A Compelling Love Story. Review on Fanaa

Juni had shot Rehan once. Rehan turns around, aims at her, pauses, and remembers a lifetime of moments he had with her and could not shoot her. The helplessness of hate over love was so beautifully expressed by those eyes of Amir khan. And Bang, she shoots him once again to death. This scene is one worth dying for. I had a lump in my throat.

I was skeptical about this movie, as I thought the movie is glamorizing terrorism. Though when I started watching I was hooked by the 'Ada' of Amir as the Lovable Rogue guide. His Sher at drop of the hat were sometimes too much to handle but the background Distorted Riff accompanied by the roaring startup of Tabla would liven up the moment. The simple portrayal of Juni by Kajol was a breath of fresh air, as compared to hysterical blindness of Rani. She looked fresh as rose in the role of a young college girl.

The scene between Juni and Rehan at the Safdarjung Tomb was a passionate encounter between the too and the maturity of the lead actors was at full display.

The entry of Rehan the Terrorist is bombastic. Everyone was taken aback whether Col Ranjit is the terrorist or Rehan was Col Ranjit in disguise. It was a shock to realize and hard to believe that the lovable Romeo is actually a ruthless terrorist, who fell in love with the simple innocent girl.

The chase scenes in snow reminded one of True Lies (was it this one?). The maturity of plot was in full bloom when the now –treated- erstwhile- blind Juni is face to face with Rehan and Rehan recognizes her but she could not recognize the father of her Son Rehan and her benefactor. However it is strange that she cannot recognize her by his voice as visually impaired persons are known to have extra sharp ears and nose.

The antakshari wherein Rehan discloses his identity to her is a gem of direction. The range of expressions in Kajol’s eyes are a treatise on acting. Then as story unfolds Rehan and Juni have to make their choices. And the terrorist chooses her life, over his, the citizen chooses the country over his life. The message was beautifully conveyed that even a hardcore terrorist bows before the force of love. Except for a justifying statement on status by the Cop Tabu, there was no glorification of terrorism. It was juxtaposed against love and the love won in the end, the quintessential Yash Chopra way.

The junior Rehan stands out in his part as well, what with the heart wrenching “Jitna Pyar Rehan aapse Karta hai, utna pyar aap rehan se nahin karti hain” It ultimately reflects on the final shot that Juni has at Rehan Sr., whereas he does not.

The music of movie is one of the greatest works so far by Jatin Lalit. So sad that they won’t do any more together. Though the Rock inspired Chand Sifarish is the more catching one, the mere Haath mein…is the tour de force by JL, Sonu and Sunidhi. The softness in Sunidhi’s voices foxes you and you wonder who this singer is! Sonu is better than his usual in this song. Must win a couple of awards these songs. The Chanda Chamke one is a favorite with the kids. I wish they could have done better remix of the Chand…

The movie is a compelling Love Story.