Mumbai: Paresh Rawal is set to feature in Farhan Akhtar-fronted sports drama, Toofan. While Farhan plays the role of a boxer, Rawal is to be seen in the role of a boxing coach.

Akhtar shared the news of Rawal joining the cast, on Twitter.

"Thrilled and privileged to collaborate with an absolute giant of an actor. So looking forward @SirPareshRawal #Toofan (sic)" the actor tweeted.

The film is being directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

While Akhtar had started training for his role long ago, reports stated that Rawal has also joined the training sessions recently. Reports said that the formalities had been closed in April and Rawal has been training with Akhtar for over a month now.

Akhtar has been practicing hard to prepare for his role in Toofan and has been sharing  videos from his training sessions. The actor was seen training with world kickboxing champion Drew Neal in May.

He took to Instagram to share a video and wrote, "It's not just about strength but speed as well #ToofanInTheMaking @drewnealpt @samir_jaura @rakeyshommehra @ritesh_sid (sic)."

The movie will be Farhan-Mehra’s second project as actor-director post Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, a 2013 biopic on legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh.

The project will be co-produced by Excel Entertainment and ROMP Pictures.

Rawal most recently featured in "Uri: The Surgical Strike", alongside Vicky Kaushal and Yami Gautam.

With PTI inputs