If Salman had done Ghajini it would've been just another Salman film: A.R. Murugadoss

Murugadoss, to start with, with Ghajini as your first film in Bollywood, could you give us a general background of your film making?
Before entering Bollywood, I have made 4 other films, of which, three are in Tamil and one in Telugu. Ghajini will effectively be my fifth film. In each of my films, I have worked with the biggest names in the industry.

In fact, to be working with an actor like Aamir Khan is indeed a dream come true for a Bollywood debutante director like me. As for the film, I cannot really explain it in words; one has to watch the film to understand what I mean!

Was entering Bollywood always on your 'things-to-do' list? And was Aamir your first choice for the lead in Ghajini?
Actually, when I was making the Tamil version of the film by the same name, it was Pradeep Rawat (who plays the main villain in both the versions and also happens to be Aamir's close friend) who recommended that I approach Aamir to star in the Hindi version of the film.

However, at that time I didn't take it seriously as I thought that Aamir was a chocolate hero, and, hence, he wouldn't suit the role. But after the release of the Tamil version of the film, I got a call from Aamir himself saying he had watched the film and that he really liked it.

With the confidence that I got from this, I immediately approached Aamir to do the film. Aamir was a bit reluctant initially. I remember him saying "The perfect person for this role in Bollywood is Salman Khan".

However, I managed to convince him saying that if Salman did the film it would be just another Salman movie. But if he did it, then it would give a different perspective to the film and story.

What was it like doing your debut film with a superstar like Aamir?
Even though I was nervous initially, Aamir was extremely helpful. I was nervous because I kept on thinking here I am to direct a full fledged Hindi film, even though I can't speak a word in Hindi!

However, almost every evening Aamir with me and would sit down and discuss about everything under the sun!

For me working in my mother tongue was a cake walk, but thanks to Aamir Khan, I had developed enough confidence to make my Hindi venture. Since I am a big fan of Aamir, I very happy when he agreed to do my film.

You said that Aamir was a bit reluctant to do the film. Can you tell us why?
It actually took him about four days to say yes to do the film. He went through the script and frankly speaking, I don't even know as to what made him say yes finally. All that I can say what that he liked the screenplay very much.

Can you tell us something more about Ghajini?
Well, Ghajini is the main 'clue' in the film. Besides this, if I tell you anything, it will ruin the entire suspense that has been created for the story.

What was Aamir's reaction to the script and the entire shooting process?
Luckily for me, the film is a remake and Aamir had a basic idea of the film, which cut down my work load by half. Besides, at times while shooting I wanted to change some scenes, dialogues or some other small intricacy, Aamir insisted on retaining the original. What also surprised me was the attention Aamir paid to the smallest of things while shooting. Now, I know as to why he is called 'The Perfectionist' Khan.

Whenever Aamir has worked on a film, it is said that he gives a lot of inputs. Was it the same with Ghajini also?
Contrary to what you say, Aamir was not at all involved in the making of the film. Not even once did he ever interfere with the filming. In fact, he said that he wanted the film in entirely my taste and that if I had any problems with the language or anything else, only then should I call him in.

What's your take on the physique that Aamir has developed?
His physique was developed as the script basically required the character to be in fit condition. So getting such a physique was not at all Aamir's call, instead, it was the script that needed it.

Aamir is often called a 'Perfectionist'. What are your views on this?
For Aamir to be called as a perfectionist is seriously an understatement. He is so very observant and hard working, that rarely have I seen anybody like him. The dedication level that he has for whatever he does is insanely high.

Even to get into his much-talked about physique, he had worked out for 3 to 4 hours a day. I have worked with Surya who in the south is considered to be the best, but Aamir is way better than him...he is simply in a league of his own.

What about Asin? Why did you have her play the same role in the Hindi version?
Asin is a wonderful person. And when I was making the Hindi version, I could think of no one better than her to play the role. She fits 100% into the character. So basically there were no two ways about that...she just had to be there!

Keeping in mind the numerous edits in the film by the censors, do you feel that will this affect the performance of the film at the Box-Office?
Two or three scenes have indeed been deleted. But, in no way will that affect the over all outcome of the film. The parts that were deleted have very little importance, so, we could do without them. But, as a director, I do feel bad that there have to be some cuts.

What made you finalize on Jiah Khan?
For Jiah's role, we had held auditions for which hundreds of girls had turned out. But, when Jiah stepped up, it was all settled. She was the one we were looking for! Her character in the film is a petite girl who's very intellectual. Jiah's appearance, charisma and the way she has carried herself in the film is simply perfect.

The film seems to be high in context to violence. What is your take on this?
Let's face it that, Ghajini is an action film. So there are bound to be a few explosions here and there, even though I wouldn't want to term it as violence. Besides this, the film also has a lot of other emotions like love, fear etc...

What according to you is Ghajini's USP? And what do you have to say about the audience who are already copying Aamir's look?
If one has to talk of copying, then, let me tell you that it is basic star value that comes along when you have an actor like Aamir. So, no matter what he does, the audience will end up copying the look of his character. As far as the USP of Ghajini is concerned, it has to be its screenplay, Aamir's new physique and the story, to say the least.

Courtesy: santabanta.com

Hum Do, Humaare (Memen)to

I saw a fantastic Aamir Khan [Images] film the other night, one where his obsession with a pretty woman led to him being clubbed on the head with a generic looking rod. The blunt force trauma led to amnesia, or so claimed Khan's character, leading to a wickedly fun plot, rife with both misunderstanding and subterfuge. Awesome stuff, Andaz Apna Apna.
Then, on Monday, I watched Ghajini [Images]. And an Andaz Apna Apna this ain't.
Before going into what it is, let us first dispense with the Memento [Images] talk.
The film's makers have ludicrously attached a disclaimer that says that because their film's protagonist suffers from a little-known medical disorder called anterograde amnesia, there is a likelihood that their story could feature elements common to other stories and films. Riight. Must be easy to be a specialist in the field then, a doctor who just needs to check the patient for a series of tattoos.
And while Ghajini might feature Aamir Khan going through the exact same condition Guy Pearce does in Memento yet -- despite the tattoos, the polaroids, and the vengeful hero with a penchant for post-its -- this is a pretty original desi picture, yes sir.

For director AR Murugadoss [Images] doesn't take that 'story' credit lightly: He's taken the Memento plot, set its non-linearity into chronological order, taken out the actual investigative intrigue and replaced it with a series of convenient coincidences and -- this one's the clincher -- added a full-blown backstory about how the hero met and fell in love with the murder victim, complete with a bunch of songs. It's hard work making good masala, for God's sake.
And Aamir Khan knows it well. It's dubious as to just how much that body needed to be beefed up -- heaven knows Guy Pearce didn't resemble a steroid commercial -- but Khan's dedication is impressive, no question. As Sanjay Singhania, the killing machine dedicated to tracking down his lover's killer, the actor plays a frenzied killing machine, clinical yet with a twisted, macabre fondness for gore. And he does really well.
His anterograde condition kicks in every fifteen minutes, which means he has to now restart investigation, scribble refreshed notes, and get back on track. And he's very well-versed in habit; at a point when he's suspicious despite having no self-scribbled clue to guide him, he analyses breathing patterns. It's a role that requires much consternation -- and Khan is truly wonderful when his character is bewildered -- as well as much over-the-top, frothing at the mouth rage.

That would have been it for his job description had this been a standard, well-produced action movie, but there is a hardcore filmi romance smack bang in the middle of it all -- one that has possibly a few minutes more screentime than the action section. And while Khan can still pour out the smitten-schoolboy charm at 43, the entire romantic part of the film is so depressingly obvious that it doesn't work at all, and only serves in slowing down the momentum of what would be an entertaining action film.
A large part of this blame must be assigned to the leading lady. Granted, Asin [Images] is straddled with a character that begs the suffix -ine to be tagged onto her name, but a strong performance could certainly have salvaged this half of the film. Her Kalpana is one of those do-gooder heroines soaking in earnestness and sympathy, the kind of character that went out of style back when Juhi Chawla [Images] was a heroine, and it needed much verve to actually make this work. She doesn't deliver -- her chirpiness is most painful -- and resultantly this rather stereotyped he's-rich-she-doesn't-know romance always seems underwhelming.

Even with the romance getting in the way, Murugadoss' version of the amnesiac killer could have been a very compelling watch. There are times when they take huge departures from the original film, and the what-if possibilities are most intriguing. Until, you discover, that nothing is done about them. In a chilling scene, the villain's goons strap Khan down and, after painting over his meticulously graffiti'd walls and his investigative charts, take out a tattoo gun and crudely rub out all his tattoos, the clues he's investigated for so long.
This sets you up beautifully for a sequence where Khan discovers this, one where he wakes up to realise that all his investigations have been in vain. Does he even know he was investigating in the first place? And how does he feel waking up to see a body covered in hideously scratched out tattoos? It's a trauma the character begs to be dealt with, but alas... the moment is ignored, possibly in favour of giving more time to the half-hour climax. Sigh.
This is a violent film, but there is no call for that besides shock. The gore seems gratituous -- there is a tap scene bordering on the laughable -- and while Khan leaps into his adversaries with an alarming intensity, somehow its hard to stomach a film where he stands in the middle of an alley and fells seven-with-one-blow. It is the kind of cinema we thought we'd seen the back of, and even if there's nothing wrong with escapist mainstream masala, both audiences and Aamir seem a little less used to it.
Pradeep Rawat plays the titular villain with undisguised glee making up for thespian skills, and Jiah Khan [Images], glimpsed here after Nishabd [Images], is actually quite decent in a character better written than that of the heroine. Unfortunately, the only time she does look super-hot (in white, in the Lattoo song) is the one song where the director keeps cutting away to the action, darn it. The songs are completely extraneous narrative killers, but Rahman's turned in a marvellous soundtrack and we'll lap them up uncomplainingly.
Watch Ghajini, though. Watch it for Aamir Khan, because I don't think I've seen him having this much fun as an actor in a very long time -- and that's always great to see. Not that I mean it's as good as Teelu, of course.
The film itself is impressive in bits, with some terrific sequences, but the romance takes away its thunder. It is a breezy watch that could have been a really crackling one, and while there really is timepass fun to be had, the overwhelming feeling is one of regret.
For what can you say about a film on memory loss that turns out forgettable?
Rediff Rating:

Courtesy: rediff.com

Asin & Jiah scream no-no

Jiah Khan, the Bollywood actress who plays the role Nayan played in the Tamil version of Ghajini, says that the reports doing rounds that she and Asin did not get on well with each other was mere rumors. The actress clarified that she is not disturbed by the promos projecting Asin. Jiah insisted that Asin, being a new face to Bollywood, required the exposure and

she is not jealous of it. There were reports doing rounds lately that Asin had insisted that Jiah’s role be downplayed in Ghajni and this caused a rift between the two. Both the actresses have denied of any rift. The Bollywood actress also stated that she met Asin just twice and feels comfortable interacting with her.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

'Even if I wanted to show skin, Aamir would cover me up'

  'Slim, sexy and slick' is how she was known worldwide for her portrayal in her debut film ‘Nishabd’. So if you've made up your mind to see the most desirable single woman again with minimal outfits in ‘Ghajini’, don't be shocked after you read this interview.

The new 'wow' babe of Bollywood is on cloud nine at the moment, after having worked with Amitabh Bachchan in her first film and with the 'Perfectionist' Aamir Khan in her second. But what makes her special is the fact that she's also the smartest actress and comes across as the pluckiest with a dry wit to match.

Bold, confident and raring to go, she is one Khan who stands out from the rest of the Khans in the industry. In one of the longest interviews that she has ever given, Jiah Khan talks to Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent Devansh Patel about her next release ‘Ghajini’, how she landed up in the film, her tough times shooting the film, the research which went into her role, why she thinks that this Aamir starrer will be her first big commercial success, and of course, her views after viewing Aamir's fit physique, all this and more in this exclusive interview:

Jiah, to start with, I can't help but start this interview by asking you how do you express your anger or emotion towards the Mumbai terror attack last month?

It is so depressing. I feel sad that we call ourselves civilians and yet we can't be civil to each other. Religion is turning out to be a huge hurdle now and what has been considered to be so personal and sacred is now being used to destroy humanity in the name of religion. All this is really disturbing and I hope it comes to an end someday.

Ever since the common man has heard about Ghajini's first look, the promos and the songs, the only thing they haven't heard about is Jiah Khan. What say?

I'd like to say that Jiah Khan does exist in ‘Ghajini’ (laughs). It's up to Aamir Khan and the producers of ‘Ghajini’ and the way they want to publicise the film. What they've done with my role and my image is going to be a big surprise. But why they've kept me out of the promos is something you'll have to ask the producers.

Your fascination with the letter 'A' is also being accounted for, Amitabh to Aamir, two of the best in the business. When do you alphabetically move forward on the costar's list?

Wow! That's a good observation. I think I'm very lucky. But eventually all is in God's hands and I hope it keeps on going this way.

Comparisons are bound to happen when you work with two perfectionist actors like the Big B and Aamir. Any interesting observations?

They both are very experienced as we all know. And when you work with such an experienced bunch of actors, you tend to perform much better and get your work finished much faster. As individuals they're extremely different. The way they communicate with their co-actors is also very different. I got to learn a lot from both of them and it feels as if I am ten films old now.

All actors say that they've learnt a lot from their co-actors. We want to know what exactly you have learnt.

My scenes in ‘Ghajini’ are like on the edge and dramatic scenes. As far as acting goes, it was far simpler to do a ‘Nishabd’ than to be doing ‘Ghajini’. To be working with Aamir Khan and then shouting at him is pretty hard, which Aamir helped me with eventually. For Aamir to hold my hand in each scene and then take me through the scenes by doing rehearsals only to see which scene fits perfect was a learning experience. Right now I'm learning how to deal with different characters and different emotions.

A director will only go to an actor when he knows that he is talented and experienced and can give box office success. With no experience behind you, how did the producers and directors came knocking on your door for ‘Ghajini’?

I'd like to think it's because of my talent. You missed that out. If you see, both ‘Nishabd’ and my role in ‘Ghajini’ aren't glamorous. Both are performance based roles. When you're a part of a Bollywood film industry, luck has a lot of role to play. It's good to be doing a performance oriented role, where you concentrate less on what lip stick shades you're wearing. When the switch is on and you're at the right place, it means your time is right. I guess the producers and the directors came at the right time (laughs)

So how did the bell ring on your door?

I was approached by the producer where he handed me the copy of the original South Indian film. Aamir was on board then. So, of course that had to be accounted for. Then, I had to audition for my role which took very long. Mentally, it was quite draining to figure out whether I was in or out. For me, being in the film was like a major turning point in my career. Within two weeks of the audition, they finally decided to cast me for the role. I was over the moon.

I have to ask you the cliched, 'what role do you play in the film' question.

(Laughs) I play Sunita in the film who is a medical student with brain study as her special subject. She tries and case studies Aamir Khan's character and then how she gets to know about his personal vendetta and becomes involved in it, is what my role is in ‘Ghajini’.

Is your voice being dubbed in ‘Ghajini’?

No it's not dubbed. It's my original voice. Everything is sync sound. Aamir Khan being a perfectionist wouldn't ok my sound being dubbed.

Was filming for Ghajini an uphill climb?

There was a lot of pressure because when you are performing with Aamir Khan or Amitabh Bachchan. For instance, you cannot give many retakes. At the back of your head you know that if you don't get it right quickly, you'll tire them out and you don't want to be doing that. But to your surprise and mine, the crew started calling me a 'one-take actress'. There were some extremely intense scenes where it was so draining and that's when Aamir lend me a helping hand.

The news circulating right now in the media is that Aamir Khan is not really happy with the way Ghajini has shaped up. Have you heard the same?

I have no idea about what you're saying and thus cannot comment on your question.

With ‘Nishabd’ not working well for you, are you looking forward to touch your first commercial success with ‘Ghajini’?

I'd like to believe that, definitely. ‘Ghajini’ is a commercial film unlike ‘Nishabd’ but at the same time it is a thriller too. My portions in the film are very dramatic. The part of the film in which I am in, is where the thriller element comes in play. I hope ‘Ghajini’ turns out to be like your question.

What went into the research of your character? And any memorable sequence you can trace back?

Being a medical student, there were a lot of technical terms I had to be familiar with. Also the pronunciations had to be perfect. The research is one of the hardest things that I've done in my entire life. There was one sequence where I had to run with Aamir Khan on a busy Mumbai road with thousands of onlookers and mad traffic. Of course, with Aamir Khan being there, such scene had to happen but I was shocked to see the stampede. I thought that the crowd would all pounce on us but luckily I am alive! (laughs)

Do you share any screen space with Asin?

No I don't. Asin is in the first half of the film whereas I come in after the intermission.

From Ramu to Murugadoss, both have made films in the South. How was it working with Murugadoss?

I am the biggest fan of Murugadoss. He is definitely one of my favourite directors, though I've only worked with Ram Gopal Varma. He is very adorable and one of the funniest members on and off the sets. He is very light hearted and a true perfectionist. So if my performances get appreciated in ‘Ghajini’, credit has to go to Murugadoss.

Your skimpy outfits made you look super sexy in your debut film. What kind of outfits are we going to see you in ‘Ghajini’?

(Laughs) A complete opposite. I am covered up from head to toe. So even if I wanted to show a little bit of skin, Aamir and Murgadoss would cover me up.

Do you think after what's happened on November 26, ‘Ghajini’ will attract crowds in theatres?

The whole idea of me joining the Bollywood industry was that films have always been an outlet for me and the people. We go and see a film to get away from the harsh realities of day to day life. I hope ‘Ghajini’ continues to do exactly that and entertain the audiences. Go and see ‘Ghajini’ because it is a fabulous film with me, Aamir and Asin. We know that Aamir doesn't do a lot of commercial films. For that reason one should go and watch ‘Ghajini’.

A very important question coming your way. What say about Aamir's never before seen slick and sexy physique?

You know what; I was on the sets passing him, while he was in his boxer shorts shooting a scene. I actually stopped and couldn't breathe. He looked amazing. I don't know how he came up with such a physique but one thing is certain, that, it is going to melt a many.

"Ghajini" photoshop operator wants credit for Aamir´s 8-packs

Everyone has been raving about the eight pack abs etc that Aamir Khan has got for “Ghajini”. We love it as well. But the buzz at the moment says that the Photoshop operator has not been given any credit for “working out” with Aamir Khan.

If Amol Gupte was deprived of his directorial credit for “Taare Zameen Par”, are we seeing another disgruntled employee?

Incidentally, the special effects operator who did the train shot in “Ghulam” also squealed a while ago.

Courtesy: planetbollywood.com

When Aamir made Murugadoss nervous!

All those following the proceedings in Bollywood know that A.R. Murugadoss is the director of Aamir Khan's Christmas release, GHAJINI. He was also the director of the original Tamil version of GHAJINI, which was a blockbuster down south and as a result the intelligent Aamir Khan agreed to keep Murugadoss on as the director of its Hindi remake too.

There is a buzz that director Murugadoss was very nervous at the time when Aamir Khan was to watch the final rough cut of the film. The reason being that Aamir Khan being a perfectionist is not easily satisfied and Murugadoss was not sure how the film had turned out to be and whether the unedited version of the film would please the actor or not. The director however heaved a sigh of relief when (after watching the rough cut) Aamir passed the film suggesting a few changes here and there, which included a few re–shoots too.

Needless to add that Murugadoss was highly pleased to have passed the acid test, knowing fully well the consequences (remember Amol Gupte in TZP?) if his efforts had not pleased the actor perfectionist, and now director perfectionist too!

Well, we have full faith in Aamir Khan's judgment and it appears that we have another excellent film in the form of GHAJINI, after the superlative TAARE ZAMEEN PAR!


Courtesy: glamsham.com

Actress Asin Is The Next Big Thing?

The buzz is that debutante Asin is very happy about her introductory Hindi track in the upcoming 'Ghajini' which has been tuned by A.R Rahman.

Reportedly Asin's introductory song in the Tamil original had become quite a rage too. Now she's all set to get lucky with this one.

In the Hindi version the song has been shot by noted ad filmmaker Ravi Udhyavan with inputs from none other than perfectionist Aamir Khan.

Udhyayan had shot a few commercials with Aamir earlier and he did the song like a music video with an international feel to it. Asin apparently impressed him with her dedication and her dancing skills.

This song will be shown on television promos only after the release.

The entire shoot of her ambitious film is complete and she'll be busy with the worldwide promotion of 'Ghajini' with Aamir in December.

The movie is slated for a December 25 release.

The actress will then get busy shooting for the next schedule of 'London Dreams' in Jan 2009.

This one seems to be a lucky debutante with only interesting work and big movies in her kitty. Should we say it's time for the other actresses to pull up their socks?


Courtesy: thehimalayantimes.com

Jiah Khan: All eyes on GHAJINI

There are many memorable moments right from the selection to the execution of a film. Some memories fade away with time while some remain with you forever. NISHABD fame Jiah Khan can never forget that moment when she was selected for GHAJINI.

The audition that she had to do for the film was very hard and long one. Worst was the fear of rejection that played on her psyche. "But when Aamir and Murugadoss told me I was in, I could not believe it! I was in tears! I broke down completely. I was overwhelmed! I was so happy that tears automatically welled up my eyes and began rolling down my cheeks," she says.

The other moment that's etched in Jiah's memory is the first day of the shoot of GHAJINI. "Aamir told my mother that if I was a part of GHAJINI it was because of my own achievement and talent. It was the best compliment I have received that too from the best actor of the country––Aamir Khan. What more could I ask for."


Courtesy: glamsham.com

Ghajini (Hindi) Music Review

 On grounds of reality, one fine factor should've got your adrenalines shot with 'Ghajini'. Aye! 2-A factors (Aamir Khan-A.R. Rahman) had enthralled nook and corners with their previous ventures 'Rangeela', 'Lagaan', 'Rang De Basanti' and Aamir's Production 'Jaane Ya Tu Jaane Na'. And now, guess what could be your verdicts after heeding to album of 'Ghajini'.  Well we've got it spelled on the tagline 'Run-of-the-mill musical' and merely it's passable score from ARR who fascinated with his spellbinding style in 'Yuvvraaj'.  The maestro had hop-skipped different genres with each song to another; be it 'Dil Ka Rishta' or 'Mastam', they sounded great with grand orchestras and unique style of composition. Of course, it's been a mixed bag of simultaneous hits 'n' misses lined up from Rahman with his 'Rang De Basanthi'- 'Guru' – 'Jodha Akbar' – 'Jaane Ya Tu Jaanena' – 'Yuvvraaj' and now 'Ghajini'. 

It's not just his directorial debut in Bollywood, but the first time we see Murugadoss and Rahman gearing up together (they hadn't teamed up for Kollywood projects). Tamil version of Ghajini had Harris Jayaraj tuning in laudable melodies and maestro strides with his own élan in the remake. The album comprises of 6 numbers with a duet, an instrumentals and rest of solos…

Guzarish – Elegance unveiled  Listen here

Singers: Javed Ali, Sonu Nigam

Perhaps, with the sensational promos continually screened all over, 'Guzarish' should've really grabbed everyone's senses much before audio hitting the markets. All praises for Javed Ali as he turns entire glares with huskily-toned voice. Right from alpha; with his mesmerizing hum, Javed carries off the entire song with his plushy intonations. Well, does the song possesses Rahman's USPs? Obviously, synthesized-beats aren't so catchy. But don't miss the fantastic vistas of transfixing vocals filled-in and mandolin played by Seenu. Overall, it's a song that'll go straight into everyone's stereos and Ipods undeleted for long time.

Aye Bachchu – Suzanne's show Listen here

Singers: Suzanne

Hah! It's a bedazing piece from Suzanne. Her style of vocalizing illustrates her unstrained approach on rendering this song. Of course, she impinges on with her bold voice that more or less goes the same as Sunidhi Chauhan. Awesome indeed, the rhythmic notes on lead guitars by Ivan, Neil and Sanjeev make it happen as a live concert of western rock (but not the best as Shankar-Ehasan-Loy's score on guitar in Rock On).  Srinivas' supervising on Suzanne's shifting of paradigms of vocalisms are over-the-top and somewhat noteworthy. Beguiling combos of percussions, guitars and fill-ins of single notes on bass instruments make the show more lavish. On the dot, Rahman seems to have coalesced Madonna's style of voice and rhythmic patterns that sounds alike ones in Backstreet Boys.

Kaise Mujhe – Heart-binding duet Listen here

Singers: Benny Dayal, Shreya Ghosal

Its synthesized harpsichords and fortepiano played on interlude with simple percussions mingled in the following seconds. With Andante cantabile set on rhythms, it's a melodious duet rendered by Benny Dayal and Shreya Ghosal. Well, both singers and brightly-spotted instruments tantamount and song would peak to the best once it goes on visuals. Nevertheless, this isn't as extraordinary from the trio Benny Dayal-Shreya Ghosal-Rahman as with 'Tu Hi Meri Dost' in Yuvvraaj.

Bekha – Off an unusual panache Listen here

Singer: Karthik

And again, the teasers are sure to have got the tunes lined in your minds. Bekha seems to be appearing on the screens as young lad falls for the beauteous missy. As the courtesy goes, couple of samples on rhythmic tunes seems to have been picked from samples4.com. Martin's booming saxophone adds rich colors to the tango-typed rhythms. The entire song is about Karthik's ostentatious modulations on tongue-twisting words that have been fabulously enunciated. Saxophone, trombones, strings and piano keeps flowing simultaneously for the complete 5mins. Yeah! Getting to watch Aamir Khan in 6 different stylish get-ups should again make it more pop.

Latoo – Middling on all vistas Listen here

Singer: Shreya Ghosal

Be it style, rhythms or kind of sound; nothing sounds the best as other numbers. Possibly, lets us doubt is it straight from the shoulders of Rahman? Nothing of his archetypal elegance is spotted other than choral vocalisms of Tanvi, Sakthi, Anisha and Suvi along with Benny, Karthik and Tippu. Shreya Ghosal's decent efforts look more appealing and Pravin Mani's English lyrics with atypical rhythms may sound more in disco floors.

Kaise Mujhe (Instrumental) – All praises for Kiran Listen here

Symphonious instrumentals of classic 'n' western styles mingled get us for a soothing ride of melodious tune. Fine! It's Kiran's flute that eclipses every bits of tunes including Shreya's voice in the second minute of song. Perhaps, Neil Mukherji's pleasant-sounding notes on guitars accompanies for making it more glistening. Interlude in the initial seconds played reminds us one of Rahman's recent tunes in Tamil (similar to 'I Miss You Da' from Sakkarakatti). Exquisitely as background scoring, the instrumental may enhance the emotional feel on screens.

On the whole, Rahman's musical on 'Ghajini' looks quite middling as compared with his trenchant work in 'Yuvvraaj'. Indeed, amongst all his ventures with Aamir Khan, the melodies spelled by maestro aren't attention-getting. With promos continually hitting the screens of television round the clocks, Aamir Khan would extend his brilliant tactics and make the songs topping out.

Verdict: Moderate-yet-impressive

Rating : ***  

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

How Aamir got his Ghajini cut

What Aamir Khan wants, he gets.
For example, the actor wanted a different look for his latest film Ghajini. And luckily for us, he even got the whole procedure on camera.
As the photographer clicked away, hair stylist Avan Contractor got busy with Aamir's hair. The actor looked calm and composed, and he had every right to be. The two have worked together before in Dil Chahta Hai. Aamir really liked Avan's work and became a big fan atfer the movie.
First, Avan trimmed the hair with a pair of scissors. Then out came the shearers, giving a new shape. Strategically placed grooves were shaved. After the work was done, Aamir critically examined the cut before giving his thumbs up.
We just hope his new look works for Ghajini.


Courtesy: rediff.com

ig release planned for 'Ghajini' starring Aamir Khan

Ghajini distributors, Studio 18, plan to play safe and rely on pre release hype to recover their investments in A.R. Murugadoss' Ghajini. The film will be released on Christmas Day countrywide with 1200 prints, a record that surpasses the 1050 print release of Singh Is Kingg.
"'Ghajini' will be the biggest and widest release ever, breaking the record set by 'Singh Is Kinng', which was also distributed by us," says Aman Gill, Director, Domestic Theatrical Distribution, Studio 18.
"With 'Singh Is Kinng', we set a precedent in the way the films are marketed and with 'Ghajini' we tend to go beyond that," adds Priti Shahani, Sr. V.P., Marketing & Distribution, Studio 18,
It is likely, the Studio 18 move is motivated as much by their confidence in the film as the jitters from the prevailing economic downturn. What is for sure is they are not banking on word of mouth publicity.
Attempts by Sawf News to get additional information about the release were spurned by the film's publicists - Spice PR. On an earlier occasion Spice PR's amusingly ill tempered publicist Shilpa Handa told us, "Sawf News is not important to us. It has no standing!"
We get it!



Courtesy: sawf.org

Ghajini stills

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Ghajini to be reshot

Though the Hindi version of Ghajini is all set to be released in December, its lead star is still not satisfied with a few shots. On seeing the rushes of Ghajini, Aamir Khan has requested director Murugadoss to reshoot a few scenes. As per Aamir’s request the scenes will be shot yet again. The shooting is expected to take place at the Ravine Resorts in Mumbai from

November 20th. The entire team will stay in the resort and complete the shooting in three days time, our source adds.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Aamir Khan annoys Asin

Aamir Khan is very possessive about his any new releases. He wants to surprise audience with innovative and never leaked out anything earlier. South sensation Asin is making her Bollywood debut with Ghajini and Aamir is maintaining a strict regime over her and restricted her from coming open to the media. Aamir's strict professionalism irks Asin as she wants to interact with the media and come open to the public to promote herself. 

A source close to Aamir said, "Although Asin is extremely fond of Aamir, she had an argument with him recently. It all stemmed from the fact that Aamir has stopped her from interacting with the media, making public appearances or attending any events. Asin has been getting a lot of attention as she has a meaty role in Ghajini and she has also signed the ambitious London Dreams opposite Salman Khan. But Asin isn’t happy even though her career is going great guns as she had to turn down all offers of interacting with the media, a necessary step in self-promotion for any newcomer."

"Although she is part of some big banners now, very little is known about her. To make matters worse, the Ghajini team has also told Asin that she shouldn’t give her portfolio pictures to anyone. All this is making her feel restricted," added the source.

Aamir is a senior actor of Bollywood and Asin is a beginner, he is little stunned when the actress argued with him over the matter. Both had heated exchange of words.


Courtesy: bollywoodmantra.com

Solid kick start for GHAJINI with 'Guzarish'

A.R. Rahman and Aamir Khan have done it again. Together they have ensured that GHAJINI gets instant eyeballs, courtesy the track 'Guzarish' which has been the chosen one to kick start the campaign for the film. Boasting of excellent melody, 'Guzarish' has been unleashed on all the music channels in a big way and the response has been super strong all over.

What is noticeable is a much younger looking Aamir Khan with the scar on the head gone missing. With a boyish charm to boast, Aamir Khan reminds one of the 90s when he appeared as a romantic lover boy on films like DIL, HUM HAI RAAHI PYAAR KE, DIL HAI KI MAANTA NAHI and many more. As he woos South sensation Asin in some of the most exquisite of locations (captured immensely well by DOP Ravi K. Chandran), Rahman's brilliant tune ensures that the song makes a place in every music lover's heart.

Also commendable is the fact that this time around, a tune by Rahman has turned out to be instantly catchy, something which is not the case with most of his tunes that require repeated hearing before making a long lasting impression.

One now looks forward to the release of GHAJINI soundtrack and hope that remainder of the songs in the album are also as good as 'Guzarish', if not better. Now if that indeed turns out to be the case then one can be rest assured that Aamir would indeed have a musical HIT to his name much before the film hits the screen this Christmas.


Courtesy: glamsham.com

ZEE Radio to premiere music of 'Ghajini'

ZEE Radio, London's only all-Bollywood music radio station will be premiering the music of Aamir Khan's upcoming spectacular 'Ghajini'.
It has got its hands on 'Guzarish', the track sung by Javed Ali and composed by A R Rahman. The song will play on high-rotation on ZEE Radio from Monday (10th November) ahead of the soundtrack's official release on Saturday 15th November.
The music video of the same track was unveiled on satellite TV channels this week.
The station is also set to announce a string of other exclusives, including interviews with a Bollywood legend and other Bollywood tracks not currently being played on other stations.
ZEE Radio is available on 558AM, DAB digital radio and online across London.


Courtesy: media247.co.uk

Ghajini promo song

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Ghajini exclusively for Aamir

The Perfectionist Aamir Khan seems to have gained bundles of confidence from his six-pack-abs look. His new-found confidence has come out in the form of Ghajini promotional photos. The news is doing the rounds that he has restricted the cast and crew of the film from speaking about it.

Aamir is said to have made it clear that only he would be the movie's spokesperson during the promotion. The first promotional look of the film wherein Aamir appears sans any shirt, has given out a clear picture that he is the focal point. Neither heroines of the film Asin and Jiah Khan nor director A Murugadoss were there for the release of the film's first look.

Well, make a perfect way for the Perfectionist!

Courtesy: oneindia.in

Ghajini - Promo Release.

Courtesy: mid-day.com

First Official Ghajini Trailer

Courtesy: behindwoods.com