Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
Bollywood

'Fan': Insightful And Thrilling

IANS, 15 Apr, 2016 01:10 PM
  • 'Fan': Insightful And Thrilling
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Waluscha de Sousa, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Deepika Amin, Yogendra Tiku, Sayani Gupta
 
Directed by: Maneesh Sharma
 
Rating: * * * 1/2
 
In a star-struck country, where hero worshipping is a norm, "Fan" is an insightful film looking into the obsessive, delusional behaviour of a star admirer and his love for his matinee idol. It is a reality check for both, stars and their fans.
 
Basically, the film is a battle of wills between Gaurav Chandna, the fan, and Aryan Khanna, the star.
 
Delhi-based Gaurav is the reigning heart-throb Aryan's doppelganger and a die-hard fan. It is his dream to meet his idol. So crazy is he that he follows the same trail as his idol to Mumbai and goes to any lengths to protect his star.
 
How he meets his star and the disillusionment that follows, forms crux of the tale.
 
 
The story written and directed by Maneesh Sharma, is uncomplicated, but of course exaggerated and zooms into a noire zone, pushing the boundaries of acceptability. The first half of the film is well-balanced and taut. It is the second half that is far-fetched, and though thrilling, strains.
 
Although treated as a dramatic thriller, the film is more of drama than a thriller. Narrated from Gaurav's point of view, the film brings to fore, the pragmatic issues of stardom and how stars deal with their crazy fans. Your heart bleeds for Gaurav, but at the same time makes you realise that one needs to be rational.
 
The pace of the film though racy, drags in parts, especially in the stretched action sequences, which is well-choreographed.
 
 
With well-etched characters, the performance of each actor is noteworthy. The film belongs to Shah Rukh Khan, who in a dual role, is a treat for his fans. In both his characters, Gaurav and Aryan, he is distinct in his sartorial style, speech and mannerisms. With his overt histrionics, sincerity and simplicity, his obsession is palpable. He steals the show as Gaurav. As Aryan, Shah Rukh Khan is merely an extension of himself.
 
Of the rest of the supporting cast, Deepika Amin and Yogendra Tiku, as Gaurav's parents are fairly competent. Waluscha de Sousa as Aryan's wife and Shriya Pilgaonkar as Gaurav's love interest Neha, in small roles make their presence felt.
 
With great production values, the sets are realistic and the locales impressive.
 
Visually, Director of Photograohy (DOP) Manu Anand's images are impressive. He captures the hysteria of the fans and their gawking at their star, with precise acuteness. His frames seamless mesh with the computer generated images. It is in the initial scenes where the shots with grainy images are chaotic and thus, disorienting, but once the narration settles, the visuals are realistic and appealing.
 
Namrata Rao's razor sharp edits are crisp and note-worthy. She aptly layers the visuals and Andrea Guerra's background score to make the film a sound and visual delight.
 
 
Interestingly, despite with no songs in the narration, "Fan" keeps you entertained with Shah Rukh's gusty performance.

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

Who’s Most Likely To?...WATCH: Khan Sisters Gauahar And Nigaar Reveal Secrets Online

Who’s Most Likely To?...WATCH: Khan Sisters Gauahar And Nigaar Reveal Secrets Online
Actresses and sisters Gauaharand Nigaar Khan have revealed each other's secrets and habits online.

Who’s Most Likely To?...WATCH: Khan Sisters Gauahar And Nigaar Reveal Secrets Online

It Was 'Tough' Working With Sridevi As She Is Too Good With Her Work: Akshaye Khanna

Akshaye Khanna, who plays a significant role in his upcoming film 'Mom', says it was 'tough' to work with Sridevi as she is too good with her work and that's the problem.

It Was 'Tough' Working With Sridevi As She Is Too Good With Her Work: Akshaye Khanna

Mahira Khan Is Sweet: Sunny Leone

Bollywood actress Sunny Leone, who has performed on the song "Laila main Laila" from "Raees", says Pakistani actress Mahira Khan -- who features as Shah Rukh Khan's love interest in the movie -- is a sweet person.

Mahira Khan Is Sweet: Sunny Leone

Alia Bhatt Goes Three Shades Darker In 'Udta Punjab'

Alia Bhatt Goes Three Shades Darker In 'Udta Punjab'
Alia plays the role of a Bihari girl in the Abhishek Chaubey directorial, which also stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh.

Alia Bhatt Goes Three Shades Darker In 'Udta Punjab'

Richa Chadha Bags Indo-American Project, Love Sonia

Richa Chadha Bags Indo-American Project, Love Sonia
Richa Chadha has been roped in for the lead role in David Womark's Indo-American production "Love Sonia".

Richa Chadha Bags Indo-American Project, Love Sonia

Had A Ball Shooting This One: Akshay Kumar On 'Rustom'

Akshay Kumar will wrap up the shooting of the Tinu Suresh Desai directorial "Rustom" on Friday. He says he “had a ball” shooting this one.

Had A Ball Shooting This One: Akshay Kumar On 'Rustom'

PrevNext