Fatso

wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)

quick review:

Moral, ethical and civic issues are picked to be woven into a story. Worry not, it's not preachy but it ain't entertaining either.

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Director: Rajat Kapoor
Running time: 105 minutes
Genres: Comedy, Philosophy
More Movie Info

"Do appearances matter?" Should they? This is the question Rajat Kapoor and Co try to answer with Fatso! Only that it would look too plain as is, and thus is masked with an interesting philosophical "what if?" What if you died by mistake? And the death-givers wanted to rectify their error in a controversial manner. It sound funny, but unfortunately Fatso isn't funny and neither does it take the philosophical inferences too seriously. So, it's neither entertaining nor engaging. It just stays something that could be.

Yet, the performances work big time for Fatso. Be it Ranvir Shorey in the title role or the always affable Gul Panag or the charming Purab Kohli. They are the ones that make you sit through. They and the hope that it will all end with a smile on your face.

Instead mid-way a fear starts creeping in that a film that banks on the emotional ties in the relationships is going to end up like any other romantic film - one in which people fall in love for the sake of convenience rather than growing into it organically.

There are quite a few issues touched upon, but none of them are delved into more than superficially. From insensitivity of people to an obese person to a friend falling in love with his friend's girlfriend while having a girlfriend of his own - are all cursorily touched upon but not taken too seriously - almost as if the writer/director was scared of making his film too serious. Why have the person be fat and have a title and promo material revolve around the fact, if it isn't even central to the main story?

Unfortunately, it isn't un-serious either. It hangs somewhere in between. Same goes for how the characters are written. They are all interesting more because you can relate to them, as friends if not yourself. But, you aren't exposed to their vulnerabilities or strengths. You are kept guessing and thus find yourself half-way there.

Even so, there is something very pleasant about how the camera moves or how the lights are used in a Rajat Kapoor film that make it watchable despite content that isn't quite there. That and an attempt at a topic a little different, even if it's ripped off from here and there, is what makes me look forward to films from this camp of Hindi films.

The exuberant display of what Fatso! loves life for is symbolic of the film itself. Starts off delightfully, but sticks to the idea for so long without coming to the point that you can predict the point and exactly how it's going to happen too.

- meeta, a part of the audience

28 reviewers(?) - 4 yays 5 so-so 19 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Subhash K. Jha, Apun Ka Choice : ...Don't go looking for "It's A Wonderful Life" and you may come away quite happy with this film.... full review

Thumbs up, by Nandita Dutta, DearCinema : ...Fatso is one gem of a movie to look out for. It works wonderfully as a light-hearted satire on the world and the afterworld. It can tickle your ribs and evoke emotions at the right moments.... full review

Thumbs up, by Rony Dcosta, Desi Martini : ...Fat free entertainment... full review

Thumbs up, by Aakanksha Naval-Shetye & Chaya Unnikrishnan, DNA : ...What starts off as a run-of-the-mill youth film surprises you at every turn. Purab and Gul have a great chemistry while Ranvir delivers a super performance.... full review

So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...FATSO remains a decent attempt made on an inspired/copied plot having one abrupt but a well written & brilliantly performed scene which happens to be the climax of the film too.... full review

So-So, Buzz in Town : ...It is not a film that pushes far enough in any direction, dark or light. But manages to make sufficient space in its range of vision to ensure that the characters don't appear contrived . ... full review

So-So, by Smita, Desi Martini : ...Not fat enough... full review

So-So, by Gaurav Malani, Times of India : ...Fatso is somewhat short on body but strong on spirit. Keeping mind over matter, this film is an enjoyable experience!... full review

So-So, Zee News : ...‘Fatso’ is a natural, sweet, tangy and tender rom-com about a near-dead lover and a pretender. A just-right ensemble cast makes the proceedings look larger than laugh.... full review

Thumbs down, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, FATSO appeals in bits and spurts. It had the potential, but doesn't quite reach there!... full review

Thumbs down, Daily Bhaskar : ...A confusing screenplay, poor writing and music and impactless dialogues leave Fatso in a very uncomfortable position.... full review

Thumbs down, Free Press Journal : ...The writing is not sharp or humorous enough and the treatment is just too soft to make for an interesting engagement. This film is just a bit too dull to entertain!... full review

Thumbs down, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...On the whole FATSO is a big letdown. It's like a batsman is going great guns and because of his 'arrogant overconfidence' attempts a reverse sweep to be clean bowled when there was no need!... full review

Thumbs down, by Divya Solgama, Gomolo.in : ...The whole Fast – Slow treatment in the film and weak script followed by confused direction screams out – Avoid.... full review

Thumbs down, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...There's an interesting idea buried somewhere under those layers of flab in director Rajat Kapoor's Fatso. But it's a pity the film's fantastical premise isn't mined for enough laughs.... full review

Thumbs down, by Fatema H.Kajalwala, India Entertainment : ...Rajat Kapor has demonstrated a strong hold on urban relationships and milieu, treating them with a light and sure touch. The touch is present here but doesn’t bring the film together in a wholesome experience.... full review

Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta , indian express : ...But despite a standout turn from Ranvir Shorey as the eponymous lead, and some nicely realized segments, 'Fatso' comes off flat and tonally confused. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Shakti Shetty, MiD DAY : ...Although it’s supposed to be hilarious, there are very few instances proving it so.... full review

Thumbs down, Movie Talkies : ...the movie has an interesting concept but the story does falter at times and at times, seems to rush ahead without regard for logic.... full review

Thumbs down, by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...Fatso is a good plot gone bad. The film could've worked well if the execution of it may have been better.... full review

Thumbs down, by on on on on on on on on on on Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...Fatso is a good plot gone bad. The film could've worked well if the execution of it may have been better... full review

Thumbs down, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...The basic idea is a fine one, offering both room for smart humour and murky moral ambiguity, but while Kapoor and his (mostly) competent cast sharply enough conjure up some smiling moments, the film squanders the most potentially thrilling aspects of the idea and leaves us with something half-baked.... full review

Thumbs down, by Diksha Madhok, Reuters : ...It’s a very boring one — a word that more or less sums up the entire movie.... full review

Thumbs down, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...Director Rajat Kapoor serves up a film that had potential. But somewhere along the way, we just couldn’t understand what to make of the man in the fat suit and his pack of strange friends.... full review

Thumbs down, by Swati Rohatgi, STARDUST : ...Fatso, if for a better execution could’ve been a good watch. A wasted chance. ... full review

Thumbs down, by A. K., The Hindu : ...Using magical realism Kapoor deals with deep-seated human quandaries in a light-hearted fashion but ultimately fails to realise the potential of the subject.... full review

Thumbs down, by Srijana Mitra Das, Times of India : ...The film seems overwhelmed by its own smart styling - little details like a dress drying on a clothesline, a girl rubbing hand-cream onto her palms, are clever. But there's too much style, not enough substance.... full review

Thumbs down, by Mr Care, Upper Stall : ...the film is in a limbo between good and bad. But it sure as hell missed a chance to be great. ... full review

30 tweeters(?) - 24 yays 0 so-so 6 nays

TinuLuthra: Hey I'm sure #Fatso is a great movie. I really enjoyed "kaam ka plot" RT @RanvirShorey: @TinuLuthra Hahahaha! @deepakvirwani @mrrajatkapoor

taychilders: Fatso may be the most awkward movie ever. But I love it.

tallurisanthosh: Fatso is such a well written & well executed movie! An extremely funny unconventional concept. Loved it!

sups86: Fatso - funny, light+entertaining. Picked it over Avengers and Vicky Donor..think I made the right choice.

snehhamenon: #Fatso had some magical cinematic moments. The slice of life ones that tug at your heart! I had a good feeling about this one & it lived up!

shoegal_momo: Fatso is a must watch!!

sailajasp: loved you in Fatso @GulPanag You carried the role with so much ease...fabulous. Ranvir, Purab and others too did a great job a hit movie :-)

rushabkapadia: #fatso a combination of super acting + story...a truly #Rajatkapoor movie!!!

pinaldave: Watch the movie #Fatso of @GulPanag my wife and I loved it - refreshing funny and very entertaining.

nocturnalpunkie: #fatso sucha delightful movie! @GulPanag reliable as always, has done an amazing job! simply loved the entire casting :)

Navjotalive: Fatso.great idea.some well written n acted scenes but does not have the film wali feeling thanks to the easy resolution! Good 1time watch!

mumblefumble: Fatso is such a well written & well executed movie! An extremely funny unconventional concept. Loved it! @mrrajatkapoor @RanvirShorey

ManjulaC2012: Just watched #Fatso.. Esp liked the very spirited monologue at the end! Nicely done.

Manish7080: All i can say is that You have taken bollywood a step ahead with #Fatso. @mrrajatkapoor @PritishNandy

I_AmHungry: I liked FATSO !! Its a nice refreshing movie !! Different! :D ! @Purab_Kohli pe :*** !

GulPanag: Thank you:)) RT @TweetfromWaqas: @GulPanag travelled 135 kms. to watch fatso,the movie was worth it! :)

FalgunBusa: #ilaughalotwhen I saw Fatso. Humorous movie. @Fatso_TheFilm

drgsnarang: Watched #fatso "is film ko na dekhna khud ko bahtarin film se vanchit karna hoga" @GulPanag sunder bhi hai aur badia adaakara hai:)@rwac48

charugrover: watched fatso...grateful to mr.rajat kapoor....world is still a good place:)

brassi76: Best Sunday ever, #SatyamevJayate, two greats games in #IPL and then icing on the cake #Fatso @PritishNandy

anshulkakkar: FATSO is film with full of sweetness all around...#Awesomemovie@ranvirshorey

andyact: Watched #fatso!! Brilliant job done by @RanvirShorey ,@GulPanag

AmeyRajput: Fatso is a Nice muvi... Cheggit !

aayushi_s: Loved loved loved loved..totally loved fatso! A must watch!

r1kartik: Totally watch it at your own risk kind of movie this 1. disappointed with Rajat Kapoor and more with Gul Panag FATSO http://kartikr.blogspot.in/2012/05/fatso.html

ng_karthika: #fatso was a new low in the shitty movies league

NeetiGhildiyal: Fatso! Worse movie ever!

maloodeepak: Rather disappointed with Fatso the Movie. The start was good, but felt like a drag thereafter.

LovedTweet: Fatso Review: A Big-Fat Bore! http://bit.ly/J8JLrd

hitwit_subroto: I found the film Fatso very refreshing! The way I snoozed soundly through it and woke up feeling so pleasantly refreshed!

No readers have rated this movie yet.

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: None. Except for lots of talk about death.
  • Language: Use of the f-word a couple of times.
  • Nudity & Sexual content: A few kisses and a couple of making out scenes.
  • Concept: Do appearances matter?
  • General Look and Feel: An attempt at keeping it light.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

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Fatso - Cast, crew, links

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Running time:
105 minutes
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