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Fanaa (2006 film)

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Fanaa
Theatrical release poster
Directed byKunal Kohli
Screenplay byShibani Bathija
Dialogues byKunal Kohli
Story byShibhani Bathija
Produced byYash Chopra
Aditya Chopra
StarringAamir Khan
Kajol
CinematographyRavi K. Chandran
Edited byRitesh Soni
Music bySongs:
Jatin–Lalit
Score:
Salim–Sulaiman
Production
company
Release date
  • 26 May 2006 (2006-05-26)
Running time
169 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹30 crore[1]
Box office₹105.48 crore[1]

Fanaa (transl. Annihilation) is a 2006 Indian Hindi-language romantic-thriller film directed by Kunal Kohli and produced by Aditya Chopra and Yash Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. It stars Aamir Khan and Kajol, with supporting performances from Rishi Kapoor, Kirron Kher, Tabu, and Sharat Saxena. Set in Delhi and Kashmir, the narrative follows Zooni, a blind Kashmiri woman who falls in love with her tour guide Rehan, unaware that he is hiding a dangerous secret.

The film marked the first romantic collaboration between Khan and Kajol, who had previously co-starred in Ishq (1997), and marked Kajol's return to cinema after a five-year hiatus following Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001). Fanaa was among the most expensive Hindi films produced at the time and derived its title from the Sufi term meaning "annihilation" or "destruction of the self." Principal photography took place in Delhi and Poland, with cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran and music composed by Jatin–Lalit.

Released theatrically on 26 May 2006, Fanaa received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of Khan and Kajol, the cinematography, and the music, while some criticized its tonal shifts and pacing. The film was commercially successful, grossing over ₹1.05 billion (US$13 million) worldwide against a budget of ₹300 million. It was the sixth-highest grossing Hindi film of the year despite being banned in Gujarat due to political controversy surrounding comments made by Khan on the Narmada Dam project.[2][3][4]

At the 52nd Filmfare Awards, Fanaa won three awards, including Best Actress for Kajol. Over time, it has been recognized for its contribution to the genre-blending of romance and political thriller in mainstream Hindi cinema.

Plot

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Zooni Ali Beg, a blind Kashmiri woman, travels to New Delhi with her friends Fatima, Mehbooba, Rubina, and their dance teacher Helen to perform at a Republic Day celebration. In Delhi, she meets Rehan Qadri, a charming and flirtatious tour guide. Despite her friends’ concerns, Zooni falls in love with Rehan. Before returning to Kashmir, she undergoes surgery to restore her eyesight. On the day of her operation, a bomb blast occurs in the city, and Zooni is informed that Rehan was among the victims.

In reality, Rehan survives and is revealed to be a member of the Independent Kashmir Front (IKF), a militant organization. He faked his death to protect Zooni and to avoid compromising his mission. Several years later, Rehan participates in the theft of a nuclear trigger device while posing as an Indian Army officer. During the operation, he is wounded and evades capture by Malini Tyagi, an anti-terrorism officer investigating the IKF.

Rehan seeks refuge in a remote house in Kashmir, unaware that it belongs to Zooni and her father, Zulfikar. Zooni, now a teacher and the mother of Rehan's son, tends to the injured man, not recognizing him initially. As he recovers, Rehan bonds with the boy and rekindles his relationship with Zooni, eventually revealing his identity. He conceals his terrorist affiliations, and the two marry in a quiet ceremony.

After discovering the nuclear trigger in Rehan's possession, Zulfikar confronts him, leading to a fatal altercation. Rehan attempts to complete his mission by contacting the IKF from a nearby army post, where he kills a soldier to maintain secrecy. Zooni finds her father's body and the trigger device, prompting her to flee with her son and inform Malini of Rehan's location.

In the final confrontation, Rehan attempts to take the trigger from Zooni, but she shoots him in the leg. Unable to bring himself to harm her, Rehan hesitates, and Zooni fatally shoots him. Security forces arrive and neutralize the IKF threat. The film ends with Zooni and her son visiting the graves of Zulfikar and Rehan. When the boy asks whether his father was a bad man, Zooni responds that he did what he believed was right.

Cast

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Production

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Development

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Fanaa was conceptualized as a romantic thriller that blended a love story with political and national security themes. The film was produced by Yash Raj Films, with Kunal Kohli directing his second feature for the banner following the success of Hum Tum (2004).[1]

Casting

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Aamir Khan was the first actor approached for the role of Rehan Qadri. He readily accepted, marking his first collaboration with Yash Raj Films.[5] For the female lead, initial considerations included Aishwarya Rai; however, on Khan's recommendation, Kajol was approached and ultimately cast as Zooni Ali Beg. The film marked her return to cinema after a five-year hiatus and her first full-fledged romantic pairing with Khan, following their earlier appearance in Ishq (1997). Kajol had also been offered Karan Johar’s Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) during the same period but opted to work on Fanaa instead.[6]

The role of anti-terrorism officer Malini Tyagi was initially offered to Sushmita Sen before being finalized with Tabu.[6]

Filming

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Principal photography took place in multiple locations across India and Europe. Although the Kashmir Valley was originally selected for the film's key sequences, security concerns due to ongoing insurgency led the production to relocate to the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland, which provided a similar snowy, mountainous landscape.[7][8]

Additional filming occurred across various landmarks in Delhi, including the Red Fort, Jantar Mantar, Qutb Minar, Purana Qila, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Lodi Gardens.[9][10]

Reception

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Box office

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Fanaa was released theatrically on 26 May 2006 and opened to strong box office performance in India and overseas. Despite an unofficial ban in the Indian state of Gujarat—prompted by political protests against Aamir Khan's comments regarding the Narmada Dam project[11][12]—the film emerged as a commercial success. According to Yash Raj Films, Fanaa grossed ₹471.9 million in its first week worldwide, including ₹320 million from India and US$3.3 million (₹151.9 million) from overseas markets.[13] The film went on to earn approximately ₹1.05 billion (US$13 million) worldwide against a combined production and marketing budget of ₹300 million, making it one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2006.[14][15]

In India, the film collected ₹720.4 million gross (₹518.7 million net), while its overseas earnings were reported at ₹308 million.[16] Fanaa concluded its theatrical run as the sixth-highest grossing Hindi film of the year.

Critical reception

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Fanaa received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for the performances of Aamir Khan and Kajol, as well as their on-screen chemistry. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 100% based on seven reviews.[17]

Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama awarded the film 4 out of 5 stars, calling it "a beautifully written, effectively acted, and meticulously crafted effort." He commended the lead performances and overall production values but criticized the pacing, noting that the narrative "tends to get very lengthy" in the second half.[18]

Subhash K. Jha of the The Times of India praised Khan's performance, stating he "scales the ladder some more and almost creates an actor’s manual for impeccable acting," while calling the film "an emotional experience that showcases Aamir as never before."[3] Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com appreciated the dynamic between the lead actors, writing that they "share a dynamic equation, which makes their inability to let go of each other believable and heartfelt." While acknowledging issues with predictability and length, she concluded that the film was "engaging and entertaining."[19]

Raja Sen, also of Rediff.com, offered a more critical assessment, arguing that "a mere casting coup does not a good film make," and found the screenplay lacking.[20] Hindustan Times echoed these concerns, stating that the film "falters because of its storyline and script," though it praised Kajol's performance for its maturity and nuance, noting she "emotes with more maturity and looks trimmer."[21]

Internationally, the film drew mixed reviews. Anupama Chopra, writing for The New York Times, described Fanaa as "a polished, visually stunning production" but noted that the second half's tonal shift toward political thriller conventions diluted the emotional core established earlier.[22] Jaspreet Pandohar of the BBC called the film "an epic romance with thrilling undertones," and found Khan's transformation from a charming guide to a conflicted antihero "compelling," although she felt the tonal inconsistency weakened the film's coherence.[23]

Soundtrack

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Fanaa
Studio album by
Jatin–Lalit
Released12 April 2006
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LabelYRF Music
ProducerJatin–Lalit

The soundtrack of Fanaa was composed by Jatin–Lalit, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi and background score by Salim–Sulaiman. The album features seven tracks, five of which are included in the film. The music marked the final collaboration of Jatin–Lalit as a composing duo before their split.[24][25]

The album emerged as a commercial success. According to Box Office India, it sold approximately 1.7 million units, ranking among the top-selling Bollywood soundtracks of the year.[26] The first five songs were programmed by Salim–Sulaiman, while "Destroyed in Love" was programmed by Dhrubajyoti Phukan.[27] Aamir Khan and Kajol recited poetic verses in the songs "Mere Haath Mein" and "Chanda Chamke," adding a narrative element to the musical sequences.[24]

All tracks are written by Prasoon Joshi.

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Chand Sifarish"Shaan, Kailash Kher04:37
2."Mere Haath Mein" (poetry by Aamir Khan and Kajol)Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, William Rousseau, Sulaiman Merchant04:48
3."Des Rangila"Mahalakshmi Iyer, Amanat Ali05:18
4."Dekho Na"Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan05:24
5."Chanda Chamke" (poetry by Aamir Khan and Kajol)Mahalakshmi Iyer, Master Akshay Bhagwat, Babul Supriyo03:50
6."Destroyed in Love"Strings04:52
7."Fanaa For You" (sampling Chand Sifarish)Shaan, Kailash Kher (remixed by DJ Aqeel)04:26

Accolades

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Award Date of the ceremony Category Recipients Result Ref.
Global Indian Film Awards 7–9 December 2006 Best Director Kunal Kohli Nominated [28]
Best Actress Kajol Nominated
Best Music Director Jatin–Lalit Nominated
Best Lyricist Prasoon Joshi for "Chand Sifarish" Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer Shaan & Kailash Kher for "Chand Sifarish" Nominated
Best Choreography Saroj Khan for "Desh Rangila" Nominated
Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 10 December 2006 Most Amazing Actress Kajol Nominated [29]
Annual Central European Bollywood Awards 2007 Best Director Kunal Kohli Nominated
Best Actress Kajol Nominated
Screen Awards 6 January 2007 Best Actress Nominated [30]
Best Villain Aamir Khan Nominated
Best Music Director Jatin–Lalit Nominated
Best Lyricist Prasoon Joshi for "Chand Sifarish" Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer Shaan & Kailash Kher for "Chand Sifarish" Won
Best Background Music Salim–Sulaiman Nominated
Best Dialogue Kunal Kohli Nominated
Filmfare Awards 17 February 2007 Best Actress Kajol Won [31]
Best Music Director Jatin–Lalit Nominated
Best Lyricist Prasoon Joshi for "Chand Sifarish" Won
Best Male Playback Singer Shaan & Kailash Kher for "Chand Sifarish" Won
Stardust Awards 18 February 2007 Star of the Year – Female Kajol Nominated [32]
Zee Cine Awards 1 April 2007 Best Actress Won [33][34]
Best Male Playback Singer Shaan & Kailash Kher for "Chand Sifarish" Won
Bollywood Movie Awards 26 May 2007 Best Actress Kajol Nominated [35]
Best Actor/Actress in a Negative Role Aamir Khan Nominated
Best Playback Singer – Male Shaan & Kailash Kher for "Chand Sifarish" Won
IIFA Awards 7–9 June 2007 Best Actress Kajol Nominated [36][37]
Best Lyricist Prasoon Joshi for "Chand Sifarish" Won
Best Male Playback Singer Shaan & Kailash Kher for "Chand Sifarish" Won

Controversy

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During the promotion of Fanaa, Aamir Khan made public comments concerning the Narmada Dam project, specifically criticizing the handling of the rehabilitation of displaced villagers and calling for proper resettlement measures. He clarified that he was not opposed to the dam's construction but supported the Supreme Court of India’s position on resettlement.[38][39] His remarks drew criticism from members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Government of Gujarat, which demanded an apology. Khan refused, stating: “I only asked for rehabilitation of poor farmers. I never spoke against the construction of the dam. I will not apologise for my comments on the issue.”[40]

In response, an unofficial ban on Fanaa was implemented across Gujarat. Protests erupted in the state, including the burning of Khan's effigies and film posters. Several multiplexes cited the inability to guarantee customer safety, and theatre owners collectively decided not to screen the film.[41]

Producer Aditya Chopra filed a petition with the Supreme Court of India requesting that the Gujarat government be directed to provide protection for cinema halls willing to exhibit the film. The petition was dismissed, with the court stating that individual theatres could seek police assistance if necessary.[42] Yash Chopra also reached out to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in an effort to facilitate a peaceful release. Various members of the film industry—including Anil Kapoor, Govind Nihalani, Ashutosh Gowariker, Subhash Ghai, Anupam Kher and Hrithik Roshan—expressed public support for Khan, defending his right to free expression.

Director Kunal Kohli addressed the media, emphasizing that the filmmakers had lost between ₹6–70 million in potential revenue due to the ban but framed the issue as a matter of democratic principle rather than financial loss. He stated, “Aamir has a right to say what he feels, even the people of Gujarat, who are protesting, have the right to say what they feel... but in a democratic fashion, and not by burning posters and threatening people.”[43]

One privately owned theatre in Jamnagar screened the film with police protection. However, the screening was halted after a protestor named Pravin attempted self–immolation in the cinema's restroom during intermission. He suffered severe burns and succumbed to his injuries nine days later.[44][45]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Fanaa – Movie". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 1 April 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  2. ^ "Aamir Khan enters Brazil with Fanaa". Hindustan Times. 28 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 September 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
  3. ^ a b Jha, Subhash K. (29 May 2006). "Fanaa". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 March 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  4. ^ Adarsh, Taran (26 May 2006). "Fanaa". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 29 April 2008. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  5. ^ Team, Koimoi com (26 May 2023). "Aishwarya Rai & Sushmita Sen Were Aditya Chopra's First Choices For Fanaa But Aamir Khan Suggested Three Other Names, "Kajol...Kajol and Kajol"". Koimoi. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Aishwarya Rai & Sushmita Sen Were Aditya Chopra's First Choices For Fanaa But Aamir Khan Suggested Three Other Names, "Kajol…Kajol and Kajol"". 26 May 2023. Archived from the original on 26 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  7. ^ The Migration Bureau, Fanaa - Production Details (16 April 2017). "Bollywood shooting locations in Poland - new movies". The Migration Bureau. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  8. ^ Husak, Igor (29 August 2024). "Amazing Bollywood Movies That Were Shot in Europe". HayotFilms - Video Production in Prague. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  9. ^ "Throwback: When Aamir Khan had resolved not to work with Kajol again, but Fanaa happened". Times of India. 26 May 2023. Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  10. ^ "Aamir to play Dilli's Raju guide". Times of India. 11 October 2005. Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  11. ^ "Aamir Khan refuses to apologise, 'Fanaa' banned in Gujarat". www.oneindia.com. 25 November 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  12. ^ "Aamir's Fanaa not to be screened in Gujarat". The Times of India. 24 May 2006. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  13. ^ ""FANAA" TASTIC Box Office Collections". www.yashrajfilms.com. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  14. ^ "Fanaa - Movie - Box Office India". boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  15. ^ "Supreme Court issues directives for reforms in police force, state govts not keen". India Today. 30 October 2006. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  16. ^ Hungama, Bollywood (26 May 2006). "Fanaa Box Office Collection | India | Day Wise | Box Office - Bollywood Hungama". Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  17. ^ Fanaa (2006) Archived 26 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  18. ^ Hungama, Bollywood (26 May 2006). "Fanaa Review 4/5 | Fanaa Movie Review | Fanaa 2006 Public Review | Film Review". Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  19. ^ "Watch Fanaa for Aamir, Kajol!". www.rediff.com. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  20. ^ Sen, Raja (26 May 2006). "Aamir isn't Dil Se enough". Rediff. Archived from the original on 18 October 2022.
  21. ^ "Fanaa". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 12 June 2006.
  22. ^ Lee, Nathan (27 May 2006). "'Fanaa,' a Film About Love and Terrorists". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  23. ^ "BBC - Movies - review - Fanaa". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  24. ^ a b Ghosh, Lakshmi B. (16 April 2006). "'Fanaa' promises to keep audience tuned in to its music". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 12 May 2006. Retrieved 15 December 2008.
  25. ^ Jatin–Lalit (16 May 2006). "Jatin–Lalit on their last movie togethe" (Interview). Interviewed by Patcy N. Mumbai: Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 23 May 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  26. ^ "Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units)". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 24 June 2010.
  27. ^ "Track List – Audio CD Back Cover". Amazon. Archived from the original on 13 June 2020. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  28. ^ "G.I.F.A. Awards 2006: List of winners". Bollywood Hungama. 20 July 2010. Archived from the original on 20 July 2010. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  29. ^ "Pogo Amazing Kids Awards crowns little achievers; to air on Pogo & Cartoon Network on 17 Dec". indiantelevision.com. 11 December 2006. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  30. ^ "Winners: 13th Annual Star-Screen Awards". 5 January 2008. Archived from the original on 5 January 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  31. ^ "Nominations for the 52nd Filmfare Awards". 10 February 2007. Archived from the original on 10 February 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  32. ^ "Max Stardust Awards Nominations". Sify. 18 February 2015. Archived from the original on 18 February 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  33. ^ "Winners of the Zee Cine Awards 2007". Sify. 30 June 2018. Archived from the original on 30 June 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  34. ^ "Zee Cine Awards 2007, Zee TV's Bollywood awards: Vote online on Sify Max". 6 April 2007. Archived from the original on 6 April 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  35. ^ "Danny Glover - Bollywood Movie Awards '07 - Pictures - CBS News". web.archive.org. 22 June 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  36. ^ "Nominees for IIFA Awards 2007". 6 January 2008. Archived from the original on 6 January 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  37. ^ "IIFA Awards 2007 winners". 28 December 2007. Archived from the original on 28 December 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  38. ^ "Aamir Khan slams Narendra Modi". Rediff. 14 June 2006. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2008.
  39. ^ Prasad, Raekha (26 May 2006). "Film banned over star's dam protest". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 17 May 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2008.
  40. ^ Singh, Ankar (25 May 2006). "Aamir on Narmada: I won't apologise". Rediff. Archived from the original on 24 May 2008. Retrieved 15 December 2008.
  41. ^ "Gujarat left out as world sees Fanaa". The Times of India. 27 May 2006. Archived from the original on 13 January 2009. Retrieved 15 December 2008.t
  42. ^ Singh, Onkar (5 June 2006). "SC rejects Fanaa petition". Rediff. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 15 December 2008.
  43. ^ "Fanaa finally cleared in Gujarat". IndiaFM. Archived from the original on 14 April 2008. Retrieved 15 December 2008.
  44. ^ "Gujarat theatre screens Fanaa". Rediff. 6 June 2006. Archived from the original on 18 April 2008. Retrieved 15 December 2008.
  45. ^ "Fanaa: man who immolated dies". The Hindu. 26 June 2006. Archived from the original on 23 May 2008. Retrieved 15 December 2008.
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