Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Toofaan starring Farhan Akhtar in the lead role is all set to release on Amazon Prime Video on 16th July 2021. The trailer of the movie was released a few days ago, and it has received a good response.
We recently interacted with Farhan and spoke to him about the movie, the preparation he did for the film, and more.
Farhan plays the role of a boxer in Toofaan, so, when we asked him how difficult it was for him to undergo the physical transformation, the actor said, “It was hard, it was very challenging. But, it was equally important to have the right people around to guide me through that whole process; motivate me, inspire me, challenge me and pamper me, all of that happened. So, I was fortunately on that level. But, it was difficult; it was eight months of grueling training meeting up with the shoot. When you are getting into a film like this, you know that’s going to be part and parcel of it, so, you have to make sure you do as honestly as possible.”
When asked if he met any real-life boxers to prepare for his role, Farhan said, “We have a couple of boxers in the film who have played opponents in the various matches. So, it was interesting to spend time with them because they have dedicated their lives to this sport. So to understand that what it is about boxing that excited them, what is it that they look forward to in their careers, how seriously they take their training, and how important that is; it’s something that serves you when you are performing and training.”
Farhan Akhtar and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra have earlier worked together in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013). The movie, which was a biopic on late athlete Milkha Singh, was a super hit at the box office, and even won multiple awards.
When asked Farhan if during the shoot or right now he feels any pressure about Toofaan as Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was such an amazing movie, the actor said, “The pressure is really not about wanting to better something. You call it pressure, but I would call it a responsibility to tell a powerful and good story and that’s eventually what’s important. The comparison of your work with another film or with something that you may have done in the past is not for you to make. You have to just stay focused on the film that you are doing now, and we wanted to tell the story as effectively as possible, and sincerely and honestly. That’s really what we were focused on.”
Toofaan also stars Paresh Rawal and Mrunal Thakur.
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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