12 Years Of Fanaa: Here’s How It Became The Most Talked About Film Back Then

“Tere Dil Mein Meri Saason Ko Panah Mil Jaaye, Tere Ishq Mein Meri Jaan, Fanaa Ho Jaaye”

Almost every Hindi movie devotee was found chanting the same lines when Yash Raj Films out of nowhere decided to pull of the biggest surprise in store for us. At a time when Aamir Khan was getting out of the Mangal Pandey debacle and bracing up for his next big release Rang De Basanti, silent rumours within the area of industry started floating around. Rumours of Aamir Khan getting onboard for a Yash Raj release that apparently will be a romantic classic! As tough as it was for fans round the globe to believe this news, further escalation took place with Kajol being signed up for the same project. In a matter of a few months, things got confirmed and audiences all around were made to look forward to this epic piece of drama that came out on May 26, 2006 titled ‘Fanaa’.

The Build Up

Back in 2006 if someone was to ask you who would Kajol make her big screen comeback with, 9 out of 10 people would have picked Shah Rukh Khan. At a time when Shah Rukh-Aamir rivalry was stretching new lengths, Kajol making her way back in a romance drama with Aamir made even the industry sceptical of its purpose.

While Aamir and Kajol had previously worked together in the 90’s rom-com Ishq, Fanaa was going to be the first time they were cast opposite each other. Film’s director Kunal Kohli who had just come out of the very successful Hum Tum, had himself thought of crafting this unique project along with Aditya Chopra.

The Visual Cinematic Charm

10 years back when Fanaa hit the screens, there were barely any negative reviews for the film. It found an absolute connect with the audiences thanks to its tasteful writing by Kunal and Shibani Bathija. Its treatment was so colourfully handled that while it gave ample opportunities for its lead pair to showcase growing love between them, the sudden change in the narrative filled more tension and conflict between the two.

The first half that clearly stays as a favourite for most of its fans carried some wonderful shayaris and romantic sequences to set the splendid mood from the onset. An undisclosed heart of Rehaan falling in love with a blind Noori was something that struck well in terms of romance, only to make way for bigger surprises to follow.

An absolute contrary second half with terrorism, family, lost faith, regained love and a child made Fanaa an intense affair for which it usually earns brownie points. While fans were left heart-broken with its destructive climax, it still had to be the takeaway from the movie.

The film however was a visual treat.

The Music

Fanaa was special for a number of reasons. The film is recorded as the last ever collaboration of iconic music composer duo Jatin-Lalit. The music of the film was so well received that it remained at top of the charts for weeks. Songs like Chaand Sifarish and Mere Haath Mein are still found on the playlists of many. Jatin-Lalit’s music added that much needed texture to the narrative of Fanaa.

The Controversy

Upon its release in May 2006, Aamir Khan got under the fire of many political activists for having supported the cause of Sabarmati Bachao in Gujarat. The film wasn’t allowed to run in any theatres of the state of Gujarat and was eventually taken off theatres from most other parts as well. The large level protests against Aamir Khan and his latest release had taken the makers by surprise and it was getting difficult for the film to enjoy a smooth theatrical run.

The Success

Team Fanaa must not have anticipated but the controversy was only making way for a huge blessing in disguise. The mass protest against the film resulted in wild fire promotions and its opening grew with manifold proportions. The film at the end of its box office run was one of the highest grossers of the year and its wide acceptance from the audience made it an unforgettable affair.

The Throwback

10 years and counting and Fanaa doesn’t look like it has aged one bit. The freshness, the attraction, the charm is as bright as it was 10 years ago. While Kunal Kohli over the period of times hasn’t been able to deliver a single hit ever since Fanaa, here’s reminding him that we have trust in him. If not for himself, craft another project like Fanaa for millions of fans round the globe savouring this Aamir-Kajol starrer over and over again!