet and savoury local delicacies.”
Adding about her role, she says, “Every man in the ring out there is supported by a woman behind him. My character Ananya plays a catalyst in the entire journey of Ajju Bhai transforming into Aziz. What sets her apart is that this girl is confident, compassionate and liberal. After playing Ananya’s character, I feel as an actor, I have become more decisive, and confident. I am sure that this is one of the roles that every actress in Bollywood would aspire to play. I am glad that I have this opportunity to essay the strong and fierce character of Ananya.”
Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra adds, “The crowd in Chandigarh, is quite welcoming. I absolutely admire the humble and polite nature of people out here. It was amazing to interact with the local media, and I would like to truly thank them from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support they have showered all these years. I am hoping they continue to shower their love and blessings for Toofaan as well.” He adds, “Toofaan’s story at its core is about all the challenges one goes through and how one should never give up. It is a wholesome entertainer that is thrilling, thought provoking and motivating. So, mark your calendars and get ready with your bucket of popcorn to enjoy this entertaining film.”
Presented by Amazon Prime Video in association with Excel Entertainment and ROMP Pictures, Toofaan is an inspiring sports drama produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Farhan Akhtar. The film features an all-star cast, led by Farhan Akhtar in the lead role along with Mrunal Thakur, Paresh Rawal, Supriya Pathak Kapur, Hussain Dalal, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Darshan Kumaar and Vijay Raaz. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the film’s high-octane trailer takes us through the journey of a local goon, Ajju Bhai becoming a professional boxer, Aziz Ali. Toofaan is a tale of hope, faith and inner strength fueled by passion and perseverance.
Toofaan will also be the first film to simultaneously premiere on Amazon Prime Video in Hindi and English starting July 16, 2021 across 240 countries and territories.
Film’s Synopsis: Under forced circumstances, an orphan boy born from the streets of Dongri, grows up to be a local goon. His life changes when he meets a bright and a compassionate young woman named Ananya who guides him to take the right path. With love and guidance, he finds his calling in sports and takes up the journey into becoming a world class Boxer. This is an inspiring story. Even the poor and marginalized, beaten by life circumstances, can become the heroes of the nation by giving up the other part of life and adopting the right path. Toofaan is set in Bombay. The city of Bombay is like the third character of the film. Bombay is Megapolis and one of the greater cities in India. It is a true cosmopolitan city and a melting pot for various cultures and religions. Mumbai runs on the spirit of Mumbaikars. This “spirit” is indeed Mumbai’s proudest possession which we also see in our film through our characters.
Watch the trailer here: youtu.be/4qalsBNwZds
Toofaan will join the thousands of TV shows and movies from Hollywood and Bollywood in the Prime Video catalog. These include Indian-produced Amazon Original series Mirzapur Season 1 & 2, Comicstaan Semma Comedy Pa, Breathe: Into The Shadows, Bandish Bandits, Paatal Lok, The Forgotten Army – Azaadi Ke Liye, Sons of the Soil: Jaipur Pink Panthers, Four More Shots Please, The Family Man, Made In Heaven, and Inside Edge, Indian films such as Hello Charlie, Coolie No. 1, Gulabo Sitabo, Durgamati, Chhalaang, Shakuntala Devi, Ponmagal Vandhal, French Biriyani, Law, Sufiyum Sujatayum, Penguin, Nishabdham, Drishyam2, Joji, Maara, V, CU Soon, Soorarai Pottru, Bheema Sena Nala Maharaja, Halal Love Story, Middle Class Melodies, Putham Pudhu Kaalai, Unpaused among others and the award-winning and critically acclaimed global Amazon Originals like Coming 2 America, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Boys, Hunters, Fleabag, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. All this is available at no extra cost for Amazon Prime members. The service includes titles in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Bengali.
Prime members will be able to watch Toofaan anywhere and anytime on the Prime Video app for smart TVs, mobile devices, Fire TV, Fire TV stick, Fire tablets, Apple TV, etc. In the Prime Video app, Prime members can download episodes on their mobile devices and tablets and watch anywhere offline at no additional cost. Prime Video is available in India at no extra cost with Prime membership for just ₹999 annually, new customers can find out more at www.amazon.in/prime.
