Fitoor movie review: Katrina Kaif and Aditya Roy Kapur’s film falls short of our Great
Expectations!
Fitoor starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Katrina kaif is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ famous
novel Great Expectations.Set against the scenic backdrop of Kashmir, the film uses elements of
the books t
Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the much awaited film has finally hit the screens. But is it worth the
wait? Read on…
Fitoor starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Katrina kaif is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ famous
novel Great Expectations.Set against the scenic backdrop of Kashmir, the film uses elements of
the books to create an erratic story line that oscillates between intense and mediocre moments.
For all those who have read the book will know how dark some of its characters are. Abhishek
Kapoor reaches within the crevices of those dark places and presents his interpretation of love
and loss….
What’s it about:
A desi adaptation of the literary classic Great Expectations, Abhishek Kapoor’s love story painted
in hues of red is as abstract as the artwork of its protagonist Noor (Aditya Roy Kapur). If you have
read the book then the details will stand out (the scene with the shoe), for those who haven’t the
plot will seem like a jigsaw puzzle with no matching pieces. Katrina Kaif plays the enchantress
Firdaus, a pawn in the hands of Begum (Tabu) who has suffered loss in matters of love in her
prime. Using Firdaus to break Noor’s heart is the only motive of her life. The climax of the film is
altered to match the mood that has shades of insurgency in the Valley. Fitoor is slow, tedious and
tests your patience when it comes to keeping up with the inconsistent plot.
What’s hot:
Anay Goswami’s camera work is stellar. Abhishek Kapoor frames every scene like it’s a piece of
art. He’s a modern day Sanjay Leela Bhansali in terms of setting up his frame. Like the former, his
attention to detail is exceptional. Fitoor is a good looking film (and we aren’t talking about the lead
cast). The first half is a visual treat. The long panoramic shots of Dal Lake, or the autumn lit apple
trees are outstanding. The film begins with young Firdaus and Noor (brilliant casting) who are
impressive. Especially the boy who plays the young Aditya Roy Kapur is phenomenal. Amit
Trivedi’s score for the film is in sync with the storyline and creates the right ambience for its
characters to develop. Pashmina and Fitoor title track both are hauntingly melodic. Katrina Kaif
looks like a million bucks and her Firdaus is a deadly combination of good looks and a mind that
can plot a murder. Despite sharing the screen with a stalwart like Tabu she manages to hold her
own. Aditya Roy Kapur is able to showcase the pain and anguish of Noor. But the film belongs to
Tabu who goes in for the kill in every single scene. Her Begum is terrifyingly unpredictable yet so
vulnerable and human. Aditi Rao Hydari and Lara Dutta are both welcome surprises and impress
in their respective roles.
What’s not:
It’s not just the pace, but the treatment of the subject that plays spoilsport. Abhishek seems a tad
bit confused on where he wants to take his characters. Does he want to take them to a dark place
and bring out the worst in them or does he wants them to be beacons of hope ? Unlike the book,
his version of the story is haywire and all over the place. Firdaus and Noor’s romance goes from
intense, to cold, to nothing. So much that the climax fall flat because the build up to it took so
long. Also Begum’s back story comes a little too late in the second half. Using Tabu’s voice for
Aditi who’s playing the young Begum was a bad idea. Ajay Devgn’s cameo act is not only random
but also disconnected from the key plot of the film. Abhishek starts unravelling traits of his
characters at such a rapid pace towards the climax that it becomes hard to keep track of their
intentions. There is a lot of Urdu and heavy dialoguebaazi that creates a dreamy atmosphere but
doesn’t add value to the plot.
What to do:
If you love modern art and abstract paintings then Fitoor should appeal to your senses!
Rating: 2.5 out of 52.5 Star Rating