A Fan's Passion: A Review of the 2016 Film, Fan

What is your review of the 2016 movie Fan? It's a good movie but far from my favorite list. Some years ago, I liked this kind of movie, but now, there are some scenes I can’t understand well.

Overview and Personal Reflection

Ratings: 3/5

Fan is a movie about passion, devotion, and obsession. It explores the life of a fan so starstruck that their idol is the reason for their existence. Such fans are not uncommon in India, where a deep-seated connection to one's favorite celebrity can sometimes manifest in an all-consuming manner.

As Gaurav says in the film, 'In our society, it's difficult to judge fans or label them as stupid or psycho.'

Character Portrayals and Acting

The film starts with a tribute to Shah Rukh Khan (SRK), featuring footage of his earlier hits and his first Filmfare award. SRK plays the lead role almost as himself, Superstar Aryan Khanna, which must have come naturally to him. What I admired was the character portrayal of Gaurav the Fan, also played by SRK, with the use of 3D scanning and prosthetics. His expressions, especially his transition from a happy and carefree individual to a revengeful mastermind, are praiseworthy.

Two scenes stand out in particular: when his eyes pop out upon getting the call from Aryan Khanna and the scene where he bites his lip and acts out his retribution.

Other actors have significantly less screen time, especially when compared to the dual roles played by SRK. Waluscha de Sousa plays Aryans wife, and she gives a commendable performance as a beautiful mannequin. Yogendra Tiku and Deepika Amin as Guravs parents make the audience empathize with their plight. The scene where they support Gaurav backstage highlights the depth of Gurav's madness.

Themes and Glitches in the Script

The theme of the film is quite fresh—uniquely focusing on the life of a fan as a central character. However, the script has its fair share of glitches, which are hard to ignore.

A typo in the movie involves the Superstar running amok after a common man jumping from a building. The rationale behind his security team and army of bodyguards is questioned. Gaurav, not known for stellar academic performance, suddenly becomes a crime master. Waluscha de Sousa's character, despite no screen time, gains access to Aryans phone, itinerary, and fake identity. Even the ending reinforces the idea that a fan’s only identity is their idol, leaving the viewer questioning this as a message from SRK.

Verdict

This film is an out-and-out masala flick made for the numerous fans of SRK. While it may resonate with fans, those seeking a more profound cinematic experience might find it lacking. The film is recommended as a way to beat the scorching heat in an AC and comfy setting but it is not likely to leave an overwhelming impact.

Reflections on Society

Fan also raises some pertinent questions about our society. It makes me ponder:

SRK's final line in the film is particularly poignant: 'I isolated myself, but I had a family of fans.' This line reflects how isolated he is as a superstar, yet he has a large fan base that supports him.