Fanaa is a rare Hindi mainstream film that is radical enough to talk of the possibility of a referendum in Kashmir. Yes, the ‘jehadis’ eventually meet their logical end, the universe doesn’t really get disturbed, the status quo is firmly maintained but there are at least two instances where the right to self-determination of ‘Azad Kashmir’ is pitched for, otherwise an absolute no-no in popular cinema. Now, if only Kunal Kohli had made these contentious and political debates more loud, clear and intense. If only the issue of terrorism in Kashmir, its causes and effects had been looked at more intently. Instead, he turns terrorist operations into a James Bond kind of thriller, the seriousness and severity of the situation getting lost in caricaturisation.
You can well argue that Fanaa is not so much about a political problem as it is about love, the doomed love between Rehaan (Aamir) and Zooni (Kajol). But even then the script does come riddled with inconsistencies, improbabilities, contrivances, coincidences and cliches. And is packed with all Yash Chopra elements—the beautiful chiffons, the loving family, the caring friends, the precocious kid, some silly sidekicks, and the mandatory rain song. However, the two lead characters and their relationship lend the film a unique charm. There are some genuinely nice romantic moments. Like when Rehaan and Zooni sing in an impromptu antakshari. The choice of songs like Lag ja gale ke phir ye haseen raat ho na ho underlines the pathos in their relationship and also places it in an old-worldly context.
The chemistry between Aamir and Kajol is palpable and unmistakable. In the Dar lag raha hai scene for instance. Or the sheer familial comfort they are able to create when they are shampooing the child in the bathroom. It’s chemistry that doesn’t hit you in the jaw but is muted, subdued and lingering.
It’s interesting to see how Aamir fits into a set- up he has never really belonged to. He begins as a rakish tourist guide but settles down to a more mature performance. Kajol returns as if she had never really gone, starry charm, infectious warmth and spontaneity all in tact. The two literally run away with the film.
High Fives
Bollywood
1. Fanaa
2. 36 China Town
3. Tom, Dick and Harry
4. Gangster
5. Aparichit
Hollywood
1. X-Men: The Last Stand
2. The Da Vinci Code
3. Over the Hedge
4. Mission Impossible III
5. Poseidon
Latin Numbers
1. Hips Don’t Lie
2. Down
3. Caile
4. Angelito
5. Lo Que Son Las Cosas
Courtesy: Film Information
