Monday, December 29, 2008

Mr. Perfectionist tattoos his name as Numero Uno..yet again!!


Finally, the wait is over and Aamir Khan is back with his customary single release of the year. Unlike his previous releases, this time around the hype created en-route to the D-day of the movie was something extraordinary. Aamir’s new scarred-hairdo and dream-physique was creating waves amongst movie-freaks and in process provided the additional impetus to the interest generated for Ghajini. Aamir undertook the publicity job on his experienced shoulders and left no stone unturned to make sure that Ghajini hits the jackpot. All said and done, the real test awaited him when the movie finally hit the silver screen this Christmas. Let’s find out whether Ghajini has similar brain-n-brawn à-la his superstar protagonist:
To kick off, I want to reiterate the fact that Ghajini is a remake of its tamil-namesake which in turn was loosely based on the Hollywood flick “Momento”. Would like to leave the obvious comparisons to my Southie-counterparts, and moving forward will treat Ghajini as the independent Bollywood product. Ghajini marks the debut of the director A.R. Murugadoss in bollywood fray who has successfully directed the tamil version of the flick in question. The supporting cast, the action sequences and the whole look and feel of the movie resembles a typical south Indian movie; so much so that it looks a dubbed version rather than a remake. What makes a difference is the flawless display of umpteen antics by Ace Khan. I guess this is the first ever movie where script demanded his grotesque actions and demeanor to speak louder than the words, and that explains the minimal dialogues in offer for him. Aamir Khan’s character has a two-pronged shades; One as a young, suave business tycoon that meant to be subtle and affable and another as a revenge-prone killing machine with supreme level of wrath and vengeance. The latter demanded mound of ultra-emotions with all the scowling and bellowing at display and not to forget Hrithiksque perfectly chiseled body; no marks for guessing, Aamir does all this it with ridiculous ease. Another winner is the core plot which enthralls to the tee and has all the ingredients to churn out a perfect thriller with love, romance and individual performances as an add-ons.
After Genelia and Shreya, another hotshot South Indian actress Asin embarks her “Bolly-journey with Ghajini”. Playing a complete babbler, she does full justice to her role that had lotzz of positive effervescence; add to it her infectious smile and pretty face you would know she is here to stay for sure. A. R Rehman’s music, as always, is of top notch quality. “Guzarish” and “Behka-Behka” sounds soothing for ears and looks good on screen with some innovation involved with the picturization of these songs. “Kaise Mujhe” is made special with some profound emotional lyrics and soulful singing by Benny Dayal. “Lattoo” and “Ae bacchoo” are mere fillers and doesn’t deserve a mention.
The drawback of Ghajini is its pace which slackens in patches; especially the editing needed a tightening-up exercise in flashback sequences. The main antagonist plays an integral part in Ghajini and that in turn defines the plot and its proceedings. Pradeep Rawat was called on-board to play the villian’s role as he has done in its Kollywood predecessor. He just fails to make any impact and incidentally this integral characterization of Ghajini goes kaput. The casting dilemma continues with selection of Riyaz Khan (who has played the same role in Tamil-Ghajini) for a short but important role of a Police investigator. This is interesting to be seen whether this “casting-ouch” will prove costly to the makers of the remake or not. De-glamorized Jiah Khan was like a soda without fizz and flatters to deceive sans her forte aka oomph.
Harjeet’s Verdict- Ghajini: A typical Bollywood entertainer with cosy love story commingled with sprinkled humor, revenge drama and unique core plot. If above mentioned loopholes are tolerable enough then Ghajini deserves a shot; else find solace and Stay in Peace.
Harjeet’s Verdict- Aamir Khan: In order to portray an apathetic individual who was put on an ordeal after being driven into traumatic experience, Aamir shows a complete new facet of his versatility. I would conclude from where I started my TZP review: “Take a bow, Aamir….Take a bow”.
Harjeet’s Verdict- Star Sign: 2.5/5 for Ghajini and 5/5 for Aamir. Take your pick, watch and enjoy for three hours…..and let it be “lost within short term memory”.

11 comments:

Rupesh Pandey said...

Aamir holds the same place in Bollywood, what Sachin holds in Cricket for Indian Viewers, and Both delivers without fail every time, both live on the edge and a minute mistake might result unprecedented furor, Kudos to Mr. P'nist,remove Aamir from Movie and it's not more than a Mithun da flick, naming a movie after a villain and then choosing such a Dull Character leaves Bolly-Lovers Frustrated,Aseen is attractive but need to go miles to reach the level of Priyankas and Aishwaryas, Jiah is such a sweet-heart , and role didn't demand full costume so she disappoints in her covered physique :( , all an all worth giving a shot but 'more hype less substance'
Review: Another masterpiece, HSR is going to that level where we can include him in category of Sachin of movie Critics 'less said more understood'.

Harjeet S. Rakhra said...

Thanx Rupak for ur wonderful and inspiring words.
Keep doing the gud job buddy... that is of prasing me :)

sleepingghost said...

I Saw Memento yesterday, very good movie but I didn't got a thing, later I analysed the movie story by online studying but its too complex for my grey cells. Am avoiding to watch ghajini online. Would watch it in theater, even I haven't watched the Tamil version, what I have heard that only the memory stuff is taken from Memento, rest things are original in case of Ghajini.

About Revu, this one is really good and clearly specifies what to look for and what to not. The clear indication go for Aamir atleast helps in setting expectation levels.

Memento is the english one, not Momento, and Paaji, you are now creating the real ones, am happy you are challenging yourself and improvising week by week.

One request, review of Slumdog Millionaire.

Harjeet S. Rakhra said...

Thanks Ashu...
I don't think SlumDog Millionaire is released in India (we are desi boyss...U see, unlike u :)) As and when it wud be released..I wud adher to ur request..my dear!!!

Till then...njoy life... keep commenting...keep spurring me on and yes..
STAY IN PEACE!!!!!!!! :)

Neha said...

Nicely done bhaiya....As far as indian cinema..is concerned..i thought still ghajini..holds for an applause...Nice concept and Aamir as usual puts in 100% .

Harjeet S. Rakhra said...

Hey neha,
Thanx a lot for ur gud wishes and nice words!!

Mayank said...

Sorry for being l8 in posting my comments sir, The movie I agree with you does not brings the Heavens down but then Aamir Khan had not promised a Schindler's List...After a long time he delves into the territory of Masala film and the rest is history by now...I am sorry for all the SRK fans that GHAJINI has surpassed the collections of DDLJ in just two weeks...Aamir Khan has proved his eminence in Indian Cinema once again...

Yesterday a very unique event happened sir hope u must also have read about it...Akshay Kumar was judged as the most popular actor for 2008 but he did'nt accept the award saying that the real winner was Aamir Khan for Ghajini...A rare display of humility by Akki instead of indulging in leg pulling as is characteristic of other so called BADSHAHS...

Harjeet S. Rakhra said...

yep Mayank,
U r correct!! Aamir has won this battle hands down and many many more yet to come...hopefully.
Yes aaamir and Akki are in mutual admiration club nowadays and there thought process are similar that was evident when both of them said that "there is only one KING of Bollywood and that is Amitabh Bacchan...whoever else calls himself KING is foolhardy :)
We all know whom they have targetted.... and rightly so.
Thanxx for commenting and hope to see u every time I post something here.
c ya
God Bless!!!

sumi said...

Finally I am here.And I have to comliment on 2 things.
First,the movie itself!It was a good movie,different from what we usually watch...And of course,no need to go into what aamir khan is capable of..He was amazing here.
second,you..I mean,ur style of writing is grt!humorus,imaginative and your hold on vocabulary is quite impressive,I must say..
Now,come out of this self-imposed slumber and start writing reviews like these..I enjoyed it!

sumi said...

Finally I am here.And I have to comliment on 2 things.
First,the movie itself!It was a good movie,different from what we usually watch...And of course,no need to go into what aamir khan is capable of..He was amazing here.
second,you..I mean,ur style of writing is grt!humorus,imaginative and your hold on vocabulary is quite impressive,I must say..
Now,come out of this self-imposed slumber and start writing reviews like these..I enjoyed it!

Harjeet S. Rakhra said...

Thanx Sumi...
For all the kind words!! Its frens like u that spurs me on for penning down my thoughts and verdict on movies and as promised would be back soon.
Luv,
Harjeet