Some films leave a lasting impact not just because of their story but because they dared to be different. As Fanaa completes 20 years, director Kunal Kohli is looking back at what made the film so unique and why such stories are rare today.
Starring Aamir Khan and Kajol, Fanaa was not a typical love story. It followed a man who appears charming and romantic but is later revealed to be a ter*orist. The film ended on a tragic note, with the heroine ki*ling the man she loves, something rarely seen in mainstream Bollywood even today.
Kunal Kohli believes that the industry has become more cautious over time. In simple terms, he feels filmmakers and actors today avoid taking risks on unconventional or “bold” subjects. According to him, Fanaa worked because it challenged the idea of a traditional hero and presented a complex, morally grey character.
He also shared an interesting story about casting Aamir Khan. While Kunal Kohli was always confident that Aamir was the right choice, producer Aditya Chopra had his doubts. He worried that approaching such a big star might take too much time as he will waste time and then still he won’t do the movie. Despite that, Kunal Kohli decided to take the chance.
Things turned out differently than expected. Aamir liked the story almost immediately and got involved in the process. He even suggested that the script be written in Urdu instead of English to better suit the film’s tone. However, he did question whether Kunal Kohli, who hadn’t handled such a subject before, was the right person to direct it. Aamir Khan also asked Aditya Chopra why he is not directing the movie, Aditya told Aamir that in his opinion, Kunal Kohli is the right person to direct the flick and no one else.
Released in 2006, Fanaa went on to become a major success, earning over Rs 100 crore worldwide. It was not only a commercial hit but also stood out for its storytelling and emotional depth.
Looking back, Kunal Kohli’s reflections highlight a bigger change in Bollywood. While the industry continues to grow, he feels that the willingness to experiment with risky, unconventional stories has reduced.
And that’s what makes Fanaa special, even after two decades, it remains a reminder of a time when filmmakers weren’t afraid to break the rules.
