The story revolves around Gaurav, who is a huge fan of Aryan Khanna and is willing to do anything to meet him. However, when his attempts to meet Aryan fail, Gaurav turns violent and starts to harass Aryan and his family. The situation becomes worse when Gaurav is humiliated by Aryan in public, leading him to seek revenge against his idol.
The film explores the theme of the fan-celebrity relationship and the impact of fandom on both parties. It also raises questions about the price of fame and the consequences of obsessive behavior.
"Fan" received critical acclaim for its innovative storyline, strong performances, and technical brilliance. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over ₹1.88 billion worldwide.
Shah Rukh Khan's portrayal of both Aryan and Gaurav received widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. The film's makeup and visual effects team were also appreciated for their work in transforming Khan's appearance to make him look like a younger version of himself for the role of Gaurav.
The film's soundtrack, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, was well-received and included popular tracks such as "Jabra Fan" and "Tere Bina".
"Fan" was also screened at several international film festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival and the Beijing International Film Festival. It was also nominated for several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Shah Rukh Khan) and the National Film Award for Best Special Effects.
"Fan" is considered to be one of the most innovative and well-crafted films in recent Indian cinema. Its exploration of the complex relationship between fans and celebrities, as well as its commentary on the dark side of fame, continue to resonate with audiences today.
In addition to its exploration of the fan-celebrity relationship, "Fan" is also notable for its technical achievements. The film's cinematography, sound design, and visual effects were all praised for their innovative and groundbreaking use of technology.
One of the film's most memorable scenes involves a chase sequence through the streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The scene was shot using a combination of practical effects and CGI, with Khan performing many of his own stunts. The result is a thrilling and visually stunning sequence that is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the film.
"Fan" also features a number of subtle nods to Shah Rukh Khan's real-life experiences as a celebrity. For example, Aryan Khanna's home in the film is modeled after Khan's own house, and the film's opening scene features footage of Khan interacting with his real-life fans.
Despite its critical and commercial success, "Fan" was not without its controversies. Some critics accused the film of glorifying obsessive behavior and promoting the idea that stalking is an acceptable way to get what you want. However, others argued that the film's message was more nuanced and that it ultimately condemned the dangerous side of fandom.
Regardless of one's interpretation, "Fan" remains an important and thought-provoking film that offers a unique and insightful perspective on the world of celebrity culture.
The film also marked a departure for director Maneesh Sharma, who was previously known for making romantic comedies such as "Band Baaja Baaraat" and "Shuddh Desi Romance." With "Fan," Sharma demonstrated his versatility as a filmmaker, showcasing his ability to handle action, suspense, and drama with equal skill.
In interviews, Sharma has spoken about the challenges of making "Fan," particularly in terms of creating two distinct characters for Shah Rukh Khan to play. He has also discussed the film's underlying themes, including the dangers of fame and the importance of being true to oneself.
Overall, "Fan" is a film that pushes the boundaries of Indian cinema, both in terms of its technical achievements and its exploration of complex themes. It remains a popular and influential work, and is widely regarded as one of the most significant Hindi films of recent years.