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bokul

@bokul

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+ 3

Posted: 9 years ago

#1091

Fan Movie Review

Saibal Chatterjee | Friday, April 15, 2016

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Fan Movie Review" title="Fan Movie Review">

Genre:
Thriller
Cast:
Shah Rukh Khan, Waluscha De Sousa and Shriya Pilgaonkar
Director:
Maneesh Sharma

SPOILERS AHEAD

A double dose of a Bollywood superstar intent on pushing himself into new zones as an actor makes for a passably watchable spectacle in Maneesh Sharma's Fan.

The film might, however, have yielded decidedly more than just superficial delights had the director not resorted to standard means to wrap up his tale of an obsessed movie fan run amok.

The besotted admirer of the title is Gaurav Chandna (Shah Rukh Khan, with protruding teeth and looking years younger than he is), a West Delhi boy who is a lookalike of a fictional matinee idol, Aryan Khanna (Khan again).

Gaurav is unabashedly obsessed with everything that Aryan Khanna does. The walls of his room are plastered with cutouts of the actor in his various movie roles.

Even the cyber cafe that Gaurav runs is named after his favourite actor: AK Cyber Chat.

The fact that he resembles the showbiz icon makes Gaurav a bit of a star in his own right in the neighbourhood.

He impersonates Aryan Khanna at the annual Dussehra mela organized by Inder Vihar's DDA Colony and walks away with the best performer trophy every year.

Trouble is Gaurav takes his ardour beyond acceptable limits. When slighted by the object of his fantasies, he engineers a bitter confrontation between fan and idol that plays out in London, Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Mumbai.

Fan is a rather odd admixture of the real and the make-believe. The former works quite well; the latter not so much.

In the first half, the fact that Gaurav bears an uncanny likeness to Aryan Khanna does not invite any public gasps of surprise from those who run into him in the street and elsewhere.

Neither the guards manning the entrance of Aryan Khanna's Mumbai bungalow nor the hundreds of other fans milling around the place take any notice of Gaurav.

But in the second half, visitors at Madame Tussauds as well as the London police are taken in by his visage and believe him to be the movie star the world knows.

The repeated identity switcheroos that Gaurav pulls off are contrived to the point that even Aryan Khanna's wife falls for the ruse.

When Gaurav is on his Aryan Khanna trip - which is almost always - he is egged on by his parents despite the mother occasionally fretting over his college grades.

These portions of Fan are largely believable. But when one fine day, Gaurav decides to undertake a ticketless rail trip to Mumbai to meet Aryan Khanna in person, the film begins to stretch credulity.

The travelling ticket examiner and the railway police force men give Gaurav a long rope and he makes it to Mumbai instead of ending up in jail.

The film comes close to careening completely out of control after the hounded movie star decides to take matters into his own hands and confront his rogue fan head-on.

If it doesn't, it is solely because of the flair SRK brings to the film, especially in the guise of the misguided fan.

It is difficult to fathom why a Bollywood star who has a retinue of men (and women) at his beck and call would go gunning for his tormentor all by himself, chasing him through Delhi's chaotic traffic.

These liberties dim the impact of what is otherwise a screenplay that has enough going for it.

Also, for a songless Hindi film, Fan needed to be much shorter than it is. At its nearly two-and-a-half-hour length, it overstays its welcome by at least 30 minutes.

After Gaurav is left disillusioned by Aryan Khanna's refusal to grant him the five minutes that he seeks with him, the former vows to ensure that it will be the star who will now do all the running.

The film takes that line literally and Aryan Khanna is actually reduced to shed his starry cloak and chase the seriously bothersome Gaurav.

Fan does have several redeeming features, not the least of which are the flashes of intelligence in Habib Faisal's screenplay.

As with many a recent SRK vehicle, there is no dearth of self-deprecatory humour here.

On a chartered flight from London to Dubrovnik, Aryan's assistant (Sayani Gupta, making a mark despite limited scope) advises him to ignore Gaurav. "He is neurotic," she tells him. The star retorts rhetorically: "What, am I?"

At a flashy wedding where Aryan is slated to perform, the wealthy host berates him for arriving late. "Mr Bhutiani, I will make it up to you," he says.

"You better do, I am paying you a bomb," Bhutiani says.

Especially commendable is the manner in which the writer and the director imagine the spaces that the deceptively vicious anti-hero occupies: they are tangible and easy to relate to.

For the record, any similarities that Fan might have with Tony Scott's 1996 film, The Fan, seems only superficial and incidental.

The Hollywood psychological thriller was set in the world of baseball and the fan, played by Robert De Niro, wasn't a lookalike.

Fan works for the most part because it has the fabulous SRK act as a 'young' star-struck boy. His energetic performance is worth the price of the ticket - if not more.

It is fascinating to watch the actor making the transition from a gawky movie-crazy youngster to a swaggering Bollywood star mimic on stage to a psychologically unhinged stalker who pulls out the stops.

Fan is proof that even if SRK isn't 25 years old, he certainly has the kind of enthusiasm that might put many 25-year-old actors to shame.

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bokul

@bokul

Master

+ 3

Posted: 9 years ago

#1092

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Fan' review: Shah Rukh Khan is in the mood to kill; crowds thrilled

Fan' review: Shah Rukh Khan is in the mood to kill; crowds thrilled

Shah Rukh Khan's 'Fan' review: What a triumphant return to form for an actor whose career has been lately beleaguered by sub-standard scripts and mediocre directors. This time Shah Rukh is in the mood to kill and we don't mean that just as a metaphor.

By: IANS | Updated: April 15, 2016 3:58 PM

6 3 G+0 0

Shah Rukh Khan's Fan' review: Outwardly playing Aryan Khanna, the superstar , would seem relatively easier for Shah Rukh than playing the obsessive fan. But playing the star is actually a far tougher task. Shah Rukh incorporates elements from his real life into the on-screen persona.

Shah Rukh Khan's Fan' review: What a triumphant return to form for an actor whose career has been lately beleaguered by sub-standard scripts and mediocre directors. This time Shah Rukh is in the mood to kill and we don't mean that just as a metaphor. As this far-from-frothy take on the very complex star-fan relationships develops into a ominous cat-and-mouse chase, Shah Rukh grips both the characters-yes, for those who came in late he plays both the star and the fan-in a firm grasp that makes us simply gasp.

Shah Rukh Khan is in full command of both the characters. He gives both Aryan and Gaurav ample room to grow, grow apart and then clash in ways that shows what skilful scripting can do to a superstar's yearning to excel.

Outwardly playing Aryan Khanna, the superstar , would seem relatively easier for Shah Rukh than playing the obsessive fan. But playing the star is actually a far tougher task. Shah Rukh incorporates elements from his real life into the on-screen persona. Aryan Khan comes across as a very humane icon, there are bouts of charm and fits of rage going hand-in-hand here. He makes no attempts to deify himself. That's what gives the narrative its muscle and lubrication.

As for the fan Gaurav Chanana, the prosthetics go a long way in creating a character who is so believable and yet so distinguished Aryan Khanna that it's almost like two different actors playing the two roles. The voice, the body language and the complete character transformation, we've seen Shah Rukh do it in "My Name Is Khan" and "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi."

Fan review: SRK's film is expected to turn into a massive hit as the online searches for any news related to it are numbered in the tens of millions.

From the sunny to the sinister, Shah Rukh's Gaurav Chanana takes us on a rollercoaster ride across a plot which is propelled by pungency. The superstar gets some valuable support from co-actors like Sayani Gupta, Deepika Amin and Yogendra Tikoo whose presence is skillfully woven into the darkly disarming drama of a duel between the dapper star and his distressed disingenuous doppelganger.

Writer Habib Faisal seems to tap into the fan's inner-most adulation for the star. There is more angst than sweetness in the relationship. In scene after scene, even when the angry fan gets down to create a scene', Faisal conceptualizes the turbulent conflict between the idolized and the idoliser, with a keen eye on keeping the drama on a tight leash.

For a large part of the narrative the energy and mood are bridled and broken down to an acceptable and credible level. The director films the duel of deception in bright colours that flatter to deceive. The bonhomie wears thin soon enough. When it does, the narrative is ready to shift gears with brisk adeptness.

A lot of the credit for bringing the two protagonists' irreconcilable lives into a karmic clasp goes to editor Namrata Rao. She breathes an urgency into the proceedings without knocking the drama senseless . Towards the end, the plot begins to fall apart. Which, in a way, is what is only to be expected. Doom, you see, a pre-condition in a relationship between unequals.

What "Fan" ultimately says about the star's equation with his admirers is that tragedy awaits any attempt to break the barrier that divides the heroes from their followers. Every star who thinks he and she must mingle with the fans and "belong" with them must see this film.
Film: Fan'; Director: Maneesh Sharma; Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Sayani Gupta , Deepika Amin and Yogendra Tikoo; Rating: ****
By Subhash K. Jha

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bokul

@bokul

Master

+ 3

Posted: 9 years ago

#1093

@varungrover 2h2 hours ago

LOVED Maneesh Sharma's #FAN. SRK the actor is back in glorious form & the super-meta inquiry into star-fan culture is so much fun! #GoWatch

Anna MM Vetticad @annavetticad 7h7 hours ago

#Fan FDFS. Huge crowd. Interesting -- at this hall where morning shows are usually filled with men, today there are more women present. Hmm.

Shanoo Sharma @Shanoozeing 2h2 hours ago

Happy @iamsrk DAY! #fan @FanTheFilm #makinghistory Witness glory!

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bokul

@bokul

Master

+ 3

Posted: 9 years ago

#1094

SRK's FAN Storms Cinemas; Opens BIG

by Box Office India (April 15, 2016)

Ever since it was announced, Shah Rukh Khan's FAN was one of the few films which intrigued not only the audience but the trade as well. And anticipation only doubled after the first teaser released. The Yash Raj Film, directed by Maneesh Sharma and featuring Khan in a double role, released at 4,000-odd screens today. After taking an impressive opening, the film is witnessing an increase in footfalls with every successive show. Here's what distributors have to say.

Rajesh Thadani, Multimedia Combines, Mumbai

Shah Rukh Khan's fans were eagerly awaiting this film, which looked very unusual and different from his recent releases, which had more masala elements. The first show across India saw 85-per cent occupancy. Most of the shows after that were 95-per cent full, especially in multiplexes. It's a holiday across the country, so we are sure that the evening shows will see a huge growth in numbers. In Mumbai, multiplexes notched up 85-per cent occupancy and single screens 70 per cent. The reports of the film from the audience are outstanding.

Brijesh Tandon, Delhi-UP, H K Tandon & Co

The opening of the film was outstanding. The film is running house full in Delhi as well as in Uttar Pradesh. Multiplexes witnessed 100-per cent occupancy. We haven't had something like this from Shah Rukh Khan since Chak De! India, and movie-goers across the country are excited. In the long run, FAN will do good business as the reports of this film are outstanding.

Jaspal Dhingra, Nanaskar Enterprises, East Punjab

Advance booking for this film started early this week and everyone was waiting for the film ever since the first teaser released. The audience loves the film. The reviews from the audience after watching the first show are very positive and as a result, the film took an opening of 80 per cent. Word-of-mouth is very strong and the movie also has repeat value.

Debashish Dey, Aum Moviez, West Bengal

It's a Shah Rukh Khan film and everyone, from kids to elderly people in West Bengal, is a fan. This was evident from the morning show, which was packed while the second show was house full. In WB, we don't have a holiday today but in spite of that, the film has taken such a great opening. The audience reviews are also very positive.

BH Basha, Bahar Enterprises, Mysore

The report of FAN is outstanding and it opened to 80-per cent occupancy in Mysore. Shah Rukh Khan is doing a different type of role after a very long time, which is something the audience has been waiting for. The first teaser and song worked very well for the film. Advance booking for the weekend shows are already 70 per cent. The movie will definitely run to packed houses at the weekend.

Jeetu Khandelwal, Pioneer Movies, Orissa

In Orissa, films featuring only the three Khans work, and Shah Rukh Khan has a huge following among all age groups here. FAN is running 90 per cent full in multiplexes. Occupancy in single screens is a little low but it will grow across the day as it's a holiday in Orissa. The word-of-mouth of this film is very strong and I am sure FAN will break many records.

Vijay Kher, NR Multimedia, CP

The film started on a very good note and the response from the audience is very good. The first show was almost 85 per cent full and by evening, shows will be running house full as today is a holiday. FAN will do outstanding business in multiplex chains.

Sanjay Marudhar, Marudhar Enterprises, Rajasthan

The film opened to 95-per cent occupancy in multiplexes in Rajasthan and will grow as the word-of-mouth buzz builds. Since today is a holiday, expect a big number for the first day's collections. SRK has done a really great job as everyone was waiting for a performance-oriented film from him for a long time.

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bokul

@bokul

Master

+ 3

Posted: 9 years ago

#1095

Faridoon Shahryar @iFaridoon 1h1 hour ago

Full marks 4 dVFX.Layman wudn't know d efforts that hav gone in2 transforming SRK in2 Gaurav both facially n physically.VFX does that! #Fan

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zara321

@zara321

Stunner

+ 7

Posted: 9 years ago

#1096

Seems like gaurav is the perfect character for srk to play! Anupama said it's his best performance since chak de india! Srk is back :)

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bokul

@bokul

Master

+ 3

Posted: 9 years ago

#1097

Fan review: Shah Rukh Khan is a scene stealer as Gaurav in this drama

There are plenty of falls in Fan - physically, morally and occasionally even on the narrative front. But Fan also marks the resurgence of Shah Rukh the dramatic actor, the one which went on a hiatus for a couple of years to produce films that were trope-ridden affairs.

Suhani Singh

New Delhi, April 15, 2016 | UPDATED 15:52 IST

A +A -

Direction: Maneesh Sharma
Cast:Shah Rukh Khan, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Deepika Amin, Yogendra Tikku, Sayani Gupta, Waluscha De Sousa

Ratings: (3/5)

There are plenty of falls in Fan - physically, morally and occasionally even on the narrative front. But Fan also marks the resurgence of Shah Rukh the dramatic actor, the one which went on a hiatus for a couple of years to produce films that were trope-ridden affairs. In such a scenario it'll be interesting to see how audiences who have been fed a certain brand of SRK will respond to a film that taps into the obsessions of a fan and the vulnerabilities of a star in tackling an irate fan. It's a demanding watch for those accustomed to seeing songs and heroines in a film for here there are none. This is a Shah Rukh show out and out, and for most part it keeps you hooked.

FAN REVIEW: Gaurav beats superstar Shah Rukh Khan in this play of obsession

ALSO READ: Jabra Shah Rukh interviews the superstar Shah Rukh

If somehow you have managed to keep yourself away from the deluge of Fan promotions, then here is the plot. Gaurav (Shah Rukh Khan) is a twenty something man from Inder Vihar in Delhi who has hero worshipped Aryan Khanna (Khan) since he was a child. What makes him stand out from the pack is that he also resembles Khanna - his nose and lips are thinner and physique tinier. Called "photocopy" by those not fond of him, Gaurav is mostly a colony favourite as the guy who does spot-on impersonations of Khanna to win competitions. From the prize money of one, he makes a trip to Mumbai to fulfill his eternal dream - meet Aryan Khanna.

But Khanna's fan-star encounter doesn't go according to plan and falls below his lofty expectations. His exalted status for his idol, whom he occasionally refers to as God, is crushed when the star rebukes him for his actions. Crestfallen that Aryan doesn't appreciate his grandiose gesture, an isolated Gaurav devises revenge strategy inspired by the sentiments of Khanna himself: agar mere fans nahi toh main kuch nahin (a star is nothing without his fan). A year later, Gaurav decides to use his likeness to Aryan Khanna to jeopardise his career and reputation among fans.

It's a novel idea that instigates introspection on how a fan's sense of entitlement and subsequent disillusionment can wreak havoc. What are the boundaries of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour? But Sharma, who came up with the story, and Habib Faisal (Do Dooni Chaar, Ishaqzaade), who has written the screenplay, stretch the concept with little meaningful to add. "Asli drama toh ab shuru hoga," says Gaurav. But that drama turns into a game of cops and robbers that eventually becomes a child's game. Gaurav wants an apology. Aryan won't say sorry. Questions remain as to why Gaurav who is mistaken for Khanna only after the second half and why not before. There are one too many chase sequences and little other than Gaurav's newfound unwavering contempt for Khanna driving the narrative.

It's not that Fan is not without merit. There is a superb, entirely meta dance medley in which Shah Rukh as Gauarv mimics Shah Rukh's iconic moves. The dramatic sequence in the Madame Tussauds in London where Gaurav mocks and berates his plastic self - "This is fake" - is particularly memorable. Fan the movie travels to Dubrovnik for a fun-tastic reason: just so Aryan Khanna can dance at a wedding for which he has been paid a "bomb" and then show his heroic skills with a well-choreographed parkour chase. It in such sequences when Fan adopts a tongue-in-cheek attitude to question the exalted status of stars and the limitations of Hindi film actors, it is funny.

From recapping the highlights of Shah Rukh's career to presenting glimpses of his fan following and stardom, Fan is very much a tribute to how far and ahead SRK has come. Faisal and Sharat Katariya (Dum Laga Ke Haisha) make use of Khan's popular dialogues to demonstrate Gaurav's devotion.

Khan as Khanna shows the troubles and frustrations of an actor who has to combat a determined, tad deranged soul. But when Khan is in the mind of Gaurav that he most impresses as he tackles a character whose entire identity centres on an actor. When Gaurav sees Khanna for the first time or hears his voice, it isn't make believe, it is real. He makes you root for Gaurav, the naive youngster, with his Dilli zubaan and enthusiastic deameanour, and a menacing nemesis with his shifty eyes, quivering cries and disconcerting smile.

Fan digs deep into the dynamics of fan-star relationship. And it's a film with a significant message: Imitation is the best form of flattery but it can also hinder creativity and individuality. Shah Rukh displays both these aspects in abundance in Fan. The film is a reminder why the outsider has survived for 25 years, many of them on top.