“Fanaa”
Barely had the controversy surrounding ‘Da Vinci Code’ subsided (it’s not fully over as yet; Punjab - of all states! - has banned its release), another much awaited film has fallen under ‘fanaa‘tic’s glare! For small mercies, this time the reason is not religious; and is restricted to one state.
I am not an Aamir fan; and wouldn’t really have cared if it hadn’t been for Yash Raj Films, Kajol and Kunal Kohli - for their sake, I want the film to be a success. On its own, the film was slated to be one major grosser, and that’s because of the above three reasons; it would have been equally awaited had it starred Saif, Salman or Shahrukh (perhaps even more, considering that as a pair Shahrukh-Kajol have a 100% hit ratio ); in my scheme of things, Aamir is the most expendable person, and that the controversy surrounds him angers me more.
For those who came in late, a brief on the controversy - Sometime back Aamir Khan had made remarks against the Narmada Dam in Gujarat ( in all fairness, the remarks were not all that inflamatory, he only requested proper rehabilitation for the displaced people - at least that’s what he claims now, I havent heard / read his original statements). However his stand has been taken otherwise as anti -Gujarat/ anti-development. Consequently, the political party at Gujarat’s helm has taken offence and as a protest are not allowing Fanaa’s release!
The news channels have had a gala time today with Aamir throwing a press conference. As a counter, actor Shatrughan Sinha has jumped into the fray, revealing a deep frission within the film industry and how politics is above artists’ solidarity - also, burning a deep hole in Aamir’s own statement ‘everyone {in the industry} is with me’!
Aamir’s press conference was given. Sinha’s counter-attack was also sort of expected; he doesnt really have much work, and this was good enough opportunity to bag some limelight - in fact, I was just waiting for that other grand-messiah-of-quotes, without whom news channels / magazines might not survive, Mahesh Bhatt, to make some silly remark in his characteristic pseudo-serious style!
But what really made me choke on my dinner was that even the Prime Minister gave a statement on this - straight from Srinagar, where he has gone for a round-table conference!
Is Fanaa’s release this big an issue that the Prime Minister has to make out time to talk about it when he has gone for a far bigger and important work?
In all the junk the channels spewed out, one issue that I felt should have been there got missed:
Banning a film might be a sort of symbolic defeat to Aamir, but where the hard-realities are concerned, does it really matter? He would already have got his remuneration for this film, and by the time his next will release, this matter will be out of memory.
So who loses the most, and that too where it hurts the maximum - monetarily? Of course, the producer and the distributor (in this case, both are same as Yash Raj Films releases its own films).
Where is the sanity of making Yash Raj Films lose money for the act of their lead star? In any case, when Fanaa was started and Aamir signed on, they wouldnt know that he would hurt the Gujarati sentiments. Why should they bear the losses now? Why should they get into the cross-fire for no fault of theirs?
Strangely, no one is thinking of that. While Aamir goes to channels with his righteous indignation and refusing to apologize or retract, why doesnt he at the same time give back his part-remuneration to Yash Raj Films covering up the losses? It’s all ok to play ‘hero to the poor’ (his statement, not mine) - at the same time show some respect towards the hand that fed you for a while!
When asked ‘dont you think Fanaa will lose money because of your statements?’ his reply was :
People are losing their homes, temples and schools because of the Narmada dam and they are not getting an alternative replacement. I don’t think Rs 5 to 7 crores (Rs 50 milllion to Rs 70 million) will matter when it comes to their lives and livelihood.
Good passionate reply… but err, Aamir, why dont you lose your own 5-7 crores, not your producers’!
I will not buy the argument that since Chopras have enough money, they don’t have the right to earn more - and certainly not because their hero has suddenly developed a rebellious streak post-Rang De Basanti! Come to think of, Aamir and Chopra together have never gelled well; years back, Aamir had unceremoniously walked out of Darr, fighting over a petty joint-script-session issue (Shahrukh stepped into the role, and - as they say -rest was history!). Earlier, Parampara was a massive dud at box office.
While Sahara’s Filmy mentioned Yash Chopra’s appeal to Gujarat political heads / exhibitors , the others maintained a stoic silence on his plight (at least the prime time news that I saw on a couple of channels).
If one must find some positive side to all this - it looks as if Fanaa has achieved in uniting diverse political and business forces - the exhibitors have said no to the film ; the parties are showing solidarity on the issue!
Inviting your views on this - the forum is open below !
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May 26th, 2006 at 2:41 am
oh god i dont know wot the controversy is all abt… and i scanned thru the post.. and sorry to say, dint get any idea…
May 26th, 2006 at 7:28 am
GIRL - Sometime back Aamir Khan had made remarks against the Narmada Dam in Gujarat ( in all fairness, the remarks were not all that inflamatory, he only asked the displaced people due to the dam to be rehabilitated properly). Due to this, the political parties at Gujarat’s helm have taken offence. As a protest to those remarks, they are not allowing Fanaa’s release!
Have added the explanation now to the post. Hope it will help
May 26th, 2006 at 8:41 am
Well I guess Fanaa is surrounded by controversy firstly the music one n now this. Though wasnt this expected initially when Aamir had supported the cause. Well about the cause now…what or who Aamir supports is his business according to me. However, being a celebrity does not bestow him the right to go around blurting statements everywhere. I dont see anything wrong with his remarking htat Narendra Modi govt hasnt been able to handle the communalist feelings prevalent in their area. I agree with him on that ground.
He has supported the displacement of poor farmers, but then dont u think its immature on the part of the exhibitors to not accept the distribution of the film. Another angle I feel could be an issue is that they too are under pressure to not accept the film and in accepting it the NM govt wouldnt really be very pleased with them.
May 26th, 2006 at 8:43 am
Regarding the monetary loss, I do understand that its not very easy to disregard the figures adding up. But then what I feel is that its a temporary phase n in due course this shall change!
Suddenly the world of movies i.e. Hollywood n Bollywood have been surrounded by controversies. strange!
Could this be a marketing gimmick????
May 26th, 2006 at 2:05 pm
I have different views about Amir. But yes, this controversy is uncalled for.
May 27th, 2006 at 1:37 pm
Sirjee
i ll tell u the funniest thing that i felt….
Aaj tak shows 30 mins on this controversy at 8.00pm - Prime time.
They dont show any other news….
God, we really need some good news these days..
As far as the controversy is concerned….it only helps the film in the long run, though it can have extreme effects….
And am sure camera print cds and dvds r gonna be available soon..and i am a staunch supporter of piracy…so i wont mind…:))
May 27th, 2006 at 2:05 pm
I agree with Anubha’s comments
May 27th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
ANUBHA / NAVJOT - Can’t be a marketing gimmick in this case ; after all , no producer will like to lose money at the cost of a gimmick. And frankly, no one involved with the movie be it Aamir or Yashraj or Kajol require any ‘gimmicks’ - the film will be a hit from its initial bookings itself.
The TOI review has been very favorable. It will further help the movie.
MANISH - Yep I know u like Aamir
VICKY - LOL , yeah sure. But no ‘fun’-na in watching on those hazy camera prints!
Where hv u been ? And how r u ? Good to see u here
Why only Aaj Tak - i saw a similar half hour on FANAA on Star News also
May 27th, 2006 at 9:51 pm
Saw Fanaa this morning….well we dint like the movie…too much hype created…BUT..kajol…..looking gorgeous as ever
May 28th, 2006 at 8:41 am
MEHAK - Arre wah, that was real fast … Let’s see when I get to see it. The reviews have been good in both HT and TOI. Luv Kajol, i want to watch for her only
May 28th, 2006 at 2:12 pm
I saw the movie…to be honest though i liked it and the cinematography is really nice yet the movie wasnt worth all the hype. Even the tickets were available easily. Another thing that the movie could be made much much better…will not disclose the details. The rest when theres a review up here
May 28th, 2006 at 4:22 pm
You know that I’ve completely opposite view point about Amir and Shahrukh
.
India being a democracy country everyone has rights to speak what they feel. They can put their voice. But if one put or speak his point of view then why these politicians interfere. Because in everything they have to put their noses!!!!
If his statement was wrong or it hurt the public of Gujrat, Rajasthan etc. then why the politician come in between. Why don’t they let public to decide? Let public would have banned his film. Yeh public hai sab janate hain…..
This kind of controversy always goes on as politician needs to survive on it
May 28th, 2006 at 4:23 pm
Again the same problem happened….
. But hope my comment is there 
I saw 36 China Town
. Yes, it’s comedy type of film and I enjoyed it. Have you seen Gangster?
May 28th, 2006 at 11:18 pm
Just back from the movie. I liked it .As usual gr8 locations, and photography. I agree with Anubha, they could have made it better. Saw the trailors of Kabul Express and Kabhi Alvida Na kehna .. waiting eagerly for these two movies. Ab jaldi se movie dekhkar review likhiye!
May 29th, 2006 at 9:51 am
Where have gone the comments I posted yesterday….:-O.
May 30th, 2006 at 7:57 am
Anubha - Will see the film most prob tmr.
Silky Moon - Your comment is there
Madhu - Sure, most prob will watch it tmr.
May 30th, 2006 at 10:55 am
hey DJ..
Looks like the reviwers are united with the political parties.. they are also saying no to the film
May 30th, 2006 at 11:37 am
hey i left a comment here! what happened to it???
amir khan has actually done what you said. he has asked yash chopra to slash his renumeration for fanaa…. did he read ur blog dj?
May 30th, 2006 at 11:59 am
hi deepak, looks like aamir read your blog. He is ready to give back 2 crs from his fees to Yashraj films for the loss they made due to Gujarat’s stand.
My personal take is that Mr. Modi needs to rethink his priorities. Instead of ignoring the blabbering of an over-enthusiastic actor who has suddenly become aware of the country’s problems Mr. Modi is giving him unnecessary importance.
and sirji, where art thou? why no updates. hey btw did u listen to Lataji’s song for Corporate. Its called Lamhe and its fantastic.
May 30th, 2006 at 5:59 pm
Now Bollywood industries is supporting Amir………
BTY There is a post about N.E.P.A.L
Read it. I’m sure you will like it
May 30th, 2006 at 10:44 pm
Anu - Yep looks like it …
Anks - Dunno about the prev comment. Didnt get caught by the spam control, so no clue
Anks / Pri - Well he is supposed to be ‘intelligent’ and ‘different’ , he might be reading blogs too
Pri Nothing much to write, issliye no updates. Ab FANAA dekh ke review likhunga na … if all goes well, will see it tmr.
BTW, Corporate song Lamha lamha is by Asha Bhonsle. As far as I have checked on this film’s music there is no Lata Mangeshkar number in it. Lamha is the only song i liked. O Sikandar may be a hit- material , but found the tune kiddish, and overall long and boring. Title song, best left for the titles/background. Peele Peele Do ghoont leaves u without any hangover - gimme Lata’s ‘Do ghoont mujhe bhi pilade’ anyday! The rest are mandatory remixes of the above numbers.
SM - Yep they are - officially they would have to
Will be there at ur blog soon 
May 31st, 2006 at 10:05 am
hai ram, how could i have mistaken Asha for Lataji? I just heard a little bit and somehow it stuck as Lataji’s voice. anyway, aur update toh do life mein kya ho raha hai?
May 31st, 2006 at 7:55 pm
When U were Nepal ka Kancha U used to spare so much time for net. Ab Delhi ka Chora banne ke baad bilkul busy ho gaye. Ghar me PC hai, internet hai aur office bhi nahi. Phir bhi itne busy??
May 31st, 2006 at 9:06 pm
jaldi se update karo
June 1st, 2006 at 3:24 am
Well, after all the hype and wonderful review on indiafm, watching this movie was on the top of my list for last weekend. I liked the movie..though certain parts seems to have been dragged just to make it a 3 hr long movie. But at the end, it was worth it. This was one of those movies where I could pick tonnes of scenes that I just loved, and these individual scenes were much better than the complete package. Music, as u know is wonderful and ofcourse everyone acted well. Loved the end.
Looking forward to read your review on the movie.
June 1st, 2006 at 12:16 pm
You are sitting idle since long………… so I gave you an assignment
.
Come and find out the assignment
June 1st, 2006 at 1:27 pm
heylo, Fanaa dekh li? review ke liye wait sab wait kar rahe hai. aur Mumbai mein baarish chaalu ab dilli door nahi.
June 1st, 2006 at 3:53 pm
PRI - Yep FANAA dekh lee - will hv the review up soon - loved it!
SM - Will be at ur blog soon
MANNAT - Me too enjoyed the movie thoroughly. Will write a detailed review soon.
MEHAK - Soon!
MADHU - LOL , aisa hi hota hai … when there is time, procrastination also creeps in!
June 1st, 2006 at 4:22 pm
ALL - FANAA review is almost ready - tmr dont miss to read it here