Farhan Akhtar: Now, the film will reach new audiences

Farhan Akhtar in Toofaan

Toofaan was among the many Hindi films that pursued digital premieres during the second round of theatre shutdown earlier this year. While Farhan Akhtar was praised for his performance of a goon-turned-boxer, the sports drama received mixed response from critics as well as the audience when it dropped on Amazon Prime Video. Now, as the film is gearing up for a television premiere on Zee Cinema over the weekend, the actor is glad that Toofaan will reach even those who don't have access to streaming platforms. "There are people who have still not watched the film. While streaming platforms are popular in the country, there is a section of the population [that has not been introduced to OTT platforms yet]. Now, this film will reach a new audience [through television]."

Akhtar's second collaboration with director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra after Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) told the story of a national-level boxer, Aziz Ali. Through the romantic track of its leads, the movie also tackled religious divide head-on. The leading man is proud that the story struck a chord across generations. "Many of my father's colleagues rarely take the time to message me [about my performance]. But this time, they did that. So, the film spoke to people across generations." Tell him that social media users weren't as kind to the Mrunal Thakur and Paresh Rawal-starrer, and Akhtar is unfazed. "I work honestly and sincerely on every film. The majority of the feedback has been good, and people understood the film's message. That was important."

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