Mumbai, May 21 (IANS): That same slouch, taweez (amulet), helmet and the upturned collar -- the first look of Emraan Hashmi-starrer "Azhar", a biopic based on the life of former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin, shows the actor portraying the cricketer-turned-politician with full grace.

Directed by Tony D’Souza and produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and MSM Motion Pictures, “Azhar” the film is said to deal with the cricketer's entire life.

Azharuddin led the Indian cricket team for most of the 1990s. He was implicated in a match-fixing scandal in 2000, and banned for life. But later in 2012, the Andhra Pradesh High Court lifted the ban.

“Azhar marries two of India’s greatest passions - cricket and films. The collaboration with MSM Motion Pictures further strengthens the pitch we’re playing on. Both studios will bring their strengths to the fore and play this film on a front foot,” Sameer Nair, Group CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures, said in a statement.

The makers will launch the teaser of “Azhar” in the "Extraaa Innings" of IPL 2015 Finale. For the first time, a special teaser has been shot before the commencement of shoot.

"We have backed 'Azhar' because just like 'Piku', it is a story that is waiting to be told. We are partnering with Balaji Motion Pictures because they too have a history of backing content-led yet entertaining cinema. Together, we are looking forward to bringing Azhar to the audiences in 2016,” Sneha Rajani, deputy president and head, MSM Motion Pictures, added.

“Azhar” is slated for a worldwide release on May 13, 2016.