Writer/Director: Kunal Kohli
Starring: Aamir Khan, Kajol and Rishi Kapoor
‘A Magnificent Masterpiece’
Few actors in Bollywood are as beloved today as Aamir Khan. Ever since his rise to stardom during the 1990’s, Khan has transformed into one of the finest actors in Bollywood. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers, terrorists in danger or professional wrestlers, Khan has suggested he can play many characters. Arguably, Khan’s strength as an actor is his bravery. Khan has never been afraid to take risks in his career by discussing subjects which prove controversial. Khan has always been an actor with a commanding screen presence. Through his abilities to portray characters that are compelling, Khan has built a legacy which has proven to be compelling. Despite reaching an age of retirement, Khan has never lost his lifelong passion for producing commemorated entertainment. An iconic legend in India, Khan has become a legendary figure in Bollywood Cinema. Throughout a groundbreaking career, Khan has created several strong films that are worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Aamir Khan and adore all the movies he has produced throughout his career. However, “Fanaa” definitely stands out. Since its release in 2006, Khan’s movie has stood the test of time as a Bollywood classic about grim realities of terrorism. Packed with breathtaking production-design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best Indian movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Aamir Khan, who embodies a terrifying terrorist that falls in love. Ultimately, what makes “Fanaa” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles universal themes that everyone will relate to. It delivers a heartbreaking message about terrorism which would resonate with everyone. A mesmerizing Bollywood masterpiece about terrorism, there are many strong reasons why “Fanaa” is a commemorated movie which is definitely without a doubt worth seeing.
“Fanaa” tells a story of the doomed romance between a blind woman and tour guide. Kajol embodies Zooni Ali Beg, a blind Kashmiri girl seeking romance. Zooni’s dreams come true when she falls in love with Rehan Khan (Aamir Khan). Rehan is a charming tourist guide that has a charismatic nature. Despite the warning by her friends, Zooni immediately falls in love with Rehan. However, Zooni’s life dramatically changes when she discovers that Rehan may not be who he says he is. A shocking secret about terrorism threatens to destroy Zooni’s commemorated romantic relationship forever. Finding shocking secrets regarding terrorism, Zooni questions of Rehan is the man she wants to marry. Facing a dilemma, Zooni wonders whether she will ever be able to find love in India. As the two lovers are torn apart by the circumstance of terrorism which are beyond their control, they question whether they will ever be able to achieve their goal.
Kunal Kohli is a newcomer towards themes of terrorism. Before he directed “Fanaa”, Kohli had never made a movie about terrorism in his career before. Known for romantic comedies, Kohli established a successful career making lighthearted Bollywood movies. With “Fanaa”, however, he created his first terrorism drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the barriers faced by lovers that are torn apart by terrorist disasters, but he succeeded. Using spellbinding cinematography, Kohli captures a blind woman’s journey falling in love in Indian countries. Visually, the film is a stunning feast for the eyes. Kohli effectively uses montages to capture the powerful bonds between a pair of lovers. For instance, the immersive montages enhance the Chand se Farish musical number. During this unforgettable scene, Zooni falls in love with Rehan as he guides her on a tour of India. One appreciates montages that capture bonds between a pair of lovers. Montages are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Farhan Akhtar’s “Dil Chahta Hai” suggested, montages elevate films about friendships. Nevertheless, it works in this film. Through engaging visuals, Kohli captures romantic relationships that are compelling.
Another admirable aspect of “Fanaa” which is worth praising is the production-design. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well-made. Kohli effectively uses set-design to capture romantic relationships between lovers that decline. Kohli has always excelled staging musical sequences for his films, and “Fanaa” is no exception. Kohli successfully uses slow-motion to capture doomed romance between lovers facing destruction. For instance, slow-motion elevates the Mere Haath Mein musical sequence. During this unforgettable scene, Zooni and Rehan bond together in their final meeting before terrifying terrorism disasters. Slow-motion is a tricky technique to employ in movies. As Farah Khan’s “Om Shanti Om” did suggest clearly, slow-motion elevates classic Indian movies about celebrities. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Jatin-Lalit’s music is integral to the success of the movie. It gives the film an intense atmosphere capturing heavy burden terrorists bear. Through stunning production-design, Kohli showcases romantic affairs that decline.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “Fanaa” is an Indian classic that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively employs foreshadowing to capture a romance doomed to face catastrophe. Kohli’s greatest strength as a screenwriter is his abilities to capture the doomed romance between lovers impacted by terrorism using foreshadowing. In Bollywood, most movies rarely ever capture the realities of terrorism which comes with a painful price to pay. Movies rarely capture hardships terrorists go through. Thankfully, though, “Fanaa” is an exception. The film avoids the stereotypical conventions that are associated with films about terrorism in India. Kohli expertly uses foreshadowing to capture destructive romantic relationships ending. For instance, foreshadowing elevates the romantic relationship scene. During this unforgettable scene, Rehan warns Zooni about the dangers which she is getting into by falling in love with him. Foreshadowing is a complicated technique to use in Indian movies. As Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Swades” suggested clearly, foreshadowing is suited towards films about Indian immigration. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Kohli captures bonds between lovers that come with a painful price to pay.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Aamir Khan delivers one of his finest career performances as Rehan. Khan first achieved recognition for playing friends embarking on vacations. With “Fanaa”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a terrorist falling in love with a woman enduring tragedy but he succeeded. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his charisma as an icon in Bollywood Cinema. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, charisma and emotional turmoil of a terrorist that keeps his identity a secret that causes tragedy. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the best actors which is currently working in the Indian film is with today.
Kajol is captivating as a woman whose goal of romance is threatened by terrorism that leads her life to spiral out of control. It isn’t simple to portray the hardships faced by a blind woman, but Kajol succeeded tremendously. It’s a great role that gave the actress chance to showcase her strengths for communicating emotions by expressions rather than words. Whether she is joyously flirting with Rehan or shocked to find the news of his death, Kajol effectively utilizes expressions to capture personality of a woman affected by terrorism destruction. It’s a terrific performance from one of the finest actresses which is currently working in Bollywood today.
Finally, “Fanaa” would achieve appreciation of everyone for capturing the terrorism in India. Unlike most Bollywood films, the film tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film discusses strong topics such as identity, marriage and terrorism which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Indian culture to appreciate the movie. It delivers a universal message about grim consequences of terrorism which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Fanaa” is one of those rare Indian movies that everyone would adore.
Fans of Aamir Khan will definitely appreciate “Fanaa” and so will movie-goers which seek exhilarating entertainment. A fantastic Indian masterpiece about terrorism, it celebrates an actor that has built a legacy in Hollywood that is iconic.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood film about Indian lovers seeking romantic relationships that are torn apart by terrorism that’s terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor that has gained a huge fan following earning worldwide recognition through his abilities to tackle subject matter that’s controversial whose engaging movies are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 