Movie Review : FAN

Movie Review : FAN 

FAN released on 15th April 2016 is an Indian thriller movie starring Shahrukh Khan in the lead role. He is playing a double role of a superstar Aryan Khanna and his doppelganger Gaurav Chandna who was his Fan. Others staring in the film are Waluscha de Souza (Gauri Khanna-Aryan's wife), Sayani Gupta (Aryan's PA), Shriya Pilgaonkar (Neha - Gaurav's love interest), etc. The film is directed by Band Baja Baraat fame Maneesh Sharma who said that making this film was his only dream. It is produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films.

Pre-Production and Marketing : News of film's release was in public domain from more than a year. Its release was delayed several times for VFX and special effects requirements. Promotion was handled mainly by SRK as he always did for his films and was visible everywhere before and after film release. From motion poster, to title designing to Fan Anthem to movie release , SRK's fan were involved on social media platforms which helped in creating buzz around the movie.

Music: You will be surprised to know that this SRK movie has no songs except the JABRA FAN song which was used for promotional purposes but is not featured in the film. Usually SRK movies' music set the stage for big release however this time it was done by a single song which was translated and sung in 11 different languages by famous singers of that language. You can say that a single song created as much publicity as the entire album.

Plot: Gaurav Chandna is a die hard Fan of superstar Aryan Khanna. He is known as Junior Aryan Khanna in his locality for his appearance and mannerism. He his mad about Aryan and can do anything to meet him. When he won trophy and prize money of Rs 20,000 at his colony's Dussehra function by performing an act based on Aryan Khanna's movies, he decided to show his trophy to Aryan after meeting him personally on his birthday in Mumbai. He reached Mumbai where he found himself standing among thousands of Aryan Khanna fan who wanted to meet him but have to satisfy with just his glimpse. Gaurav is not a ordinary fan so he did something which forced Aryan Khanna to meet him. This meeting turned Gaurav from a fan to enemy of Aryan Khanna. What he do after that incident? How Aryan deal with his obsessed fan? A thrilling story answers this questions and take you to a memorable climax. 

Hits: We all know Shahrukh Khan is a great actor but director exploits his star image more than his acting prowess. This film yet again highlights his acting potentials. He has done a marvelous job in making Gaurav believable to the audiences. Director Maneesh Sharma has proved his worth in thriller genre as well after successfully directing rom-coms. You don't miss the songs while watching this movie and not even the SRK you know till know. I also like the action chase sequences.

Miss: I think some emotional scenes between Gaurav and his family or with his love interest would make this film more sensitive. Aryan Khanna's character is not much highlighted which bereft the audience of his psyche. 

Verdict: This not just for SRK fans but for all those who has loved a star selflessly. Its a tribute to all Fans. Go and watch it now. 

Rating : I would give it 4/5. 

Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam

Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam - A Tribute To Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge

A girl craving for her dream boy went on holidays with her friends after getting permission from her father who wanted to marry his daughter with his friend's son in his homeland India. She met a boy during this journey and fell in his love. He too started loving her but both of them didn't reveal this to each other. The boy went to India for expressing his love and to win the trust of her family. Finally the father approved their love and send her daughter with him.

Who knows on 20th October 1995 (release date of this film) that this simple love story would create history in Hindi Film Industry with longest ever run by a movie in the world. This film was continuously running in Maratha Mandir Mumbai from last 20 years ( 1009 weeks ) till 19 Feb 2015 when it was screened for the last time. Produced by Yash Chopra of Yash Raj Films and the directorial debut of his son Aditya Chopra who is also the story and screenplay writer of the film, stars Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal and Anupam Kher in the lead roles. 

This film gave its first romantic hero to the film industry before that heroes were either angry young man or super fighters or tragic emotional being or heartthrob but not lovers. Not like Raj the screen name of SRK in the movie (inspired by the great Raj Kapoor ) who can do anything to woo his girl Simran - Kajol's screen name but never dare to break the tradition that girl must marry with her parents' will and went on to impress them. The story touched the heart of every Indian in such a way that every young boy aspire to become Raj to woo his girl and every girl dreams of Raj as her perfect match. It became a trendsetter and inspired many movies. 

Here are few reasons which I think helped in long run of this film : 

1. Raj became the face of changing India of that time carefree with lots of job opportunity in country and abroad and thus having the time to chase their love and dreams.

2. Music of the film was a success world over. Many foreign surveys rate it at all time hit Indian music of that decade, who can forget the evergreen melodies like Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jaana Sanam, Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye, Doli Sajake Rakhna Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna, Zara Sa Jhoomlun Mein , Hogaya Hai Tujhko To Pyaar Sajna, etc.

3. Superb performances and dialogue, captivating locations with equally matched cinematography which never aged with years and give it a high repeat value.

4. Love - the eternal love and not the lust , you can see a romantic and emotional film again and again than a high action drama. Most of us lacks love in our lives such movies filled that void.

There may be many other reasons but for me Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam Pyaar Hota Hai Diwana Sanam. This movie which I watched in my childhood was the first impression of how love should be and those of us who have spent their childhood in 90's can feel how special this movie for us. Today I am feeling nostalgic after hearing that this movie held it last show today it brought many memories back like dancing on menhdi lagage rakhna in my class for dance exam, singing tujhe dekha to ye jaana in Antakshiri whenever the word 'T'came to me. But we can now see this movie on Internet whenever we want but yes this movie holds a special place in my heart from thousands of Hindi movies I have watched. 

Here is the new trailer of this movie released on completion of 1000 weeks: 

The Unknown Mardaani

The Unknown Mardaani

It was a Wednesday evening 2 to 3 months back when I decided to go to market. I usually shop online but since I was on a holiday that day my sisters insisted that I bought things I required by myself. " Don't be so lazy, this time try to feel things you are purchasing." They said as giving order.

This was a weekly market in our area famous for cheap and the best things and there was lots of scope for bargaining too. I was roaming alone in the market looking for things I needed when hustle-bustle of the market was breached by a loud scream of 'help!help! The sound of a woman was coming from a deserted by-lane in the market. All those who were present in the market rushed towards that area along with the police constables posted there. 

When I reached there I saw a women hitting a man in dirty clothes with her hand bag and shouting for help. He perhaps was wondering why she was shouting so loud even after giving him such hard blows. A child of about eight or ten years was standing aside. We stopped her and grabbed that man who was a drug addict. She told that her son came here to urinate when this man suddenly came from nowhere and grabbed him. She was standing at the corner of the street keeping an eye on her son. As his son shouted she ran towards him without thinking anything and started hitting him with her hand bag and high heel sandals. He loosened his grip and fell down on the ground but she didn't stop shouting and hitting.

She was explaining it without any fear on her face as if it was her routine. I don't know from where women get strength when their dear ones face some problem. He would have some weapon with him but she didn't give a second thought while attacking him. Police constables arrested that man and appreciated her courage. They told her to come with her husband to the police station in the morning to record her statement. Everyone present there clapped for her. Who could have imagine that salwaar-kameez clad shy and simple looking mother possessed so much power. She went away silently for remaining shopping and that unknown uncommon Mardaani again disappeared in that common crowd.

This is written as a part of I am Mardaani activity exclusively at BlogAdda.com for Indian Bloggers.