A quirky, darkly funny Goan road trip let down by a too-tidy ending.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Finding Fanny draws a broadly positive critical response, with most reviewers welcoming it as a refreshing departure from mainstream Bollywood formula. Critics most frequently praised the film's quirky ensemble performances, its wicked dark humour, and its authentic Goan atmosphere, with several singling out the English-language version as the preferable way to experience the film. Common criticisms include a meandering or thinly plotted second half, an ending that several reviewers found too neat or conventional for the tone the film had established, and a sense that the film occasionally over-indulges its own cleverness without fully committing to its darker or more complex possibilities. A minority of critics found the film too slight or cliché-ridden to fully recommend.
11 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 38 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
Finding Fanny is wickedly fantastic... made in a land of Hindi genre movies and starring one of Bollywood's glitziest girls, Finding Fanny is bold enough already. It gives us much, much to smile pleasantly at, to guffaw at, and one moment that will make the theatre gasp -- before it brings the house down.
Top critic
Film review ·
Set in a world that feels entirely authentic, Finding Fanny is a charming film that starts off slowly but draws you into its drama. At a crisp 105 minutes, it's a perfectly satisfying watch unlike so many disposable comedies today.
Top critic
Film review ·
...the film is patchily quirky. An undelivered love letter comes back to the sender, more than four decades after the fact, and it sets into motion this little tale, which leaves you both smiling, when the whimsy is just right, and impatient, when it turns flatly prosaic.
Film review ·
Signaling a new phenomenon in bollywood involving A -list which is ambitious yet intimate, appearing individual but yet can be happily universal, 'Finding Fanny' helmed by Homi Adjania is a quirky, bold and a beautiful bittersweet gem on love and life continuingly nurtured by wit and flawless performances. Looking for drolly, satisfying, evocative and lovely cinema go 'Find' Fanny at your nearest theater.
Film review ·
Finding Fanny is a well-written film that combines comedy and drama to create a charming story as well as accomplished entertainment. From its most touching moments to its most hilarious situations, the film is highly enjoyable and a recommended watch.
Film review ·
One can relate to the five oddballs as they set out on their journey in a dilapidated car in scenic Goa and nurse their shattered pride along the way. Finding Fanny forces you to slow down and enjoy the bumpy yet adventurous ride.
Film review ·
FINDING FANNY is a treat for cinema lovers. It's as though filmmakers have finally realized that audiences too have to be respected.
Film review ·
Finding Fanny isn't much about quirk as much as it is about discoveries and revelations. Despite the ending being on the disappointing side and the threadbare plot, it is the magnificent Performances that creates a certain kinship with its audiences. It doesn't play on the stereotype and is neither some path breaking film but I came out with a good experiences, a few well intended laughs and some wonderful Performances. Don't miss this. If you have the patience to unravel a treasure, Finding Fanny has one in hold for you.
Film review ·
Imagine spending a night in a shack on a beach in Goa, drinking your poison and sharing mad jokes with friends all night. Watch this one for a slice of that kind of experience.
Film review ·
This film is exactly the kind of brave clutter-breaking effort that most critics wish for while lamenting the rigidness of mainstream stars. That it left me grinning long after the credit-roll is a testament to its ability to amuse, without resorting to gimmicky slapstick or toilet humour.
Film review ·
Finding Fanny is a fine blend of soulful musings and nuanced filmmaking. And I welcome this clutter breaking space, the First Lady of Pocolim and the Casanova of Konkon with all my heart.
Film review ·
...is fun-filled because it's all about looking for what you need, what you want. It helps you find humour even in grief. But in the end, it's all about finding love. Wonder why? Grab your ticket to know why and see if you too can join the crazy five in their mission to 'Find Fanny'.
Film review ·
Very rare a film comes which isn't Hindi, has no melodrama, is off-beat, has established actors and has a simple yet meaningful script. Finding Fanny is one of them. Like me, if you love watching movies no matter what the genre is, then do catch this film. But not with your parents!
Film review ·
If you like to watch offbeat cinema, and you loved Lunch Box and Ship of Theseus, then Finding Fanny is your treat for the weekend. But the lovers of a typical Bollywood masala film should give it a miss.
Film review ·
...reasserts the power of simple story telling, making it one of the most refreshing and delightful films of recent times.
Film review ·
It's a confident, succinct film (93 minutes) that doesn't shy away from being subtle and doesn't underestimate the intelligence of its viewers. It's a film that may not claim to change the world, but it does bring a smile to your face for at least a day.
Film review ·
If Bollywood entertainment masala or love story is what you seek, Finding Fanny is certainly not your pick. If you are up for a slow, light-hearted take on life, love and their philosophies, book your tickets NOW. Finding Fanny is a not-to-be-missed take on life and love...
Film review ·
Finding Fanny is for a very niche audience...To pull this off and make it entertaining is not easy, but it's clear he is an extremely talented filmmaker. If you are up for watching something different then go and watch Finding Fanny, you won't be disappointed.
Film review ·
Watch Finding Fanny in its English version rather than the Hindi one. The punchlines would seem sharper. It would also let you understand why the naughty pun about the film's title is not a cheap trick. Although never openly explained, the English version leaves behind a merry wink over that bit.
Film review ·
As mentioned earlier, you may not be wowed by the story. Yet, Finding Fanny leaves you with a happy feeling. It is charmingly off-beat and yet mainstream. As you walk out, you would have much more on your mind apart from the delightful end-credit tune. Finding Fanny urges you to make a move if you want to find your love. I urge you to watch go to the theater and watch the film for sure. Just one advice - try catch the English version. Hindi is fine too but just not the language it is shot in.
Film review ·
This is Zindagi Milegi Na Dobaara of the Goan world where aspirations are so low you would have felt embarrassed for the characters if they hadn't decided to preserve a core of dignity during times of tumult and stress.
Film review ·
As a film-buff, it's gently reassuring sometimes to find marquee names that don't just chase big opening day figures but good films too. With time, Finding Fanny will find fans. I'm only one of the early ones.
Film review ·
Finding Fanny is funny, dark, yet bright, a shimmering ride through a Goa far from the tight-rooted Trikal, the touristy Dil Chahta Hai. Its drama keeps surprising - but also meanders, including around an overacting Russian and an unnecessarily macabre cat. It evokes an Almodovar-Anderson-Marquez-in-Goa feel, but occasionally, its cleverness grows obvious while little details - catch the changing colours of Ferdie's petrol can - are overlooked.
Film review ·
If you're tired of the nonsensical fare doled out by Bollywood week after week and have a palate for Unusual-Entertainment, then FINDING FANNY will fill your heart with joy.
Film review ·
It's five mad people traveling together. In Goa. Do you still need more reasons to watch this film?
Film review ·
I came out feeling unsatiated. I wanted to sink my teeth into the complex and tragic lives of these oddballs, I wasn't given that chance, there just wasn't enough meat.
Film review ·
The film is sprinkled with humor and some clever lines which keep it going but the screenplay hits a few roadblocks particularly in the latter half when it becomes a road movie. There is not much of an attempt there to push the envelope and you can't read too much in the characters or their motives.
Film review ·
Such a clean-cut, sliced and diced ending is not what a dark humored film like this one deserves. Even so, it is nice to have a change of pace and scenery from the typical Hindi film. Always welcome.
Film review ·
... this sense of whimsicality and romance within the absurd and a simultaneous assertion of the ludicrosity of romance that I found most interesting. However, instead of dwelling more on this delicious dichotomy, the film goes deliberately overboard on the kinkiness and becomes over-indulgent with the loudness and farce. It entertained while it lasted but hasn't stayed on with me for long.
Film review ·
'Finding Fanny' Has Every Road Movie Cliche In The Trunk...Apart from Kapadia, and the competent Kapur, there's little to recommend in this bumpy ride of a film.
Film review ·
With so much going for 'Finding Fanny', make sure you'd step out and hitch a ride with this mad bunch and go on their road-trip because it's truly one-of-a-kind.
Film review ·
Go watch the film for its wealth of quirky characters dealing with everyday crisis and emerging richer in the process. It will surely put a smile to your face, if nothing else…
Film review ·
Finding Fanny is a refreshing break from typical Bollywood 'masala' flicks.
Film review ·
For those who like the saccharine and stereotype-powered Bollywood romances, the turnaround comes too late. For those who like quirk, the ending is a disappointment because it jars against what Adajania has in the rest of the film.
Film review ·
While typical Bollywood 'masala' films are trying to chase the 100 crore club, this off-beat movie Finding Fanny makes an attempt to highlight human emotions in a much more realistic and philosophical manner. Although some of the jokes and sharp dialogues were lost in translation and that's a tragedy, but don't stop yourself from watching Finding Fanny. You will surely feel like a breath of fresh air.
Film review ·
...is a cute entertainer but it has appeal for the class audience only, that too, in the big cities only. It will do well in very select multiplexes of the major cities mainly. But its business in lesser multiplexes, single-screen cinemas and in centres other than the big cities will be very dull. Overall, the film will garner critical acclaim but its economics will not bring a smile on anybody's face. The English version will fare far better than the dubbed version.
Film review ·
Lots of sweet, not enough bitters, and one great Dimple...It's a they-are-crazy-but-not-dangerous giggle-fest, with as many repeat-worthy jokes in Goan English as there are cashew trees in the state. Since this is also India's European corner, the sun-blessed land of laidback, where time can stretch onto eternity or to the 105-minute duration of this movie, Finding Fanny never dares to disappoint.
Film review ·
"Finding Fanny", for all its flaws, is a rarity in Bollywood. A not-too-long English film with characters you would not find easily. If only Adajania had the courage to go all the way and tell the full story of these five characters, it would have been a great film.
Film review ·
Adajania brings in an arresting story, great atmospherics, and memorable character superbly acted by the cast. All this with a sprinkling of some deliciously wicked humour. This little, big film is all heart. You shouldn't miss it!
Film review ·
Things get untangled rather easily towards the end making one feel that Homi hasn't paid heed to don Podro's advice – 'In art there is no compromise.' Still there are many reasons to get lost!
Film review ·
Finding Fanny would have been an extremely low-budget NFDC-produced festival-friendly arthouse film with a set of talented NSD graduates. But here with Fox Star Studios pumping in a lot of money and Homi getting his superstar friends to star in it, this has been pitched as the big Bolly release of the week. Well, if you're just a Deepika fan you might find Fanny, but otherwise your search for the fun weekend film might run out of fuel.
From our readers
29 ratings · user score 6.0
Homi Adjania is the director whose 'class of art' people wait to see. Finding Fanny is one such helluva ride which would keep a smile on your face throughout giving you few snippets of philosophy that will make you ponder upon. Without boasting much - they somewhere knock your door to broaden your horizon of thoughts. At times you have to make an extra effort to love someone. So here you go; put an extra effort to love this ride for which your expectations may be high – Fanny who doesn't exist yet wins over your heart with the class acts coming from Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur & Dimple Kapadia. It's a journey which begins in the search of Fanny - It's the age old story of those snail mails when emails were not in the era. There was one such letter sent to the love which comes back to Ferdi(Naseeruddin Shah) which breaks his heart and makes him wander to many "what-if's" which they go out to look for. Deepika Padukone here decides with the snippet of philosophy that your life is meant to help others first - with this thought they move on to the ride in search of Fanny. On this ride you have the class Pankaj Kapur aka Pedro who is mad behind the thunder thighs; mad about Dimple or rather say horny about Dimple - yes the movie does touches some parts of the black comedy which doesn't really seem to be filthy. It's more of getting into the skin of the characters bringing the originality. That's what Homi is known for. And yes you have the driver(Arjun Kapoor) with the broken heart & probably someone who would have done little better - with some good pun on the word BETTER in the movie that is something for you to FIND out watching Finding Fanny. Somewhere in this journey; hearts meet; there is a realization; there is a confession; there is a denial; the chemistry between Arjun & Deepika may miss the steam but the growing bond amongst the Dimple & Naseeruddin Shah is something to vouch for. What puts all this together is the brilliant Cinematography by Anil Mehta & growing background music score does it all – these crafts play an important role to craft a Not so Existing Fanny of a marque. Although the movie may not have a wider audience considering the genre this one is made for. Yet if you have a flair to try something different – this one definitely has the potential to keep you engage & entertained with its sheer state of craft. And yes it's Deepika who roared from Homi Adjania's Cocktail yet again seems to be as fresh as lily post the super success of her Leela Avatar. From Ghagras to mini's now – it's great watching her line of art. Deepika's lucky mascot Ranveer Singh has a no dialogue minuscule role - yet his energy is contagious; his funkiness brings a smile on your face watching him. So what steals the show in #findingFanny is not fanny it's Ferdi (Naserruddin Shah) – This is the man you will find adding up yet another feather on his hat with his amazing persona which is class apart from the era he belongs to. PK Verdict:Silver+ 3.5*s
Finding Fanny has undoubtedly been an off track movie for Bollywood, as for Homi Adajania is concerned...his movies are meant to be off track and have a blend of quirkiness in its characters. Not being the typical cranky Bollywood hater and a die heart Hollywood, as I am, I loved the movie. Adajania knows, just knows how to bring out the best from the characters. From Veronica to Angie, Savio was brilliant and well the veterans will remain the sheer fantastic creatures so to say. My favorite character in the movie has to be Don Petro. I am a nineties kid for whom Pankaj Kapoor's 'Office Office' was a daily does, seeing him playing Don Petro was fascinating. The movie didn't feel like I was watching a big and well promoted silver screen thing, it felt more like theatre. The flow and effortlessness that has been portrayed is wonderful. Also, the essence of perspicacity this movie has.. One example of that being, Ferdie saying that "..but I don't want to die" I've seen that on Youtube like 1320390393 times. HOMI ADAJANIA should make more movies, his cool personality adds so much to the actors' ability. Finding Fanny is a must watch for people who enjoy theatre, as do I. What a beautifully crafted piece of work this was.
Homi Adajania seems to have tried his hand at bringing some flavour of Woody Allen into his film, Finding Fanny... but alas it seems to be nowhere close! The first basic element missing is a natural depiction of a typical Goan life. None of the characters seem to have put in the native accent or even tried speaking the Konkani language. Just wearing a western attire is not enough! Deepika and Arjun have showcased normal performance. Dimple Kapadia and Pankaj Kapoor's characters are a little over the top and it is a pity that it is a complete waste of talent. Highest marks to Naseeruddin Shah who seems to be in much better control of his character and also he has earlier delivered an excellent performance as a Goan priest in the Shahrukh Starrer movie in the 90s, Kabhi haan Kabhi Naa which is unforgettable. Overall the storyline is quite weak and predictable. At the end of the film, I bet you will not find your "Fanny"!
Consider this: Five half-baked characters with nomadic idiosyncrasies set out on a journey to find a sixth character. This, in the writers' words, should be "a sexy widow (Deepika Padukone) persuades her pre-nuptial boyfriend (Arjun Kapoor) to take her friend/uncle/father figure/taciturn idiot personage (Shah; looks unhappy throughout the film maybe because his recently released memoir's sales doesn't look good) to find his long-lost (read ill-communicative chapter) love Fanny (short for Stephannie Fernandez), accompanied by an absent- minded abstract painter (Pankaj Kapur) who is head over heels in admiration with the final visible character (Kapadia). In the journey of life and love where orgies are considered taboo, and since the math won't be right for five people to get into a relationship and satisfy the nature's preconceived equation, one wanders off and the remaining four get together." If you could totally understand the above written synopsis in a single read, then you would definitely understand the film, for it is a Goan drama based on rambunctious ridicules, scruples, and clichés under the disguise of romance and all the things that come with it (sans sex). The actors play out like they never rehearsed. Homi Adajania (of Being Cyrus fame, and now Finding Fanny infamy) flashes his over- confidence all over the place. First, by not directing the thespian actors Kapur & Shah to their thresholds, and second, asking Kapoor & Padukone to portray pretentious crowd-pleasers in analytical love. The film starts off without a bang and that is fine, but when the story unfolds and ends like a firecracker soaked in water, you start to get the feels that the film makes no point whatsoever. It promises love, but delivers boredom, it promises romance, but delivers aged cleavage show, it promises a happy journey, but delivers a dead cat. Literally speaking, the title is misguiding and if you do not get agitated with the climax, you ought to get yourself medically checked. I tried to pull few strings so as to try to reap some sense out of the 100 minute-drama, but I failed. Still, I cannot write bad things about the cinematography & the art department for they bring out a stunning visual experience. Dialogs are poorly written and I can't even dream of thinking of watching this melodrama unfolding in Hindi. It tries to convey a message, but in this technological age, I'll say it is filled with noise. White, unwanted, destructive noise. BOTTOM LINE: "Oh, thy invisible force, give me strength to forget this journey." "Don't worry, my son, why don't you watch Bipasha Basu's comeback film Creature 3D?" "Goodbye oh Lord and my dear folks, I prefer my grave instead."
A road trip. Goan rhaspody. Cool winds. Five people with their own turbulent souls going to solve the turbulence of one. These things form the backdrop of the most fresh love story this year, Finding Fanny. The first soul-food thing about the film is that it works both as a rom-com and a romance. It has Arjun Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Dimple Kapadia, Rajat Kapur and Naseeruddin Shah's effective performances. These people out on a road trip face so many ridiculous dysfunctions, but one thing is serious- they are out on a journey to rediscover the meaning of love. The another reason why it finds itself in the top five is that it is made entirely in Konkani and English, but it still works for the Hindi audience in a quite better way. I'm going with 4 stars for 'Finding Fanny'. It's an intricate visual with breezy winds.
Credits
Deepika PadukoneAngie
Arjun KapoorSavio D'Gama
Naseeruddin ShahFerdie
Dimple KapadiaRosie Eucharistica
Pankaj KapurDon Pedro Cleto Colaco
Ileana D'Cruz
Anjali PatilStefanie Fernandes
Ranveer SinghJoffrey (Cameo)More Hindi films
The Lunchbox
2013
Sholay 3D
2014
Court
2015
Dangal
2016
Ship of Theseus
2013
Pink
2016
Queen
2014
Masaan
2015
Neerja
2016
Homebound
2025
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
