Movie Review: Fan

Even the biggest and most loyal SRK fans must agree that his last three films were nothing great though all were money-spinners. A fan of the self-made superstar, Director Maneesh Sharma (‘Band Baajaa Baaraat’, ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’, ‘Shuddh Desi Romance’) directs SRK in the much-awaited big release ‘Fan’.

The movie is a reboot to SRK’s film career; I opine so as he seems to be in a mood to try out new roles this year onwards which reminds you of his early days when he experimented with negative roles, this when most other actors must have thought to be too risky. A racy songless drama thriller without a lead heroine, ‘Fan’ has the actor playing a double role- Aryan, the superstar and Gaurav, his biggest fan who turns obsessive when things don’t go his way.

I have admired the director’s way of telling stories and this is no different. However, the plot tends to get unconvincing at times (second half). Gaurav getting a little demented is very well put across to the audience but one may find his whereabouts a little illogical. Even then, Sharma manages to keep you at the edge of your seat. And let’s not forget this is commercial cinema. ‘Fan’ is a solid entertainer at that. The climax will meet with mixed reactions.

In a recent interview, SRK said it was more difficult for him to play Aryan than Gaurav. The idea was to not play himself. SRK is brilliant as twenty-five year old Gaurav. While some credit certainly belongs to the VFX Team at Red Chillies, you might as well feel you aren’t watching SRK and that is the mark of an actor. The superstar should be offered good roles and he should also choose them; challenge himself more often rather than opting for commercially viable scripts all the time. As Aryan, he is equally good. You might just get confused whom to root for in this story of a fan’s love and devotion gone awry. It shouldn’t come as any surprise when the actor sweeps all the awards this year.

• About the Author

About Abhirup Dhar

I don't watch movies... I live them! Let me introduce myself. Abhirup Dhar was born in Kolkata and is still being brought up in India. A banker by profession, he is filmy to the core and is passionate about reviewing movies and writing. He likes to live on his own… he likes to be blunt, sarcastic, famous, infamous, confident, over-confident, moody at times… he likes to be himself. He is imperfect because perfection is boring. His love for movies dates back to his childhood days when he studied in a boarding school. A three-month Winter Vacation every year… and he made sure he watched as many movies then. Parents thought it was a phase... he knew it was Passion and he knew it back then itself. The craziness to watch movies on the Big Screen began during the last two years of school when he literally bunked to town so that he could catch up with the new Hindi Movie releases. Some thought he was plain crazy. He confirmed it was Passion... yet again. The hard fact is that not always can you walk a path you are passionate about. You have expectations to fulfill and Life to be made. But Life gives you chances and you have to grab them. So... here is he... your friendly critic who will be giving you his Verdict every week so that you can decide which release is worth your moolah and which is not! See you at the Movies! Stay connected at Facebook and Twitter!