Vikram in 19th Step?

A few days back, it was speculated that Vikram might be roped in for 19th Step, directed by Bharat Bala. Now, unconfirmed reports indicate that a meeting did take place between the star and the director, so this rumour could well come true. Vikram is truly excited that his Kanthaswamy will be released soon. He is also working on Raavan with ace director Mani Ratnam.
There have been no press meets or major announcements regarding this, but it is believed that director Bharat Bala is doing deep research on the topic and does not want any controversies, especially with a period film. He is consulting with writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair and wants to make it as authentic as he can!
Bharat Bala is credited with the success of Vande Mataram music videos which he filmed during India's 50th year of Independence. 19th Step will have A.R. Rahman teaming up with Bharat Bala once again after several years!
19th Step is produced by Walt Disney Productions, and has Asin and Tadanobu Asano in lead roles. Kamal Haasan is also said to be in the cast, but there has been no confirmation yet. Has Kamal opted out of the project? Is he teaming up with Murugadoss for a Bollywood flick? These are some questions that keep lingering!


Courtesy: galatta.com

'The 19th Step' shelved?

The grapevine is abuzz that The 19th Step featuring Japanese superstar Tadanobu Asano, Kamal Haasan and Asin, directed by Bharat Bala and 

Asin

produced in association with Walt Disney productions has been tentatively put on the backburner.

There is nothing official about it as the producers, the director and the stars have never held a press conference or made an announcement officially in the media about this project. 

Yet, The 19th Step was all over the media — about Asin learning Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram, Tadanobu Asano spending time in Chennai going through the costumes made for the film and a photo shoot with the lead actors which never took place. However, director Bharat Bala, who was doing intense research on the subject along with the film’s writer M T Vasudevan Nair, kept a studied silence on the matter. 
Now, our sources in the industry have confirmed that the film has been put on hold. A source close to the development told CT, “Yes, the film has been tentatively put on hold, due to creative differences over the script between the director and one of the actors. There will not be any media briefing as the producer and the director have never officially announced the project.” 

The rumour mill has it that Kamal Haasan has declined the project due to various reasons. To be fair to Kamal, the actor has never said that he is a part of this project, as his forthcoming Unnaipol Oruvan was always the focus of his interest. 
Meanwhile, the latest we hear is that Vikram has been approached for the film by the director. A few days back, a meeting did take place between Vikram and Bharat Bala, where they discussed the issue of the star stepping in for the project and giving priority ‘tatkal dates’ as the shooting of the film was to start in the middle of August in Mongolia. 

Vikram had heard the script from M T Vasudevan Nair a few years back, and was initially very keen to do the role of the ‘Asan’ or guru, who teaches Asin, a princess, the art of Kalaripayattu. The star was offered a price that was almost twice what he gets for doing a Tamil film. The film would have been his big ticket to international cinema as Walt Disney were the co-producers. 

As per our sources, Vikram is walking a tightrope over his earlier commitments. Mani Ratnam’s Raavan has been delayed, and it looks like a good chunk of the film is being re-shot after Santosh Sivan replaced Manikandan as the cameraman. Vikram has to immediately start work on producer Mohan Natarajan’s film with KS Ravikumar as the director, a project he had signed more than two years back. He also has another long-pending commitment with director Selva Raghavan and producer Ramesh to do a film. Till he completes these films, it looks like Hollywood has to wait!
Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Asin injured while practicing Kalari

Actress Asin Thottumkal got injured during a 'Kalari' fight practice session for her yet to be launched 19 Steps in which Kamal Hassan plays a crucial role. Directed by Bharat Bala and produced by Walt Disney Productions, the film will be launched soon in Chennai. Japanese actor Tadano Asano is playing the male lead role. In 19th Step, Asin plays the role of a princess who is expert in Kalaripayattu, the Kerala form of Martial Arts.

Now the actress is busy practicing the arts in proper manner. An expert from Kerala is teaching the art to the actress in Chennai. During one of her recent practice sessions, she accidentally slipped and fell while trying to jump from a certain height injuring her leg in the process. But she hopes to be back in action soon and resume practice. According to the sources, the shooting of the movie will be begins at the second week of July in Chennai.

Courtesy: oneindia.in

Ghajini profits to be withheld?

The producer of the Tamil version Ghajini has once again filed a suit in the Madras High Court pleading for the deposit of Rs. 230 crores in a nationalized bank until the issue is resolved.
Earlier, Salem Chandrasekar filed a suit against Geetha Arts, the producers of the Hindi version Ghajini that the he holds the rights of the film and hence Geetha Arts should share the profits with him. Following this, the Madras High Court ruled that Geetha Arts must deposit Rs. 5 crores and release the film. After the film’s release the court ordered that Salem Chandrasekar can realize the amount. Geetha Arts appealed to the Supreme Court against this decision. While this suit is still pending at the SC, Salem Chandrasekar has once again filed a petition requesting the High Court to direct Geetha Arts to deposit the entire profits Rs. 230 crore until the issue is resolved. The case has been posted for hearing on July 2nd.

Rahman Got A Japanese Tie-Up

The ace Indian Music composer AR Rahman will join hands with the Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi for the music of film which is an Indo-Japanese venture. The film stars Indian actors like Kamal Haasan and Asin as well as Japanese actor Tadanobo Asano. The film shows that martial arts are originated from India and not from Japan, as the myth around the world is.

One source revealed, “Rahman, Bharat Bala (director) and some people from Disney (producer of the film) met Joe Hisaishi in Tokyo on April 6 to discuss the film.”

“Kamal was very keen to work with a Japanese actor after he met Jackie Chan during the music release of Dasavtaram. This is a $50 million project by Bharat Bala who will also be directing the film. Research work on the martial art form is currently on,” added the source.

Rahman and Bharat Bala are currently in Tokyo.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Kamal to teach Asin Martial arts

In what can be considered as a big step towards international recognition for Indian film artistes and technicians, Walt Disney will be producing The 19th Step, which will consist of many Indians behind and on the screen. Indian cinema’s fastest rising star Asin will be paired with Japanese superstar Tadanobu Asanno, an internationally acclaimed actor. She will be playing a princess in the movie. What makes the cast even more exciting is the presence of Kamal Haasan. He will be seen as Asin’s martial arts mentor in a high impact cameo.

What more! The film will be directed by Bharathbala known for his stirring picturization of song videos, especially Rahman’s Vande Mataram. Speaking of Rahman, he has been given the responsibility of scoring the music for the movie. And, India’s other Oscar winner Resul Pookutty will be present in the sound engineering department. So, it is one heavily loaded Indian line up that will be making its presence felt in an international project. We saw what appropriate international exposure can get us when Slumdog Millionaire brought home two Oscars. This time round, we have the legendary Kamal as Indian cinema’s ambassador. Wishing all success to the team of The 19th Step. Neil Armstrong once said ‘a small step for a man, but a giant leap for mankind’. Let’s hope that the following thought turns out true, ‘The 19th Step for Walt Disney, a giant leap for Indian cinema’.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Ghajini to re-release

Aamir Khan fans need not wait an entire year for their favourite star's next film. Taking advantage of the deadlock between producers and multiplexes, the makers of Ghajini are all set to re-release the film.

At a time when marketing strategy often translates into ticket sales, this strategy is being seen as coup of sorts. This time around the film will feature new footage. And two, with the proposed ban on new releases from April 4, the producers of Ghajini are hoping their brainwave will prove a breath of fresh air.

And that might not be a bad idea. The film had already grossed Rs 75 crore in India and Rs 200 crore worldwide.

"I am really happy everyone's liking Ghajini, and people have made it such a huge hit," said Aamir Khan, actor.

Wrapped in the new avtaar of the film, there's an upside for the producers as well. Madhu Matenu of India Films told NDTV that re-releasing the film is a good way to work around recession. Why make a new film when you can simply tinker with an old one, right?

Well, not quite. Ghajini had run into trouble with the censors the first time around thanks to some heavy-duty action scenes. Now it will have to pass muster with the censor board once again.
If it does, remember to keep your date with Aamir Khan. Or you could tattoo it on just so you don't forget. 


Courtesy: ndtvmovies.com

'Ghajini' first Hindi movie to cross Rs 200cr mark

When booking for the movie opened at a theatre in the UK on Wednesday, the film became the first to gross Rs 200 crore at the worldwide box office. What's more, the mark has been achieved in little less than two weeks. It has grossed Rs 162 crore in the domestic market and Rs 39 crore has come from overseas till Thursday.

An ecstatic Madhu Mantena, the Ghajini producer, admits to being "overawed'' by the record but trade consultant Amod Mehra is apparently not surprised. "The film was very strong from Day 1. It has been galloping like a one-horse race and, in my estimate, it will cross the Rs-250-crore (gross) mark very easily,'' Mehra said.

Bollywood producer Punkej Kharbanda is also not surprised that a Hindi film has broken all previous box-office records. "In the last year alone, there has been a 40% increase in cinema screens and also a rise in the cinema-going population, especially in the age group of 18-35. With most of the theatres recording good numbers on Ghajini, the Rs-200-crore mark is hardly a surprise,'' Kharbanda said.

Ghajini released with the maximum number of prints in India (1,200 digital and analog versions) and it made inroads into even provincial towns where films never get released on the same day as the rest of the world. A trade source said, "The film is set to take over the mantle of the highest domestic Bollywood earner from Anil Sharma's Gadar-Ek Prem Katha.''

In the overseas market, the film is, till now, second only to Karan Johar's Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna.

Ghajini has also reportedly earned Rs 4 crore from gaming rights (a first for a Bollywood film), Rs 21 crore for satellite rights for India and overseas and something to the tune of Rs 10 crore for home video and music. 


Courtesy: indiatimes.com

Ghajini collections zoom to Rs 140 crore

Aamir Khan has given the biggest hit of Bollywood in the form of Ghajini. Its box office collections zoomed to Rs 140 crore before the end of two weeks.

The big hits of recent times like Singh is Kinng and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi pale in popularity and box office collections when compared to the Aamir Khan and Asin film.

In territory after territory, the film has established records of sorts in popularity and box office collection. Its overseas collection is one of the highest so far for any Aamir Khan film. Aamir Khan is not known to have a great fan following like Shah Rukh Khan when it comes to fans in hundreds of thousands in Europe, US and the Middle East. 


But this film has won accolades and has given him a good harvest in the form of god box office collections. Industry pundits say that the box office collection of the film has crossed US $ 6 million by the end of second week.

Though the film had some competition from Shah Rukh Khan starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and also from Akshay Kumar’s last big release Singh is King when it came to box office collections, but Ghajini certainly has the last laugh.

Estimates say that the film is on its way to be the greatest hit of Bollywood in terms of money it may gross. The film is poised to become first rupees one billion movie. But many say it may gross a lot more than many had initially believed.

This is a turnaround of sorts for the Bollywood at the end of the year. None of the industry stalwarts had expected that the last week of 2008 would change the fortunes of the industry with two big hits being released very close to each other. 

Courtesy: khabrein.info

Ghajini's starlet turns nightmare for London Dreams

Ghajini-fame actress Asin has now become a nuisance on the sets of her forthcoming movie London Dreams. Apparently she is throwing several starry tantrums on the sets of London Dreamsthat several makeup artists and designers quit the project.

An insider source reveals that Director Vipul Shah had first appointed hairstylist and makeup man Manzoor Khan, but Asin had problems with the latter. Then it was designer Niharika Khan who had trouble and eventually she too quit the movie. After Niharika, the few other designers who came, refused to work with the actress. Finally the actress ordered some outfits from Chennai after which Ashley Rebello was appointed.

To add to the director's woes, Asin even began her interference in direction too. She started telling the assistant directors which shot to retain and which to delete.

Makeup man Manzoor Khan complained that it took the actress two days to decide on her look for the film. Apparently, whenever Manzoor would do the makeup, she would wash it off and put on some garish makeup. For instance, she kept giving instructions to Manzoor about how the makeup should be done.

Courtesy: hindustantimes.com

What's next after Ghajini?

After the smashing success of Ghajini, Director A R Murugadoss is all set to direct his second Hindi film. He says he's already decided on two stories but he's keeping the details firmly under wraps.

"I will definitely make more Hindi films. I have two stories in mind. Will work out the details in eight to ten days," said Murugadoss.

It was not the success of Ghajini that prompted him to pursue a Bollywood dream. He says Hindi movies were always on the cards.

"When I wrote Ghajini in Hindi, Aamir said he would act in it. It was a dream come true for me," he said.

But it's not only sucess that Murugadoss is relishing, he also savouring the experience of working with one of the best actors in Bollywood, Aamir Khan.

"At the start, Aamir told me, 'Just let me know if you need my help, with the language and dialogues'," he said.

The taste of sucess is sweet but it's only a lucky few who get to experience it. As for Murugadoss, he seems to have hit upon a winning formula.

Courtesy: ndtv.com

Ghajini collection report in trouble

A petition by the producer of the Tamil version of Ghajini, calling for the collection details of the Hindi Ghajini came up for hearing at the High Court yesterday (6th January). It may be recalled that producer Salem Chandrasekar filed a petition seeking a stay on the film, as he had the rights of the film with him. The local court issued a stay order on the release

of Ghajini but this was conditionally vacated by the High Court of Madras on appeal after the defendant deposited Rs. 5 crores. Hearing the petition, the Division Bench comprising Justice Dhanapalan and Sathyanarayana called the defendants, Geetha Arts to submit the collection report. The defendants pleaded that the film is being screened in several parts of the country and hence it would take time to get the report. The judges ordered Geetha Arts to submit in writing the reasons for the delay and the time needed to submit the report. The case is posted for hearing on January 27th.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Ghajini takes lead on the internet too

This year's best kept secret just upped the suspense quotient on the web! The makers of Ghajini are capitalizing the potential of the web to create maximum visibility for the film. Hungama, the largest aggregator, developer and publisher of Indian entertainment content globally, has created a innovative website www.rememberghajini.com. However, in addition to this website are the two virals: www.findghajini.com and www.wallofsuspects.com that grip the user and give him an experience like the movie, over the Internet.

The official website of the movie is one of a kind. For the first time, a movie website does not talk about the movie. That's right! The website maintains the suspense of this movie and does not provide a synopsis, while keeping the user engaged in a multitude of videos and images. What even further differentiates the website is that true to the theme of the film, the website refreshes itself every fifteen minutes. No matter which section the user is accessing, every fifteen minutes you are driven back to the homepage. To support it, there is a timer that runs at the bottom of each page.

The producers of Ghajini and Hungama believe this initiative has all the elements that will attract the online audiences to the theatres. Exclusive videos of Aamir Khan have been shot and used for the viral www.findghajini.com. In this viral application, the user plays the role of Sanjay Singhania (character played by Aamir Khan) and tries to find Ghajini through the clues provided. After the user finds a clue, he/ she is given a hint about where one might find the next one. After one finds all the clues, the user needs to dial a phone number on which one can hear Aamir Khan talking to them.

Commenting on the new route explored for Ghajini, Madhu Mantena, producer of Ghajini says, "Ghajini is a film with tremendous potential, and therefore we felt we owed it to the film to invest time and creativity in the marketing program. We strongly believe in giving each and every film the maximum attention possible to create a space in the audience's minds that merely does not create awareness but instead goes a step further to ensure a 'buy-in' to the film by creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. To achieve this thrust, promoting the movie online was extremely important. And it is for all to see that the website has fabulously brought forth the interesting elements of the film, giving viewers a complete experience of the film without revealing the plot and simultaneously engaging the viewer."

Hungama has integrated elements in all the three initiatives. In the viral www.wallofsuspects.com, users can upload their own photograph or that of their friends, much like the Aamir Khan's wall of suspects in the film. Once they have done so, they receive a code which is required to view the entire wall of suspects. What does this wall have? Find out yourself at www.rememberghajini.com.

Courtesy: oneindia.in

Aamir wants to remake Forrest Gump

If things go Aamir Khan's way, his fans might have an opportunity to see him remake the Hollywood blockbuster Forrest Gump.

The movie has impressed Aamir so much that on being asked which film he would choose to do as a Hindi remake after Ghajini, he says, "It's Tom Hank's Forrest Gump. I have seen this film. It's a wonderful movie. Tom Hanks has done a fantastic job. If I get an opportunity to do a remake, it has to be Forrest Gump."

Forrest Gump is the story of a man with a low IQ. He has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historical events. But despite all that he has achieved, his one true love eludes him. The film is a 1994 comedy-drama. It is based on the 1986 novel by Winston Groom. According to an estimate, the film turned out to be a huge commercial success, earning US$677 million worldwide. It became the top grossing film in North America released that year. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Visual Effects, Best Director, (Robert Zemeckis), and Best Actor (Tom Hanks).

Every bit of the film is shot with so much of precision that that Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan can't think of any other film for a perfect remake. Talking about the aspects of remakes, he feels that every film doesn't qualify for a good remake.

His currently running movie Ghajini is also a remake of the Tamil film of the same name and Aamir says that the concept of 15 minutes of memory loss impressed him very much. "This concept has not been used in any Bollywood film so far. So It impressed me very much and that's why I thought of working in it. From my point of view Forrest Gump is also a very good film for a Hindi-remake."

Courtesy: ndtv.com

Aamir Khan gives India its first Rs1 bn movie - Ghajini!

Mumbai, Dec 31: Aamir Khan’s ‘Ghajini’ will be written in golden words in the history of Indian cinema as it has brought India its first ever one billion bucks. Mr Perfectionist’s dedication and talent have finally paid off. Yes, the film that till yesterday was just a few bucks away from claiming the title of highest grosser this year has today not only become the biggest hit this year but also the most profitable film ever.With this, the much-anticipated flick not only cut its potential competitor ‘Singh Is Kinng’ to bits and pieces but has also defied the recession-hit economy.

And going by industry analysts, the whooping one billion bucks that the film has raked in is just the tip of the iceberg. After all, it’s only been a week since the film released. Observing the pace at which the cash registers are ringing, the film is touted to cross Rs 1.40 million mark by its second week.

According to reports, just five days after it’s release, the film’s collection passed the collection of the other mega hit ‘Singh Is Kinng’, which opened with Rs 900 million worldwide.

With such moolah coming his way, Aamir Khan is euphoric. Talking to a news daily, an overwhelmed Aamir said, "I'm very happy and thankful that the film is being appreciated by the audience so much. The hard work put in by the entire team is being appreciated by the people."

Well, looks like the year’s never over till the last day passes by, for Bollywood has just got its real King!

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Aamir changed the climax - Murugadoss

Director Murugadoss, in an interview, has said that Aamir Khan rewrote the entire climax of the film. According to the director, Aamir wanted to stick to the original script but changed the climax to suit the Bollywood audience. He said that the Hindi version of Ghajini is far better than the Tamil version because the changes that have been made by Aamir Khan.

The film, which was released a few days ago, has already grossed over Rs. 90 crores worldwide. Murugadoss added that Aamir turned out to be his consultant. He disclosed that he would consult him for all his future ventures.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Ghajini garners Rs. 32 crores in a day

Murugadoss and Aamir Khan’s Ghajini made history during Christmas 2008 – its worldwide box office collections touched Rs. 32 crores in just one day!!! Now this is some achievement!

This is an unprecedented box-office collection on the opening day for any film in the history of Indian Cinema. Yes! Not even this year’s biggest film, Singh Is Kinng, collected such a huge sum on its opening day! Let us compare this film’s opening day collections with that of its “competitor” Shahrukh Khan starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi; Ghajini made Rs. 32 crores on its opening day but Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi collected Rs. 10 crore on its first day!

Can there be a greater achievement for a South Indian director?! Though Indian Cinema decentralized long ago, Bollywood is still considered the hub of Indian Cinema by many outsiders because it is true that none can match this pioneering industry’s grandeur. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is from the legendary producer Yash Raj and to overtake this film in the box-office race is quite an accomplishment; the magnificence of this record is doubled considering the film stars Shahrukh Khan, the box office Badshah!

Aamir, on his part, worked very hard for his film and gave it his all. At age 40, the actor built a physique akin to a bodybuilder's, which is a tremendous achievement in itself. He was completely devoted to the film – right from acting in it to marketing it, Aamir Khan did everything assiduously. Today, he and Murugadoss are enjoying the fruits of their hard work.

Having collected such a massive amount in just one day, this remake of Tamil film Ghajini (which was also directed by Murugadoss) is on its way to become an important milestone in the history of Indian Cinema.

Courtesy: galatta.com

Review: Watch Ghajini for the four As

Movie Review: Watch Ghajini for the four As Director A.R. Murugadoss Cast Aamir Khan,Asin,Jiah Khan

By Sonia Chopra

Not many films consider the villain so important as to name the film after them. The other film that comes to mind, tributing the villain this extent, is Kill Bill. The parallel doesn’t end here. In a dimly-lit flat in Mumbai, we see a man ruthlessly killing another; then peering curiously over the body. That’s Sanjay Singhania (Aamir), owner of Airvoice Telecom Company…wondering who he just murdered, as he suffers from temporary memory loss. But the name `Ghajini’ on the dead man’s phone brings back a flash of disconnected images that Sanjay cannot comprehend, leading him to futile aggravation. Each morning Sanjay wakes up wondering where he is; he sees the house littered with instructions: the one in the bathroom orders him to remove his shirt and he sees messages, phone numbers, the name Ghajini, and `revenge’ inscribed all over his body. He knows he must settle scores – just against whom, and for what, is the question. Meanwhile a cop, on Sanjay’s trail for the murder, gets hold of his diary. Sanjay’s laddie picture on the first page, such a departure from what he is today, takes us to the back-story. High flying businessman Sanjay meets sprightly, mischievously lying Kalpana (Asin) who works as a small-time model with an advertising company. (Lots of laughs in this portion, courtesy Asin’s natural flair for comedy) The scene where she, mistaking a journalist for an agency honcho, makes up details about her love life is hilarious. Sanjay, posing as a struggling model, woos her and then starts the most soulful, breezy love story you’ve seen in a long time. In most films, we rue that we don’t feel for the characters enough to be involved in their story…here, you care so much, you sit in fearful anticipation at what’s going to happen to the pair. That Sanjay and Kalpana’s bond is resolute, we understand not through passionate hints, but everyday gestures…things people in love do for each other that surprise even themselves. Kalpana selling her new prized possession to fund Sanjay’s mother’s operation (a story he concocted) is what their love is all about. What raises Ghajini above other revenge dramas (and Hindi films have had their fair share) is its ability to sweep us off with the tender, real romance, and bring us back to coarse violence without much warning. Experiencing this contrasting milieu makes the film at once a thriller, a love tale, a drama. The violence is gruesome yes, but Aamir excels in the action scenes, and his wounded animal-like passion for retribution has us cheering blatantly. Like Uma Thurman’s hunger for vengeance in Kill Bill, wiping off any distraction on the way, Sanjay doesn’t rest till he gets to Ghajini, who, on his part, is one of the most spine-chilling, despicable villains in recent times. This, despite his character written as a largely single note one (the Tamil version was a double role). Pradeep Rawat as Ghajini (he was seen as Aswadhama in Mahabharat and Deva in Lagaan) is believably intimidating. Aamir Khan gives a layered, intense performance yet again, and is especially effective in the scenes where his frustration and rage is desperately looking for direction. Asin is the revelation here. She’s a beautiful face, but that aside, the actress renders Kalpana so spunkily, you can’t help fall for the character. Jiah Khan as the medical student Sunita who embroils herself in the clammy situation is good, but the character seems an intrusion. Thankfully, the resemblance to Memento (a film that Aamir had earlier admitted to neither liking nor caring for) is restricted to the tattooed messages, the Polaroid snaps, and the plot involving the murdered love of the protagonist. A R Murgadoss, while skillfully crafting the story together, sadly adds in improbable elements like Sunita risking her life to follow Sanjay’s trail, Sanjay’s 15-minute memory span expanding to accommodate a full-blown action sequence, or him getting back on his feet despite all his clues wiped off. Background score is persistently present and its obviousness invades into the scope for audience interpretation. Music is one of its high points, though one found the picturisation too conventional for AR Rahman’s experimental tunes. Ravi K Chandran’s (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Saawariya, Black) first-rate camerawork aids the storytelling. Editing is masterful and, though tad long, the film unfolds efficiently. For the four As—Aamir, Asin, A R Murgadoss and AR Rahman, this revenge drama gets a Grade A; recommended watching this extended weekend.

Courtesy: sify.com

Ghajini: Aamir’s most commercial film yet

This is a first. Aamir Khan has gone the Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar way — the actor in him has given way to the star. He’s finally starred in a film that totally rides on his star power and as you discover once you’ve watched “Ghajini”, it’s not such a bad thing after all.
Khan plays Sanjay Singhania, a telecom tycoon, who we are told suffers from short-term memory loss. Singhania’s memory is wiped clean after every 15 minutes and to keep himself updated with his life, he has to continuously take pictures of his surroundings, write notes to himself and tattoo important facts on his torso.
All these important facts pertain to his one aim — killing the man who murdered the love of his life. The story moves back and forth, narrating Sanjay’s gradual revenge as well as the events that led up to it.
As it turns out, Sanjay was an ordinary man, albeit a rich one. He falls in love with upcoming model Kalpana (Asin), but doesn’t reveal his background. Director A. R. Murugadoss takes too much time setting up their romance and dwelling on it. In between, there are some melodious songs by A.R. Rahman that involve the lead pair cavorting around random sand dunes and declaring their undying love for each other. The romance track doesn’t add any value to the film; rather it just slackens the pace.
The actual plot, about Sanjay taking revenge, comes alive only midway through the second half.
Director Murugadoss had a choice here — he could have made a masala Hindi film, with all the trappings of song-and-dance and drama, or he could have made a slick, taut action thriller. He chooses to go for the former, and to be fair, does a pretty decent job. I do wish he had paid more attention to developing Sanjay’s character, because it does lend itself to some very interesting interpretations. For instance, I would have loved to see how he develops from a suave tycoon to a crazed revenge-seeking beefcake. The “eight-packs” are mere external reflections of what should have been a more defined track in the film.
Both the lead heroines really need to work on their accents, but otherwise do an adequate job. Not that they are expected to do any more. Because ultimately, “Ghajini” is an Aamir Khan film through and through. Whether you like it or you don’t, the credit or the blame must go to him and him alone. As the revenge obsessed lover, or the amnesiac, he is brilliant. As the shy boyfriend, he is his old self — from “Dil” and “Ishq”. The only place you cringe is when he sports a Mohawk haircut and crazy-looking clothes in a song sequence. The fight sequences aren’t very imaginative, nor are the dialogues.
Watch “Ghajini” if you are an Aamir fan, or even if you are looking for some light-hearted entertainment. Don’t expect a typical Aamir Khan film though and you won’t be disappointed.

Courtesy: reuters.com

Aamir’s BIG Thank You for Ghajini team

With Aamir Khan one is always sure that he truely gives credit where it deserves. In a very emotional display of gratitude, Aamir has updated his blog thanking each and every crew member who made Ghajini what it is.

Aamir states, “At this time, irrespective of the fate of the film, I want to acknowledge and introduce to you the various people who have worked behind the scenes on this film. The presenter Arvind Garu, who has been a great support to the entire team and has had complete faith in Murgadoss and his abilities. Also a man of great wisdom and maturity. Both Tagore Madhu and Madhu Mantena who have worked tirelessly to bring the film onto screen in the best possible way. Each with their individual strengths have been the best producers that this film could have ever asked for or got. Ravi K Chandran who has taken the film to another level with his visual excellence. Rasul who has impressed me the most with his amazing sound design. He has been among the most committed technicians I have ever worked with. The kind of detail and layering I have seen him get into is truly heartwarming, and the pains he has taken to satisfy the director are inspiring for any film person. Anthony who has truly astounded me with his editing abilities and has been a learning experience to work with. Peter Hines who has shocked me with his mad energy and acute understanding of the character and situation when he is composing for action. Stunt Shiva, who stepped in when Peter was unable to be with us because of the change in schedule because of my injury, worked with an enthusiasm unseen in clash work. Sunil, who quietly and tirelessly went about his work in Production Design to give the film the unique look that it requires. Arjun and Avan who has never failed to satisfy me in my endeavor to look the character. Rahul Nanda, who has managed to capture the pain and romance of the film in one single image. Anup Dev, who has patiently and with a lot of care given the final touches to the film. Piyush Misra, who handled the tough job of adapting the dialogues into Hindi. Nabeel Abbas, whose advice into the promotions and marketing of the film as a consultant were extremely helpful. Shilpa and Prabhat, who are extremely insightful and acute with their expertise in promotion have taken the film to the heights that it deserves. Priti and Aman, whose marketing abilities have given the film the scale and depth that it deserves. And lastly and most importantly Murugadoss. To make a film is very difficult, to make a film which connects with the audience is even more difficult, and to REMAKE a film which has connected big time with an audience with the same enthusiasm is most rare. Working with fresh enthusiasm, crystal clear thinking and an almost childlike excitement Murugadoss has breathed like into the film. He is an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with. How much I have learnt from him.

At the risk of sounding very presumptuous and patronizing I humbly thank all of you for the great time you gave me.”

One can remember Shah Rukh Khan distributing big gifts to his entire Red Chillies Team that worked on his home production, Om Shanti Om and made it the biggest success of 2007. It remains to be see whether Aamir will do the same as Ghajini looks all set to leave OSO far behind in terms of both popularity and business!

Courtesy: realbollywood.com