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Friday, December 13, 2024
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BOLLYWOOD FANNEY KHAN
EDITOR'S PICK
"Fanney Khan"; Director: Atul Manjrekar; Cast: Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rajkummar Rao, Pihu Sand, Divya Dutta, Karan Singh Chhabra, Anaitha Nair, Girish Kulkarni; Rating: **1/2
Adapted from the Belgian
film "Everybody's Famous!", an Oscar nominated film in 2001, "Fanney Khan" is
the story of a father who goes to various lengths to encourage his daughter to
become a star singer.
Bogged down by middle-class-family pressures,
Prashant Kumar aka Fanney Khan, a wannabe singer-cum-performer gives up his
dream of making it big in the entertainment sector. Instead, he dreams of making
his daughter into a singing star, just like Baby Singh (Aishwarya) the reigning
singing sensation, who he admires.
In reality, his daughter Lata -- named
after the songstress Lata Mangeshkar -- is an obese brat who is pretty mediocre
and has faint regard for her father's emotions.
Prashant is a good man,
endured by his patient wife Kavita (Divya Dutta) and treasured by his best
friend Adhir (Rajkummar Rao), his co-worker in the factory.
Soon after he
loses his job in the factory, he is desperate. So, when he, by quirk of fate
meets Baby Singh, he spontaneously kidnaps her with the hope that with the
ransom money he would cut an album for his daughter. He ropes in Adhir in his
endeavour.
The film works as a satire. But, by the time the police
spontaneously applaud a man they have every reason to believe is holding a
hostage, the film has given up any shred of plausibility and is simply trying to
be a nice comedy. It is nice, but not much of a comedy.
The plot borders
on to being ridiculous and stupid, but still is sweet, likeable and funny. But
honestly, it takes time to build the characters to emotionally invest in them.
And there is nothing endearing about the protagonist.
Also while sitting
through the viewing of this film, we are struck by the question, "Is it
necessary to become a star?" And by the end, you are reminded, "If you don't
dream, how, will you fulfil your dreams?"
Anil as Fanney Khan is himself
and is relatable. He is never out of his comfort zone and at times he does seem
to be a bit over the top.
Pihu Sand is extremely talented. In her maiden
film, in a tailor-made role, as Fanney Khan's daughter Lata, she lights up the
screen with her inherent energy and delivers a spirited performance, especially
in the finale song.
Aishwarya as the singer Baby Singh is ravishing. She
delivers an energetic and spontaneous performance. She is a sheer treat to watch
when she shares screen space with Rajkummar, who is brilliant as Adhir.
The songs in the film mesh seamlessly in the narrative and are choreographed
with equal adroitness.
Overall, the film offers promises and hopes, but
on a false note thus making the narrative incredulous.
The makers have dropped the teaser of 'Fanney Khan' and it aptly narrates the musical journey of Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rajkummar Rao. Its enthralling music and powerful performances made almost a minute-long clip interesting.Read More
Rajkummar honoured to work for environmental issuesActor Rajkummar Rao says he is honoured to work with UN Environment and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the cause 'Beat Plastic Pollution'."Such an honour to be working with UN Environment and Ministry of Environment for a very important cause 'Beat Plastic Pollution'. Asif Bhamla and Bhamla Foundation Initiative," Rajkummar tweeted on Wednesday.Read More
