Rajinikanth in Murugadoss’s movie?

Superstar Rajinikanth is busy with the shooting of mega budget “Enthiram”. He is also featuring in “Sultan – the warrior” which is an animated movie. Now the buzz in Kollywood is that Murugadoss is planning to cast Rajinikanth in his movie.

According to sources, Murugadoss has prepared a script especially for Rajini and even the superstar is impressed with it. Currently Murugadoss is busy with his Bollywood venture with Shah Rukh Khan. This is his second Hindi venture after the highly successful “Ghajini”.

If all goes well then it will definitely be a great movie for Rajni fans.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

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.

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

After Aamir, it’s SRK with Murugadoss

It’s no more U-turn for Murugadoss. Sweeping success overnight with his ‘Ghajini’, the auteur happens to be the ducky lad for Superstars of Bollywood. Earlier, Murugadoss had stated about making couple of Tamil flicks and then getting back into the Hindi Film Industry.

Perhaps, the scenario is different now as King Khan doesn’t wanna let his best opportunity of teaming up with this stupendous filmmaker slip off. Sources from Red Chillies Entertainment have revealed that SRK and Murugadoss would be catching for their script discussions.

And if buzzes are believed to be true, one of the scripts that would be presented to SRK was actually penned for Surya. Well, Shah Rukh Khan and Murugadoss are so keen on gearing up for the genre of ‘Romance’. So, who’s gonna produce this film?

Would it Shah Rukh himself or Yash Raj Productions known for churning out best poignant love stories in the past?

Let’s wait and watch.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.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

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

Murugadoss to do a film with Aamir again

After the box office success of his debut Hindi film Ghajini, A R Murugadoss has become a celebrity in Bollywood.

After the release of Ghajini, most of the Hindi superstars have been requesting Murugadoss to do a film for them. But the director is now preparing a script to make it in Hindi.

According to Murugadoss, he will not return to Tamil immediately. His next project will also be with Aamir Khan and after the completion of this project he will return to Tamil. "I have two scripts and want to work with Aamir again. I'm his biggest fan," said Murugadass,

Regarding the remake of Ghajini, the director commented: 'Aamir is truly a perfectionist as he is known in Bollywood. He's brilliant and brings a different level of energy on to the sets. There's nobody like him."

Actually Murugadoss made changes in the film to suit the Hindi audience and of course, the censor board asked them to cut down certain violent scenes in the film.

"Scenes which were very gory were cut and we made changes in the climax since I wasn't happy with it. The characterization of the songs was also changed and certain fight sequences were removed. I actually got to improve my own mistakes by remaking my film," said the director.

Courtesy: oneindia.in

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 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

A.R.Murugadoss Interview

He made heads turn and raised eyebrows – all at once – by associating with Aamir for the Hindi version of Gajini. Aamir, impressed by his credentials, wanted Murugadoss to direct him. He is on the verge of completing the project and sounds thrilled about his maiden Bollywood venture. This talented but unassuming director of monstrous blockbusters in Tamil and Telugu agreed to talk to us about Gajini, Aamir, his association with the Bollywood industry, and Superstar Rajinikanth. Enough fodder for a delectable chat served on an extra large platter.

“Unfortunately I can’t discuss about the project with Superstar in public.” Your Mirattal was dropped recently? It couldn’t take off owing to opinion differences between the film’s lead and the producers. There’s nothing much to it. On your ambitious project Gajini in Hindi. Gajini has shaped up very well and I’m satisfied. The movie is almost over- save for a couple of songs, the composition of which is underway. We will be able to wrap it up completely after the songs are shot. Bollywood through your eyes and experience My journey to Bollywood was through Tamil and Telugu. I was quite apprehensive about the venture since I don’t know the language. However, my worries eased out and my job became easier because of the project, since I’m familiar with it. The way people in Bollywood plan things amaze me. I felt like working for a corporate house. That is the huge difference I felt between Bollywood and the Tamil industry. Was it difficult to manage without knowing Hindi? Seriously. I felt it while developing the script, since the translator is not always available on the sets. It is more easier in Tamil since I could consult with people on how to improve it. However, with the lack of Hindi knowledge, I felt like working without a significant part of my body. I had to depend on many of my friends who can manage between Tamil and Hindi fluently. It was indeed a thrilling experience to work without knowing the language. When you had Aamir in the lead, any specific reasons for settling for Asin? Basically, she breathed life into the character in Tamil and I couldn’t think of anyone else donning the role. For the same reason, I didn’t have to think twice before fixing Asin. Surya six-pack - Aamir six-pack. What’s the difference? Well, I can’t reveal anything about Aamir’s six-pack since that forms the crux of the movie. And anyway, it’s for you to decide the difference between the two six-packs. You are involved in Gajini almost for the past two years. You don’t see that as a roadblock to your career? Not at all. I am quite aware of the reach and significance my project would get with the involvement of a star like Aamir Khan. Besides, I am only happy to work with and learn from a legend like Aamir Khan and two years doesn’t seem too long for the same reason. “Working with Aamir Khan for two years doesn’t seem long” Is the Hindi Gajini same as that of its Tamil counterpart? I have tweaked the script a little bit to suit the taste of the Hindi speaking audience. I also made sure that the story is not tampered with fearing that the essence would be lost. However, I could see that there are a lot of improvements made basically – the 20-minute long climax the Tamil version had, has been altered a bit. Besides, we have also added another song. Tell us something about the technicians who played a significant part in the making of the movie. I consider myself quite lucky for having Ravi K Chandran on my crew since I’m an ardent fan of his work. He is my neighbor and my walking partner in the mornings. We discuss quite a lot of cinema during those early morning strolls and I would constantly charm him into working with me. Luckily enough, he okay-ed the project and we hit it off. We used to make the Hindi speaking crowd go mad by discussing things in Tamil on the sets. Ravi has been immensely helpful and supportive for the project. What are your future plans in Hindi? Although I have no future plans drafted out for Hindi, I will continue to do projects if Gajini is successful, since Hindi films cover a vast market. And Tamil films will always remain close to my heart too. We are curious to know more about Aamir. Aamir called me after viewing Gajini – Tamil. As opposed to others who raise an eyebrow immediately upon meeting me for the first time, Aamir stayed composed until the end of our first meeting. He mentioned that he didn’t have much expectation before watching the movie. He also told me that he fell in love with the movie and found that the movie has soul in it. He revealed later that he had the picture of a 6 ft tall man and was shocked to see a rather short looking man. We hit it off soon after and Aamir has become a close friend in no time who invites me home for dinners quite often. He puts his heart and soul to the work and I adore that quality in him. It’s something every professional should have within, in my opinion. “Aamir Khan is a big fan of Vijay’s dance” Did you happen to meet any of your Tamil crewmembers while on the Gajini shoot? I met Vijay accidently in a lift at Ramoji Rao Studios. After initial pleasantries he asked me if he could visit the Gajini sets. I was shocked and invited him personally to the sets and introduced him to Aamir. To my surprise, Aamir immediately recognized him and said that he is a fan of Vijay and his dance. He also recollected how he and his wife would be glued to his songs on TV while in Chennai. Aamir also met Manobala during that occasion and remembered him from Gajini. Those ten days are unforgettable in my life. I also met Thotta Dharani in one of the Telugu film sets. It was like visiting a close relative’s house. The hospitality was simply remarkable. How would you rate Asin in the Tamil and Hindi versions of Gajini? It was little bit of a struggle for the first time in Tamil. However, she pulled it off beautifully in Hindi since there is not much difference to the character except for the dialogues. She is perfectly in tune with her Gajini character. Is Asin being used as eye candy? Don’t Bollywood films demand it though? Nope, I haven’t used Asin in that perspective and generally my films don’t show lead ladies in that light. I am simply not interested in that idea. “I haven’t used Asin in an ‘eye candy’ perspective and generally my films don’t show lead ladies in that light” “It’s funny; sometimes I have Kunjaramma in mind while creating a story” You once said only Vijayakanth could carry off the Ramana character. Although I don’t keep actors in mind while framing stories, I do think Ramana’s character is etched out for Vijayakanth. I did not in the wildest of my dreams think of working with Aamir while creating Gajini. Same way Dheena was supposed to have Vijay and turned out to be an Ajith film. Gajini was made for Ajith and Surya ended up starring in it. This ideology works for my Telugu movies too. It’s funny; sometimes I have Kunjaramma in mind while creating a story. That’s how things work with me. Any plans to direct Ajith in the near future? Not in the near future. Is there any specific reason for working with Surya again? Surya was available and hence I went ahead and booked him. Besides, I also share good rapport since I have worked with him earlier. Don’t village subjects interest you? Although I hail from a middle class family, I was not raised in a village. Films like Paruthiveeran can only happen if you have lived and experienced such circumstances. Otherwise such attempts would mean faking it. I have few ideas for stories though to be used later. Watched any Tamil movies lately? Yeah. Polladhavan and Subramaniapuram – both from two immensely talented directors. I enjoyed the movies a lot. Why did the project with Superstar Rajinikanth not take off? It’s true that I tried to work it out. However, unfortunately I am not in a position to discuss it in public. What is Bollywood’s general opinion of Tamil film industry? There is respect for South Indian talents in the Hindi film industry although a clear and visible divide between the South and North exists. There is also awareness about the working style of South Indian movies up North. Your message to Behindwoods readers. My warm wishes to Behindwoods readers. “I wanted the project with Superstar to be worked out. Unfortunately I can’t discuss that in public”

Courtesy:

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

Ghajini Video Game Arrives!

Ghajini Video Game

India has not produced a single noteworthy game as yet, and the guys from FX Labs have been splitting hairs on a game based on the movie Ghajini for about a year now.
This is the first time a game is being developed along with a Bollywood movie. Most of the Bollywood games produced to date have been mobile games or flash based ones and such games don’t deserve attention span of more than 10 to15 minutes. But a full fledged, movie based game however, comes in a different league altogether.
But making a game which can be sold in India alone is a stupid idea for the market is minuscule here. And most of the gamers snap up a pirated copy to play. This is where Indian Diaspora steps in. NRIs are crazy about Bollywood and anything Indian, even more than many Indians in India. So here lies a solid market. They can afford to pay $50 for a game, will love it if it’s good, will hate it and may never again buy a Bollywood movie based later on if it’s bad.
Lets face it, movie based games, no matter which country or studio they are from, suck. The Ghajini game, if good, might become a case-study for game developers in western countries. They would surely want to know how Ghajini succeeded where their games didn’t.
Its just two days to go for the movie as well as the game to release, and we simply can't wait!

Courtesy: uaedailynews.com

Movie Review: Ghajini - Aamir Khan at his explosive best, two thumbs up

Aamir Khan has surpassed himself in terms of acting in his latest movie Ghajini, which is not surprisingly being billed as the Bollywood blockbuster of 2008. In Ghajini, Aamir fans will not be disappointed, for this is perhaps the first movie where Aamir successfully combines the two images of a hero - the chocolate boy and the macho man - in a film woven around tragic love and vendetta.

In other words, Aamir excels himself in this Bollywood remake of A.R. Murugadoss' Tamil film Ghajini (which itself is an adaptation of Christopher Nolan's Memento).

So what is the story about? Well, Ghajini revolves around the lives of Aamir Khan, a shy business tycoon (Sanjay Singhania) bored of bureaucratic nonsense and running a business empire and Kalpana (played by Asin who was in the original Tamil movie too), who is the girl every man would like to take home to meet his mother. For she not only has a great sense of humor, but also has a heart of gold helping everybody out of the way.

Love is beginning to bloom between the two but fate has other plans and tragedy strikes as Asin is brutally murdered by bloodthirsty villains (portrayed by Pradeep Rawat & Co).

Gripped by extreme shock and sorrow, Aamir transforms from a lovestruck guy to a wounded beast (with a six-pack), thirsty for revenge. But revenge is not easy for not only the bad guys wipe out almost every clue that could lead the murder to them, but also Aamir begins to suffer from a short-term memory loss.

So how does Aamir exact his revenge? A la Michael Scofield style in US hit television series Prison Break, Aamir has to depend on the sparse scrawls on his body, his walls, his unfinished diaries, his Polaroid snapshots, a friendly medical student Sunita (Jiah Khan) and of course, his fading memory.

Aamir's acting is explosive but those who are looking for explosive dialogues will be disappointed. For, after Asin's murder, Aamir hardly has any dialogue and words and phrases are replaced by guttural moans, roars and grunts that expresses his deep trauma.

In fact, in certain scenes, there are long periods of silence matched by Aamir's vacant stare, which however, speaks volumes.

Yes, Aamir Khan fans will indeed not be disappointed. For this is the first time, they get to see his hot bod with six-packs, that would give Salman, Hrithik, Shah Rukh or Akshay a run for their money.

Action scenes are, at worst, bloody best, but it is not surprising for Aamir was reportedly trained by an ex-NSG commando for hand-to-hand combats in the fight sequences where necks are twisted, bones crushed and iron rods connect with heads.

The cast, supported by Oh-So-Sweet Bollywood debutant Asin, Jiah Khan (who for the first time is covered from head to toe after her controversial Bollywood debut Nishabd with Amitabh Bachchan) and Pradeep Rawat as the fang baring menacing bad guy, makes the plot Oh-So-Believable, while musical score by A.R. Rahman (who won a Golden Globe nomination for his score in Dan Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire and is a hot favorite to receive Oscar too) are guaranteed to keep the audience entertained and glued to their seats.

So irrespective of whether you are Aamir fans or not, go watch Ghajini if you have ever loved someone and relive the passion. Sit back and feel the sparks of love fly in your heart as Aamir falls in love with Asin and experience the destruction a doomed love can ignite as Aamir sets out to track down his girlfriend's killers.

Enjoy Ghajini, a violent, tragic love story that is slated to become Bollywood's biggest Box Office Hit of 2008.

Courtesy: ibtimes.com

Estop: Movie ratings for Ghajini

VIEWERS' FEEDBACK ON GHAJINI

After the release of the movie, it seems the paid preview of the much awaited Aamir Khan’s Ghajini has set the mood for Christmas for Bollywood.

The movie hits the screens on Christmas and after the response of the audience it seems that once again Aamir has given Bollywood a reason to usher in the New Year.

But though Aamir has been able to score a perfect 10 for Ghajini, there are people who doesn’t seem to have been impressed with the movie completely.

On the first day of its release, Ghajini has got mixed reactions from the audience but the huge advance bookings it is surely bound to be a hit.

VASHU BHAGNANI LAUNCHES HIS SON

He's the new kid on the Bollywood block and producer Vashu Bhagnani is leaving no stone unturned to create a perfect launch pad for son Jackky Bhagnani with Kal Kisne Dekha.

While the father son duo was busy shooting at Mumbai's film city on Wednesday night, it was actor Salman Khan who showed up to encourage the young lad.

“I know him since his childhood. He was very fat then so I use to tell him how to reduce,” says Salman.

“When he came to me eight years back I told him son we are producers, but then he said pa give me some time. So, I told him okay son if I see that thing in you I will take a chance with you,” says Vashu Bhagnani.

And if Jackky has his producer father to help him climb the Bollywood ladder, his lady love in the film, also a debutant Vaishali Desai is the grand niece of legendary filmmaker Manmohan Desai. Both the debutants believe that it is the filmy connect which helped them a great deal.

“It is essential to have a support system and Mr Desai has been a genius in the field. I was an academician and somewhere it is the genes which run in me so here I am,” says Vaishali.

“Being a producer’s son I value everything and I know there are many hands working behind one man standing here,” says Jackky Bhagnani.

While, the filmy connection will surely help them hog the lime light at the moment, it is only their acting which will carry forward the legacy.

Courtesy: in.com