Director: Maneesh Sharma
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Amarjeet Singh
Fan
Few actors in Bollywood are as beloved as Shah Rukh Khan. Ever since his recognition in the 1990’s, Khan has become one of the greatest actors in the film industry. Whether it is star-crossed lovers, gangsters or doomed superheroes, Khan has proven he can portray many characters. Arguably, Khan’s finest strength as an actor has always been his charisma. He has often been of those rare actors with the abilities to use his charisma to attract audiences to the theatres. Through his abilities to play characters which prove to be compelling, Khan has created a legacy that’s lasting. Known as the Badshah of Bollywood, Khan has stood the test of time as a great icon in Indian Cinema. Despite reaching the ages of retirement, Khan hasn’t lost his passions for making engaging entertainment. An icon in India, Khan has become a bold actor whose movies commonly attract audiences to the Cinema. Throughout his long-lasting career, Khan has appeared in several unforgettable movies which are definitely without a doubt worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Khan and adore all movies which he has made in his career. However, “Fan” certainly stands out as being his most thoughtful film. Released in 2016, Maneesh Sharma’s film offered a portrait of obsessive fans. Packed with bold production, riveting storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s a breathtaking Bollywood action blockbuster. At the centre of it all is a bold performance from Shah Rukh Khan, who portrays the life of an obsessive fan seeking fame. Although “Fan” is a captivating blockbuster, it isn’t a flawless film. It suffers from an over the top ending without a satisfying resolution. That being said, it offers engaging entertainment for fans of SRK.
“Fan” tells the story of an obsessive fan that is determined to accomplish a devious plan. Shah Rukh Khan plays Gaurav Chandna, an obsessive fan that admires the film industry of India. Gaurav has often had lifelong love for Aryan Khanna, a famous movie-star that he regards to be an inspirational role model. When he is given a chance to meet his idol in Mumbai, Gaurav’s big dreams come true. However, Gaurav’s life changes when he is rejected by his favourite Indian actor. As the odds are stacked against his favour, Gaurav questions whether it’s possible to gain love of an actor. Seeking vengeance, Gaurav is determined to ruin the life of an actor with rich experience.
Maneesh Sharma has often been fascinated with themes of obsession in India. His iconic film “Band Baaja Baarat” offered a stunning portrait of obsessive wedding planners that arrange weddings. With “Fan”, however, the filmmaker made his first film about fandom. It was the director’s first attempt to capture tension faced by fans of actors in the Indian film industry but he succeeded. Using bold cinematography, Sharma conveys the life of an obsessive fan facing adversity. Emulating Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo”, Sharma deftly uses montages to capture hardships which obsessive fans go through. For instance, the montages enhance the famous star gazing scene. During this heartfelt scene, Gaurav gazes in the state of awe at Aryan as he is waving at fans from his balcony. Using bold montages, Sharma constructs a portrait of a fan that’s engaging. Montages are tricky. As Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Swades” proved, montages elevate Bollywood movies about homeland. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through breathtaking visuals, Sharma captures hardships obsessive fans are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Fan” meriting appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive Bollywood action films ever made. Sharma effectively uses visual effects to capture the strong transformation of an obsessive fan. Evoking David Fincher’s “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, Sharma expertly uses de-aging technology to capture the life of a dwarf fan. For instance, de-aging elevates the rejection scene. During his sad scene, Gaurav faces grief when he is rejected by his favourite movie-star. Using captivating visual effects, Sharma creates a portrait of fandom that’s engaging. Furthermore, the musical score is superb. It gives the movie an engaging atmosphere capturing burden that obsessive fans bear. Using captivating production, Sharma captures the dangers of obsession.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Fan” is a Bollywood film about obsession that’s engaging. The film is extremely well-written, and effectively uses monologues to capture struggle obsessive fans are facing. Inspired with Yash Chopra’s “Darr”, Chopra effectively uses monologues to capture the lives of obsessive fans which are in danger. For instance, the monologues enhance the confrontation scene. During this engrossing scene, Gaurav has an intense confrontation with his favourite actor in a fierce argument. Through strong monologues, Chopra crafts a portrait of obsession which audiences can relate to. Monologues are complex to use in Bollywood movies. As Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” claimed, monologues elevate Bollywood films about dysfunctional families. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using a breathtaking screenplay, Chopra captures obsession that comes with a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Shah Rukh Khan gives one of his best dual performances as Gaurav/Aryan. Khan first achieved appreciation for playing romantic heroes in iconic Bollywood films. With “Fan”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t simple for actors to play two different characters in the same movie but he pulls it off successfully. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, hilarious and fiercely committed in his most intriguing role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, grief and frustrations faced by a fan that struggles to accomplish a mission. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most beloved actors currently working in India today.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Shah Rukh Khan, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciations. Deepika Amin is dazzling, bringing charisma to a mother struggling to raise a son with an obsessed persona. Shriya Pilgaonkar is truly spectacular, capturing a charismatic nature of a woman struggling to cope with stressful jobs under pressure. Lastly, Yogendra Tiku is worthy of appreciation. As Gaurav’s dad, he is unforgettable.
Despite its powerful performances, however, “Fan” can’t quite capture the tensions which are faced by a fan. If there’s a shortcoming to the film, it lacks a compelling ending. It’s an over the top conclusion that fails to bring the movie to satisfying resolution. Whereas this ending elevated Rob Reiner’s “Misery”, it clashes with the tone of this movie. At worst, it perpetuates false messages on obsession that aren’t true to reality. Therefore, “Fan” is one of those Bollywood movies not everyone will adore.
Nevertheless, fans of Shah Rukh Khan will absolutely enjoy “Fan” and so will movie-goers seeking meaningful entertainment. A brilliant Bollywood blockbuster, it honours a beloved actor.
Nearly a decade following the release of an iconic Bollywood movie about a fan driven to the brink of destruction by his obsession, it’s a brilliant reminder of a beloved Indian actor that’s established a strong reputation by his abilities to portray strong characters in memorable movies which are absolutely worthy of appreciation.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 