Fanney Khan - to be a star and a celebrity artist is not easy in a country with a billion people and needs hard work and focus. Fanney Khan is the story of a man who didn't quite make the cut having had to sacrifice his dreams for the more important responsibility of life and family. He still nurses his creative side when he finds time from his crane operating job and sees his dream stay alive in his daughter Lata. Lata is talented but faces body-shamers bullying her constantly as she is obese, which stands in her way of recognition. Also, she finds her father annoying and is easily embarrassed due to his intrusive (actually concern) nature. Do you see a maze of subjects here already? Add to it a strange twist - Fanney Khan will go to any length to find success for his daughter's singing career, and will kidnap a celebrity singer for ransom, a case where he will transform from being a perpetrator into being manipulated by some sly bounty hunters.
It's just too many subjects to handle - director Atul Manjrekar is clearly unable to balance things out. After the interesting first 30 minutes, the film just loses its way and meanders in a wayward fashion, failing to engage. Rajkumar Rao is underused and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan misses yet another opportunity to up her game, keeping things superficial and plastic. The end is preachy. Debutante Pihu Sand as Lata is very impressive. But the film belongs to Anil Kapoor, who infuses exceptional energy and life into the role of a doting family man. He is clearly the only asset of Fanney Khan. Also must mention Divya Dutta who also produces a punchy performance. 4 STARS okay for it.
