Destroyed in Unoriginality. Review on Fanaa

It was a tough call when I had to hit the online Submit button to confirm my booking for Fanaaat a nearby multiplex. Rs. 180 per ticket was a reason enough to stay away from the film the first few weeks. But then with all the hype and hoopla surrounding it, not to mention the innumerable interviews and TV appearances by the director and the lead pair, I was left with no option but to go for the first available show – irrespective of the price. Going by the way the film was promoted on TV; I feared it would relegate the saas-bahu shows in the background. All said and done, the film is now running to packed houses all over the country, and now in a few places in Gujarat as well.

In terms of story, Fanaa has nothing new to offer. It’s the usual boy-meets-girl-get separated saga repeated in countless Bollywood capers. Don’t expect any unusual twists in the tale, because as loyalists of the ongoing TV shows, we have become shock-absorbent to the supposedly characterization of Aamir as a terrorist in disguise of a Delhi guide! Nothing shocking when compared to Tulsi miraculously surviving that bus crash or Prerna discovering the real rapist!

Perhaps what has made a beeline at the multiplexes is the coming of Kajol—after her post-delivery sabbatical, and Aamir—riding high after the RDB success. Alas! The film has failed to justify and explore their on-screen chemistry to the fullest. Aamir’s Rehaan is a well-etched out character, justified in his actions, emotions and behavior. But whatever prompted Kajol to take up Zooni is still a question I keep asking myself and others. As a Kashmiri girl, Kajol does not look the part. Perhaps a lesson or two from Preity Zinta (The Hero and Mission Kashmir) would have enabled her to be more convincing in her North Indian looks and teenage mannerisms. One can, however, not deny that Mrs. Devgan definitely has a great screen presence and she ignites the auditorium with her toned-down body. Though there is nothing dynamic about her acting, blame it on the poor screenplay.

The rest of the cast has very liitle scope to do much in the film. They are merely used as props to fill up the vacant spaces. Rishi Kapoor does justice to his brief role, but Kiron Kher’s portrayal as a mother of today’s gen-ex seems a little far-fetched. What kind of mom would agree to her blind daughter’s choice of beau without even meeting him, knowing very well he is a local tourist guide?

Coming to the technical aspects, the cinematography is simply brilliant. Poland has never looked so beautiful, so serene. Music too is hummable...the Chand Sifarish number by Shaan with Kailash Kher crooning “Subhan Allah” is a sure shot winner. Ditto for the poetry in “Mere Haath mein…”. There is no doubt about Kunal Kohli’s directorial capability, but he should try different subjects and get out of the mushy Yash Raj romances. The guy was a movie critic in his earlier innings; he should now give back the fraternity the chance to truly laud his new role. Otherwise, it would be a classic case of all words and failed execution.

In a nutshell, Fanaa primarily works for its fresh casting of the lead pair, the heavy promotional campaign by the YashRaj banner, and the Aamir effect. Otherwise, it’s definitely not worth 180 bucks that I paid to see it.