Ghajini is a 2008 Bollywood film directed by A. R. Murugadoss and produced under the Geetha Arts banner by Allu Aravind. The film was a remake of its Tamil film, Ghajini (2005), which was also by Muragadoss and starred Surya Sivakumar and Asin. The film’s main story is inspired by Christopher Nolan’s Memento (2000). It stars Aamir Khan and bollywood débutant Asin Thottumkal. Jiah Khan, Pradeep Rawat and Riyaz Khan are essaying supporting roles.
The film is a romantic action thriller that explores the life of a rich businessman who suffers from anterograde amnesia following a violent encounter. With the aid of Polaroid Instant camera images and permanent tattoos on his torso, the businessman tries to avenge the murder of his vivacious model girlfriend, Kalpana, who was killed shortly before he was also attacked leading to his diagnosis of amnesia.The character of Aamir Khan will also feature in a 3-D game titled Ghajini:the game,which is based on the same movie.
Release
Box office
Ghajini began with a historic collection, collecting around Rs. 200 crores within two weeks worldwide. At the end of 15 days it had collected 190 crores thus, making a big history in Bollywood. It was a “super blockbuster film” and, it’s songs were also hits. It was released with around 1500 prints, of which 213 were released overseas. The movie had around 650 paid previews which fetched it around INR 70 million. The domestic distribution rights of Ghajini were sold for 53 crores and home video rights, overseas rights and satellite rights for another Rs 40 crore.
According to official box office business site businessofcinema.com Ghajini Collected US$ 15mn(Rs.72 crore) in the overseas market by 9th January 2009.
Critical reception
The film has recieved mainly positive reviews from critics. Sonia Chopra of Sify gave the movie 4.5 stars and recommended watching it “For the four As—Aamir, Asin, AR Murgadoss and AR Rahman”. Rajeev Masand of CNN IBN gave the movie 3 stars writing: “Ghajini isn’t a particularly good film, but entertainment it delivers by the bucketful”. Martin D’Souza of Bollywood Trade News Network gave the movie 3.5 stars, noting the flaws in screen play, while praising the action. Taran Adarsh remarked that the movie “is a winner all the way” and gave it 4.5 stars. Nikhat Kazmi of Times of India praised the performance by Aamir Khan as its high point, and awarded 3.5 stars. Zee News described Aamir’s performance as his best till date.[10] Sukanya Verma of Rediff gave the movie 3.5 stars. Bollywood Movies review gave it a 4 star for good screenplay, directing and good acting by Aamir Khan and Asin Thottumkal.
On IMDB, Ghajini currently has a 7.1 out of 10 stars.
However, there were some negative reviews too. Gaurav Malani of Indiatimes gave the movie 2 stars, criticising the length of the movie and praising the performance of the cast. Raja sen of Rediff rated the movie 2.5/5 stars criticising the performance of Asin and concluding “overwhelming feeling is one of regret”. Noyon Jyoti Parasara of AOL india says, “Most comparisons often point out that a remake is not as worthy. Ghajini however succeeds when it is compared to the Tamil version directed by the same director.”
Cast
- Aamir Khan as Sanjay Singhania. Sanjay Singhania is a rich business man; the owner of a mobile phone service provider company. Sanjay falls in love with Kalpana, who later is murdered. In the same incident, Sanjay develops amnesia following a firm blow to his head by an iron rod. After undergoing rehabilitation, Sanjay Singhania becomes obsessed with avenging the murder of his girlfriend and to combat his disability, he has tattoos spread over his torso to help him remember what his intentions are.
- Asin Thottumkal as Kalpana. Kalpana is a young, bubbly and vivacious girl who falls in love with Sanjay Singhania. A model in televison advertisements by profession, Kalpana gains publicity by proclaiming herself to be the girlfriend of the successful entrepreneur, Sanjay Singhania. Sanjay disguises himself as Sachin and relates to her, and Kalpana, unknowing that Sachin is indeed Sanjay, falls in love with him.she helps others. Kalpana, showcased as a kind-hearted person, becomes involved with Ghajini and his henchmen after foiling their plot to sell girls into prostitution . Kalpana is killed in front of Sanjay by Ghajini, and subsequently so creating the theme of avengement, which forms the crux of the plot.
- Jiah Khan as Sunita. Sunita played a curious medical college student, who even though not given permission tries to study the case of Sanjay Singhania and his amnesiac problem. She appears throughout the film as she attempts to unravel Sanjay’s mysteries and past life and goes places to find more information about the psychiatric patient she wants to meet. Despite initial friction between Sanjay and herself, she then helps Sanjay overcome Ghajini.
- Pradeep Rawat as Ghajini Dharmatma. Ghajini plays the main antagonist who brutally murders Kalpana for insulting him and ruining his plans.He played Deva in Lagaan in which he is one of the integral team members. He also played Ashwatthama in B R Chopra’s TV serial Mahabharat.
- Riyaz Khan as Fawaz. Fawwaz plays the supporting role of a police inspector who investigates the murders by Sanjay Singhania. He also learns about some of Sanjay’s past life.
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