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Fan is a 2016 Bollywood psychological thriller directed by Maneesh Sharma and produced by Yash Raj Films. Released on April 15, 2016, the movie stars Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role as both the superstar Aryan Khanna and his obsessed fan Gaurav Chandna. Blending intense drama with gripping action sequences, Fan dives deep into the complexities of celebrity culture and fandom. With its unique storyline and Shah Rukh Khan’s powerful performance, Fan offers a thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Plot Summary
Fan revolves around Gaurav Chandna, a middle-class young man from Delhi, whose life revolves around his idol, superstar Aryan Khanna. Gaurav’s adoration for Aryan borders on obsession, and he dreams of one day meeting his hero. When an opportunity arises, Gaurav embarks on a journey to Mumbai to show his devotion. However, things take an unexpected turn, leading to a series of confrontations between Gaurav and Aryan. The movie delves into how admiration can evolve into obsession, setting the stage for a gripping battle of wills.
What’s Good?
Shah Rukh Khan’s Performance
Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of both Aryan Khanna and Gaurav Chandna is nothing short of extraordinary. As Aryan, he convincingly embodies the charisma and confidence of a superstar, while his transformation into Gaurav showcases his acting prowess. Gaurav’s mannerisms, body language, and speech perfectly capture the essence of an obsessed fan, making the character both relatable and unsettling.
Direction and Screenplay
Maneesh Sharma’s direction shines as he skillfully balances the film’s intense emotional moments with thrilling action sequences. The screenplay by Habib Faisal is sharp and engaging, keeping the audience hooked throughout the movie. The narrative’s exploration of fame and its consequences is both insightful and timely.
Visual Effects and Makeup
The film’s visual effects, especially in creating Gaurav’s look, are commendable. The prosthetics and makeup used to distinguish Gaurav from Aryan are seamlessly executed, enhancing the believability of Shah Rukh Khan’s dual role. These technical aspects contribute significantly to the film’s immersive experience.
Music and Background Score
Although Fan does not feature traditional Bollywood song-and-dance sequences, the background score by Andrea Guerra is hauntingly effective. It heightens the tension and complements the film’s dark and intense tone.
Unique Concept
The movie’s premise—examining the darker side of fandom—is refreshing and daring. By focusing on the psychological aspects of obsession, Fan stands out from typical Bollywood fare, offering a narrative that is both bold and thought-provoking.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Powerful Acting: Shah Rukh Khan delivers one of his finest performances, showcasing his versatility.
- Engaging Storyline: The film’s exploration of celebrity culture is intriguing and relatable.
- Technical Excellence: From visual effects to cinematography, the technical aspects are top-notch.
- Tight Pacing: The movie’s fast pace keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Songs: While the absence of songs fits the film’s tone, it might disappoint fans expecting a traditional Bollywood experience.
- Simplistic Resolution: The climax, though impactful, feels slightly rushed and could have delved deeper into the emotional conflict.
- Limited Supporting Cast: The focus on the protagonist leaves little room for supporting characters to shine, which might have added depth to the story.
Target Audience
Fan is ideal for viewers who enjoy psychological thrillers and intense character-driven dramas. Shah Rukh Khan fans will particularly appreciate his stellar performance, while those interested in exploring the nuances of fame and obsession will find the movie thought-provoking. The film’s universal themes make it appealing to both Indian and international audiences.
Box Office Details
Fan was made on an estimated budget of INR 105 crore, including production and marketing costs. The film opened to a strong box office response, thanks to Shah Rukh Khan’s massive fan following and the intriguing premise. Despite its unconventional storyline, Fan managed to perform well commercially, earning a worldwide gross of approximately INR 188 crore.
First Five Days Earnings:
- Day 1: INR 19.2 crore (India: INR 17 crore, Overseas: INR 2.2 crore)
- Day 2: INR 15 crore (India: INR 13 crore, Overseas: INR 2 crore)
- Day 3: INR 17 crore (India: INR 14 crore, Overseas: INR 3 crore)
- Day 4: INR 10 crore (India: INR 8.5 crore, Overseas: INR 1.5 crore)
- Day 5: INR 8.5 crore (India: INR 7 crore, Overseas: INR 1.5 crore)
While the film’s earnings dipped after the initial weekend, its unique narrative and Shah Rukh Khan’s performance ensured a lasting impact on viewers.
Recommendation
Fan is a gripping psychological thriller that showcases Shah Rukh Khan at his best. With its unique storyline and technical brilliance, the movie offers a refreshing departure from typical Bollywood fare. While it may not appeal to everyone, fans of intense dramas and character-driven narratives will find Fan to be an engaging watch. Highly recommended for those seeking a thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Genres:
Action, Adventure, Thriller
Rating:
6.3/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Shah Rukh Khan | Gaurav Chandna / Aryan Khanna |
| Deepika Amin | Gaurav’s mother |
| Yogendra Tiku | Gaurav’s father |
| Shriya Pilgaonkar | Neha |
| Sayani Gupta | Aryan Khanna’s Legal Advisor |
| Waluscha D’Souza | Aryan Khanna’s Wife |
| Indraneel Bhattacharya | Akhtar |
| Taher Shabbir | Sid Kapoor |
| James Richard Marshall | James |
| Glenn Webster | Security |
| Mo Idriss | Press Room Journalist |
| Megha Gupta | Payal |
| Carolina Main | Cathy |
| Atul Sharma | Tourist |
| Zachary Coffin | Jail Inmate |
| Manoj Anand | Red Carpet Guest / Paparazzi Photographer |
| Euan Macnaughton | Duncan |
| Vaunisha Kapoor | Media Journalist |
| Gino Picciano | Train Station Passenger |
| Nisaro Karim | Journalist |
| Pete Meads | Police Officer |
| Halima Nagori | Journalist |
| Asha Patel | Media Journalist |
| Connor Williams | Tim |
| Taj Gill | Journalist |
| Mariola Jaworska | Security / Tourist at Madame Tussauds |
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