Finding Fanny
Starring: Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Dimple Kapadia, Arjun Kapoor, Deepika Padukone
Rated: 7/10
To have actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia in one movie means that end product has to be brilliant. One would have a preconceived notion that with such actors, the movie will not be your average commercial masala film. To a certain extent this is true, as Finding Fanny is not anything like a Dabangg or Singham Returns. But it is a movie most directors would die to direct, but the honour has been bagged this time by Homi Adajania.
The movie, written by Adajania, takes one on a journey of five Goans trying to find meaning in their otherwise dull lives. It is a simple story told simply. And that is what makes it a masterpiece.
Amid all the high performers, Pankaj Kapur stands out the most. There are very few actors his age who would be willing to be caught on screen with their shirt buttons undone with chest hair competing with the flab. The only other person who carried this off with aplomb was Sanjeev Kumar in Pati, Patni Aur Woh in the song Thande thande paani se nahana chahiye.... Kapur’s expressions, his wit and his demeanour has one in splits.
As for Naseeruddin Shah, one doesn’t have to reiterate how superb an actor he is. As Ferdie who, after 46 years of wait decides to find his lady love, is a genius. He has not only modulated his voice, his subtle humour alongside Pankaj Kapur’s wit is fantastic. One only wishes there was more direct interaction between the two on screen.
The 50-plus Dimple Kapadia has proved that there is plenty of acting still left in her. As Rosie she gives in one of her finest performances despite all the fat on display.
All said, however, if one is an Arjun Kapoor or Deepika Padukone fan, he is bound to be disappointed. The minute just the two of them share a frame, the movie loses its fun element. Also Padukone’s deglamourised look may not do down well with many.
For those looking for a light-hearted movie on love and life, this one comes in a different mould.