Finding Fanny

There is never a dull moment in this film. All smiles all the way! 

Director : Homi Adajania

Cast: Deepika Padukone, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Dimple Kapadia, Arjun Kapoor. 
 

Director Homi Adajania adds another feather to his cap with the release of his third film “Finding Fanny”. No item songs, no action stunts or dancing around to filmi music and without all of that “Finding Fanny” still keeps the audience engaged from the openinig to the closing credits.

After two consecutive weeks of action and crime films doing the rounds at the Bollywood box office, "Finding Fanny" is a breath of fresh air . It is undoubtedly made with the clear intention of giving the viewer a pleasurable experience of watching satire and comedy on the big screen and that too with a set of five remarkable Bollywood actors; Naseeruddin Shah, Arjun Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Deepika Padukone and Pankaj Kapur.

The film is about the life of a Goan man named 'Ferdie' played by Naseeruddin Shah. Ferdie lives in a village called Pocolim hidden somewhere in Goa. As the story goes, once upon a time Ferdie was in love with a girl called Steffanie Fernandes known as “Fanny”. Reluctant to profess his love to her directly, Ferdie pens down his love proposal in a letter and sends it to Fanny by post. Unfortunately, the letter was never delivered to Fanny. Forty six years later, this letter finds its way back to Ferdie. He is shattered. For so many years Ferdie had one thought in his head; that Fanny did not reply to his proposal and rejected him. Forty six years later he realises that Fanny never received that letter.  

So what could have been Fannys' answer if she had received the letter? Would she have accepted his proposal or not? This question prompts Ferdie to set out on a road trip in search of Fanny. The road trip idea is neatly orchestrated by none other than “Angie” ( played by Deepika ) who is Ferdies' only friend. Angie is a young lady who unfortunately became a widow on her wedding day. She lives with her mother-in law Rosy, played by Dimple Kapadia.

Rosy too is a widow ( but with a deep secret about her husband which only Ferdie knows). Her curvaceous figure seems to attract Don Pedro who is a painter. With his eyes always set on Rosy, Don Pedro is in search of that golden chance to paint a portrait of dear Rosy who strictly denies him the permission to do so. Don Pedro doesn't give up on the portrait yet.

Then there is the return of the prodigal son; Savio ( played by Arjun Kapoor). On hearing the news of his fathers' death, Savio returns to the village after being away for six years. All that his deceased father has left him is a box of old dentures and a house that is almost falling down. And that's not all! Savio has another story. The love of his life 'Angie' married his best friend six years ago which prompted him to leave the village. Now he is back after six years, with no family, future or fortune whatsoever.

Finding Fanny is about these five characters ; Ferdie, Angie, Rosy, Don Pedro and Savio embarking on a journey that is about to blow their minds off. In spite of all the odds, Angie manages to cleverly craft a plan to help Ferdie find Fanny. There is an old rusted car, a driver (Savio) who doesn't know where exactly to go, a painter ( Don Pedro) with a portrait to paint, a lady ( Rosy ) with a dead cat, a man ( Ferdie) in search of his lost love and a young widow (Deepika) who believes that love can be found.

So finally, does Ferdie find his love? Does Savio manage to rekindle the lost romance between him and Angie? Does Don Pedro finally paint a portrait of Rosy? Watch this movie to find out.

It's definitely worth a watch!

Acting : ****

Story : ***

Overall film: ***1/2

Writers' stray thoughts : The cinematography is outstanding. The picturesque villages of Goa, old traditional houses, narrow lanes and smooth roads, green fields and clear blue skies add colour to this film.

The use of the local language here and there is an excellent way to enhance the local connect with the place (Goa). However, one of the few drawbacks of the film is that the English accent used by the actors (in the English version of "Finding Fanny" ) does not sound anywhere close to the English accent used by Goans. Besides the accent, there is also a Punjabi sounding song " Oh Fanny re" which does not connect with Goa at all.

The actors in the film do total justice to their roles and there could not have been a better star cast to portray the characters in the story. Ferdies' character is the one that grows close to the heart as the film progresses. Ferdie is filled with emotion and Naseeruddin Shah plays his role very tactfully keeping the humour element and emotional element in total balance.

There is never a dull moment in this film. It truly made my day. All smiles!