'Bhag Milkha Bhag' to release on July 12

The biopic, which is based on the life and times of legendary athlete Milkha Singh, is being directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra of "Delhi 6" fame.

Farhan, 38, is playing the titular character of Milkha and did an image makeover of himself by building up a rough and tough athletic body and growing hair and beard. He also met with the athlete briefly to prepare for it.

Milkha, who is also known as The Flying Sikh, represented India in the 1960 Olympics in Rome and the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.

The film has also been shot in Tokyo, Melbourne and Rome apart from India and stars Sonam Kapoor opposite Farhan.