View source for Fiza

{{short description|2000 film directed by Khalid Mohammed}}
{{AI-generated|date=September 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Fiza
| image          = Fiza poster.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[Khalid Mohammed]]
| producer       = [[Pradeep Guha]]
| writer         = Khalid Mohammed<br/>[[Javed Siddiqui]] (dialogue)
| narrator       = [[Karisma Kapoor]]
| starring       = [[Karishma Kapoor]]<br/>[[Hrithik Roshan]]<br/>[[Jaya Bachchan]]
| music          = '''Songs:'''<br />[[Anu Malik]]<br />'''Guest Composers:'''<br />[[A. R. Rahman]]<br />[[Ranjit Barot]]<br />'''Score:'''<br />Ranjit Barot
| cinematography = [[Santosh Sivan]]
| editing        = [[A. Sreekar Prasad]]
| studio         = The Culture Company<br>[[UTV Motion Pictures]]
| distributor    = UTV Motion Pictures
| released       = {{Film date|2000|09|08|df=yes}}
| runtime        = 171 minutes
| country        = India
| language       = Hindi
| budget         = {{INR|55 million}}<ref name="BOI"/>
| gross          = {{INR|322 million}}<ref name="BOI"/>
}}

'''''Fiza''''', elaborately known as '''''Fiza: In Search Of Her Brother''''', is a 2000 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[action-thriller film]] written and directed by [[Khalid Mohamed]], and produced by [[Pradeep Guha]]. The film stars [[Karisma Kapoor]] in the title role, alongside [[Hrithik Roshan]] and [[Jaya Bachchan]], with supporting performances by [[Manoj Bajpayee]], [[:pl:Bikram Saluja|Bikram Saluja]], and [[Isha Koppikar]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Fiza - Movie - Box Office India |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=721}} </ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Iqbal |first=Murtuza |date=2019-06-25 |title=Birthday Special: Top performances of Karisma Kapoor |url=https://www.easterneye.biz/birthday-special-top-performances-of-karisma-kapoor/ |access-date=2019-06-26 |website=EasternEye |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-25 |title=Happy birthday Karishma Kapoor: Raja Babu to Fiza, 10 films which show how she carved a niche for herself in Bollywood |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/happy-birthday-karisma-kapoor-raja-babu-to-fiza-10-films-which-show-how-she-carved-a-niche-for-herself-in-bollywood-4720866/ |access-date=2019-06-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Set in the aftermath of the [[Bombay riots|1993 Bombay riots]], the narrative follows Fiza Ikramullah’s search for her brother Amaan, who had gone missing during the riots. When she finally reunites with him years later, she discovers that he has joined a [[militant]] organization, forcing her to confront painful decisions about family, morality, and justice.

''Fiza'' was shot across various locations in [[India]], with cinematography by [[Santosh Sivan]] and production design by [[Sharmishta Roy]]. The soundtrack was composed by [[Anu Malik]] with lyrics by [[Gulzar]] and [[Mehboob Kotwal|Mehboob]], and featured playback singers such as [[Alka Yagnik]], [[Udit Narayan]], and [[A. R. Rahman]] (for one track).

Released theatrically on 8 September 2000,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-details/fiza/movieshow/61322851.cms |title=Fiza Movie: Showtimes, Review, Songs, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos {{!}} eTimes |access-date=2025-07-22 |via=timesofindia.indiatimes.com}}</ref> ''Fiza'' received positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for its storyline, thematic treatment, music, and performances—especially those of Kapoor and Bachchan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fiza - Movie - Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=721 |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=boxofficeindia.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 June 2018 |title=From Zubeidaa to Fiza, a look at Karisma Kapoor's iconic performances on her 44th birthday |url=https://www.firstpost.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/from-zubeidaa-to-fiza-a-look-at-karisma-kapoors-iconic-performances-on-her-44th-birthday-4587321.html |access-date=2019-06-26 |website=Firstpost}}</ref> The film emerged as a commercial success, grossing ₹322 million (US$7.17 million) worldwide.<ref name="BOI">{{cite web |title=Fiza - Movie |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=721 |access-date=20 May 2021 |website=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Greatest Women Oriented Bollywood Movies – Skin, Hair, Weight Loss, Health, Beauty and Fitness Blog |url=https://entertainment.expertscolumn.com/amp/greatest-women-oriented-bollywood-movies |access-date=2019-06-26 |website=entertainment.expertscolumn.com |archive-date=26 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626032147/https://entertainment.expertscolumn.com/amp/greatest-women-oriented-bollywood-movies |url-status=dead }}</ref> At the [[46th Filmfare Awards]], it earned seven nominations, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] (Roshan), and won [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] (Kapoor) and [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]] (Bachchan). The film also received recognition at the [[International Indian Film Academy Awards|IIFA Awards]], the [[Zee Cine Awards]], and the [[Screen Awards]] for its performances and social relevance.

==Plot==
During the [[Bombay riots|1993 Bombay riots]], Amaan Ikramullah, a young man, goes missing after witnessing the brutal murder of his friend Firoz. His mother, Nishatbi, and older sister, Fiza, are left devastated but continue to hope for his return. By 1999, after six years of uncertainty, Fiza grows weary of waiting and resolves to search for her brother. She turns to legal avenues, the media, and political contacts in her quest, encountering a wide range of people and revelations along the way. She discovers that Amaan had once pleaded with a police officer for help, only to be dismissed and told to go to [[Pakistan]]—a remark that left a lasting impression on him. He was later assaulted but managed to escape. Meanwhile, his former girlfriend Shehnaaz, who had remained hopeful for his return, is eventually compelled to marry another man, Salim, under familial pressure.

Through a lead from her friend Anirudh Roy—who suspects a link between Amaan and a suspected [[militant]] near the [[Rajasthan]] border—Fiza locates her brother. She is shocked to learn that Amaan has joined a terrorist organization. Amaan recounts the trauma of the riots and his recruitment by Murad Khan, who had rescued him during his time of distress. Persuaded by Fiza’s emotional plea, Amaan agrees to return home and is reunited with Nishatbi.

Back in Mumbai, Amaan learns of Anirudh’s affections for Fiza and his desire to marry her and support their family. Grateful, Amaan gives them his blessing. Attempting to reintegrate into society, he searches for employment but is repeatedly rejected due to his past. Disheartened, he considers returning to Murad’s network. After intervening when two men harass Fiza, Amaan reveals his past affiliations to his family and the police. The revelation shatters Nishatbi, who, unable to bear the loss of her son’s innocence, dies by suicide.

Encouraged by Murad, Amaan agrees to carry out an [[assassination]] mission targeting two politicians known for inciting communal hatred—ironically, the same figures who had once tried to exploit Fiza during her search. After completing the killings, Amaan is betrayed by his own group and barely escapes. Fiza tracks him down, and as the police close in, Amaan, overwhelmed by guilt and believing he has no future, pleads with Fiza to end his life. In a final act of compassion and sorrow, she complies, shooting her brother to grant him what he perceives as a dignified death.

==Cast==
* [[Karisma Kapoor]] as Fiza Ikramullah
* [[Hrithik Roshan]] as Amaan Ikramullah
* [[Jaya Bachchan]] as Nishatvi Ikramullah
* [[Shabana Raza]] as Shehnaz Sulaiman
* [[Manoj Bajpayee]] as Murad Khan
* [[Sushmita Sen]] as Reshma (special appearance)
* [[Asha Sachdev]] as Ulfat Jaan
* [[Isha Koppikar]] as Geetanjali Malhotra
* [[:pl:Bikram Saluja|Bikram Saluja]] as Anirudh Roy
* [[Shivaji Satam]] as Kunal Sawant 
* [[Anup Soni]] as a goon
* [[Johnny Lever]] as the Laughing Club Comic (special appearance)
* [[Savita Prabhune]] as a policewoman (special appearance)
* [[Jaya Bhattacharya]] as a job Interviewer (special appearance)
* [[Sanjay Narvekar]] as a police officer (special appearance)

==Production==

=== Development ===
''Fiza'' was originally envisioned by writer-director [[Khalid Mohamed]] as a more artistic and issue-driven film. He initially wanted [[Ram Gopal Varma]] to direct the project. The tone of the script emphasized the psychological and emotional fallout of the [[Bombay riots|1993 Bombay riots]]. However, due to commercial pressure from distributors, Mohammed adapted the film to include broader appeal, integrating song sequences and comedic elements to meet audience expectations.

=== Casting ===
[[Urmila Matondkar]] was Mohammed’s first choice for the role of Fiza, but the part eventually went to [[Karisma Kapoor]]. [[Hrithik Roshan]] was cast as Amaan, Fiza’s younger brother, although he is five months older than Kapoor in real life. Roshan’s role was initially minor, but following the breakout success of his debut film ''[[Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai]]'' (2000), released earlier the same year, Mohammed significantly expanded his role. Additional scenes, including a workout montage and an extra song, were incorporated to showcase Roshan’s newfound star power.

=== Filming ===
To accommodate the film’s shift from art-house to mainstream sensibility, certain commercial elements were added during production. This included a dance number for Kapoor and a comedic park sequence featuring [[Johnny Lever]].

== Soundtrack ==
{{Infobox album
| name         = Fiza
| type         = soundtrack
| artist       = [[Anu Malik]], [[A. R. Rahman]] & [[Ranjit Barot]]
| cover        = blank
| alt          = 
| released     = 8 September 2000
| recorded     = 
| venue        = 
| studio       = 
| genre        = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length       = 48:35
| label        = Tips Music Films
| producer     = [[Anu Malik]]
| chronology   = [[Anu Malik]]
| prev_title   = [[Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega]]
| prev_year    = 2000
| next_title   = [[Refugee (2000 film)|Refugee]]
| next_year    = 2000
| misc         = {{Extra chronology
 | artist     = [[A. R. Rahman]]
 | type       = soundtrack
 | prev_title = [[Kandukondain Kandukondain]]
 | prev_year  = 2000
 | title      = Fiza
 | year       = 2000
 | next_title = [[Rhythm (2000 film)|Rhythm]]
 | next_year  = 2000
}}
}}

Initially, [[A. R. Rahman]] was approached to compose the music for ''Fiza'', but he declined due to scheduling conflicts.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 February 2022 |title=Khalid Mohammed {{!}} Outlook India Magazine |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/khalid-mohammed/209358}} </ref> However, he agreed to contribute one track to the film, resulting in the spiritual song "Piya Haji Ali." The remainder of the soundtrack was composed by [[Anu Malik]]. Rahman would later collaborate with director [[Khalid Mohamed]] on his next film, ''[[Tehzeeb (2003 film)|Tehzeeb]]'' (2003). For the film’s background score, Rahman recommended his associate [[Ranjit Barot]], who composed the incidental music.

The album featured a mix of romantic, devotional, and dance numbers, with popular tracks including "Aaja Mahiya," "Aankh Milaoongi," "Tu Fiza Hai," and "Mehboob Mere." The latter was performed on screen as an item number by [[Sushmita Sen]]. The soundtrack was among the most popular of the year and received a nomination for [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]] ([[Anu Malik]]) at the [[46th Filmfare Awards]].<ref>[http://www.boxofficeindia.com/music2000.htm boxofficeindia.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808100902/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/music2000.htm|date=8 August 2007}}</ref>

According to ''[[Box Office India]]'', the album sold approximately 2.5 million units, making it one of the highest-selling Bollywood soundtracks of 2000.<ref>{{cite web |title=Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units) |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215081557/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5&PHPSESSID=108b9056cd4ca14236f9c6119d34dcce |archive-date=15 February 2008 |access-date=20 December 2016 |publisher=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable tracklist" style="font-size:95%;"
! #!! Song !! Singer(s) !! Composer !! Lyricist
|-
| 1
| "Aaja Mahiya"
| [[Udit Narayan]], [[Alka Yagnik]]
| [[Anu Malik]]
| [[Gulzar]]
|-
| 2
| "Mehboob Mere"
| [[Sunidhi Chauhan]], Karsan Sargathia
| [[Anu Malik]]
| Tejpal Kaur
|-
| 3
| "Tu Fiza Hai"
| [[Alka Yagnik]], [[Sonu Nigam]], Prashant Samadhar
| [[Anu Malik]]
| [[Gulzar (lyricist)|Gulzar]]
|-
| 4
| "Gaya Gaya Dil"
| [[Sonu Nigam]]
| [[Anu Malik]]
| [[Sameer (lyricist)|Sameer]]
|-
| 5
| "Piya Haji Ali"
| [[A. R. Rahman]], Kadar Ghulam Mushtafa, Murtaza Ghulam Mushtafa, [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]]
| [[A. R. Rahman]]
| [[Shaukat Ali (singer)|Shaukat Ali]]
|-
| 6
| "Na Leke Jao"
| [[Jaspinder Narula]]
| [[Anu Malik]]
| [[Gulzar (lyricist)|Gulzar]]
|-
| 7
|"Mere Watan: Amaan's Fury"
| [[Zubeen Garg]]
| [[Ranjit Barot]]
| [[Sameer Anjaan|Sameer]]
|-
| 8
| "Aankh Milaoongi"
| [[Asha Bhosle]]
| [[Anu Malik]]
| [[Sameer (lyricist)|Sameer]]
|}

==Reception==

=== Box office ===
''Fiza'' was released theatrically on 8 September 2000 and emerged as a commercial success. Made on a budget of ₹55 million, the film earned approximately ₹322 million (US$7.17 million) worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=Box Office 2000 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=206&catName=MjAwMA== |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811213429/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=206&catName=MjAwMA%3D%3D |archive-date=11 August 2013 |access-date=30 September 2010 |publisher=BoxOfficeIndia.Com |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Reviews Bollywood |url=http://www.go4i.com/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewsfiza.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001017115141/http://www.go4i.com/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewsfiza.shtml |archive-date=17 October 2000 |access-date=2011-10-26 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Its box office performance was bolstered by strong critical reception and [[Hrithik Roshan]]’s surging popularity following the success of ''[[Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai]]'' earlier the same year.

In May 2010, ''Fiza'' was one of 14 Hindi films selected by the [[Film at Lincoln Center|Film Society of Lincoln Center]] to be screened as part of a curated section titled ''Muslim Cultures of Bombay Cinema'', which aimed to "celebrate and explore the rich influence of Muslim cultural and social traditions on the cinema of Bombay to the present."<ref>{{cite web |title=Muslim Cultures of Bombay Cinema - Film Society of Lincoln Center |url=http://www.filmlinc.com/wrt/onsale10/bombay.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101015002151/http://filmlinc.com/wrt/onsale10/bombay.html |archive-date=15 October 2010 |access-date=2010-09-30 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=13 May 2010 |title=The Week Ahead: May 16 — 22 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/16/arts/16weekaheadweb.html |work=The New York Times}}</ref>

The film was banned from screening in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite news |date=2000 |title=Malaysia bans Fiza |url=http://www.go4i.com/cinema/dresscircle/dresscirclestory64.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010210184815/http://www.go4i.com/cinema/dresscircle/dresscirclestory64.shtml |archive-date=10 February 2001 |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

=== Critical response ===
''Fiza'' received critical acclaim upon release, with praise directed at its lead performances, soundtrack, and treatment of socio-political themes. [[Karisma Kapoor]] was particularly lauded for her role, widely regarded as one of the strongest performances of her career.<ref>[http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/6577/index.html indiafm.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810183450/http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/6577/index.html|date=10 August 2007}}</ref><ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/sep/07fiza.htm Rediff review]. Rediff.com (7 September 2000). Retrieved on 2017-07-08.</ref><ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010118/main7.htm#3 The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Glitz 'n' glamour]. Tribuneindia.com (18 January 2001). Retrieved on 2017-07-08.</ref>

Vinayak Chakravorty of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, stating, "It is about Kapoor proving a point as an actress of some substance. It is about [[Hrithik Roshan]] establishing that he doesn't need maximum footage or glitz to impress. It is about the return after a hiatus of the ever-delightful [[Jaya Bachchan]]."<ref>{{cite news |author=Chakravorty, Vinayak |title=Fiza |url=http://www.go4i.com/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewsfiza.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001017115141/http://www.go4i.com/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewsfiza.shtml |archive-date=17 October 2000 |access-date=26 October 2011 |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Mimmy Jain of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' described ''Fiza'' as "the kind of movie that every critic prays will never come his way," adding that it "offers little scope for criticism." She praised Kapoor's performance as "superbly flawless."<ref>{{cite news |author=Jain, Mimmy |date=16 September 2000 |title=Return to reality |url=http://www.expressindia.com/fe/daily/20000916/fle10037.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123021833/http://www.expressindia.com/fe/daily/20000916/fle10037.html |archive-date=23 January 2013 |access-date=24 December 2011 |newspaper=The Indian Express}}</ref> Suman Tarafdar of ''[[Filmfare]]'' and Chaya Unnikrishnan of [[Screen (magazine)|''Screen'']] echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the maturity of the film and the strength of its performances.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tarafdar |first1=Suman |date=2000 |title=Fiza |url=http://www.indiatimes.com/movies/reviews/fiza.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011109104115/http://www.indiatimes.com/movies/reviews/fiza.html |archive-date=9 November 2001 |access-date=13 October 2020 |work=[[Filmfare]] |publisher=[[The Times Group]] |agency=Indiatimes Movies}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Unikrishnan, Chaya |date=29 September 2000 |title=Fiza: A promising start and a slow finish |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20000929/freview.htm |url-status=dead |journal=[[Screen India]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110071732/http://www.screenindia.com/20000929/freview.htm |archive-date=10 January 2008 |access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref>

Sanjeev Bariana of [[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|''The Tribune'']] called the film "only a little above average" but expressed strong appreciation for the cast’s acting.<ref>{{cite news |author=Bariana, Sanjeev |date=9 September 2000 |title="Fiza" with a nip |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000910/cth1.htm |access-date=27 December 2011 |newspaper=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]}}</ref> [[Dinesh Raheja]] of ''[[India Today]]'' praised the portrayal of the central family dynamic but felt the film's broader themes remained underdeveloped, writing that "the big picture it wants to capture remains underdeveloped."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Raheja |first1=Dinesh |author-link1=Dinesh Raheja |date=2000 |title=Fiza: In search of the bigger picture |url=http://movies.india-today.com/reviews/reviewfiza.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010222060852/http://movies.india-today.com/reviews/reviewfiza.shtml |archive-date=22 February 2001 |access-date=9 May 2020 |work=India Today}}</ref>

==Accolades==
{{Main|List of accolades received by Fiza}}
The film received several accolades, including four [[Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards]], two [[Filmfare Awards]], two [[IIFA Awards]], and two [[Zee Cine Awards|Zee Cine Award]].<ref>{{cite news |title=46th Filmfare Awards 2001 Nominations |url=http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/ffawards/nominees.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010210102906/http://filmfare.indiatimes.com/ffawards/nominees.html |archive-date=10 February 2001 |access-date=25 June 2021 |work=[[Times Internet|Indian Times]] |agency=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=2nd IIFA Awards 2001 Winners |url=http://server1.msn.co.in/iifa/winners/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010826065613/http://server1.msn.co.in/iifa/winners/index.html |archive-date=26 August 2001 |access-date=3 August 2021 |work=[[MSN]] |agency=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Bollywood|India|Film}}
*[[List of highest-grossing Bollywood films]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|id=0248012}}

[[Category:2000 films]]
[[Category:2000s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:Films set in 1993]]
[[Category:Films set in 1999]]
[[Category:Films about Islamic terrorism in India]]
[[Category:Films about jihadism]]
[[Category:Films set in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Films about women in India]]
[[Category:Films scored by A. R. Rahman]]
[[Category:Films scored by Anu Malik]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ranjit Barot]]
[[Category:Films about siblicide]]
[[Category:Indian crime thriller films]]
[[Category:Hindi-language crime thriller films]]
[[Category:Films about religious violence in India]]
[[Category:Indian interfaith romance films]]