Writer/Director: A.R. Muragadoss
Starring: Aamir Khan, Asin and Pradeep Rawat
Few actors in Bollywood are as celebrated today as Aamir Khan. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Khan has proven to be one of the greatest actors in Bollywood. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers, terrorists in danger or professional wrestlers, Khan has suggested he can portray many characters. Arguably, Khan’s strength as an actor is his bravery. Khan has never been afraid to take risks in his career through tackling subjects that prove controversial. Through abilities to play characters which are compelling, Khan has established a legacy which has proven to be compelling. Despite reaching the age of retirement, Khan has never lost his strong passion for producing iconic entertainment. An iconic legend in India, Khan has become a celebrated legend in Bollywood Cinema. Throughout a groundbreaking career, Khan has created several strong movies that are worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Khan and adore all movies which he has made in his career. However, “Ghajini” is definitely his most underrated movie. Released in 2008, A.R. Murugadoss’ movie offered a strong portrait of men with memory loss. Packed with stunning action, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best Bollywood remakes ever made. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Aamir Khan, who embodies an amnesiac man with severe memory loss. Ultimately, what makes “Ghajini” a timeless Bollywood classic is universal appeal. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it discusses themes everyone will relate to. A brilliant Bollywood masterpiece about memory loss, there are many strong reasons why “Ghajini” is a film worth watching.
“Ghajini” tells the story of an amnesiac man that sets out on a journey to overcome loss of his memory. Aamir Khan portrays Sanjay Singhania, a successful businessman with charisma. Sanjay has always taken a liking towards Kalpana (Asin) whom he plans to one day marry. However, Sanjay’s happy life forever changes when his wife is murdered in accident which causes disaster. Afflicted with anterograde amnesia, Sanjay wonders whether it’s possible for him to overcome his trauma. Seeking vengeance, Sanjay is soon forced to question if it’s possible for him to overcome memory disturbance. As all odds become stacked against his favour, Sanjay wonders whether it’s possible to avenge the death of his lover.
A.R. Murugadoss is fascinated with themes of crime. An extraordinary Indian filmmaker, Murugadoss has often made engaging films about hitmen facing disaster. With “Ghajini”, however, Murugadoss made his first remake of a Hollywood film. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to remake a classic Hollywood movie about memory loss, but he succeeds. Using strong cinematography, Murugadoss captures a man with severe memory loss on journeys to find identity. Evoking Christopher Nolan’s “Memento”, Murugadoss effectively uses handheld camera to capture the life of a man with memory loss facing sorrow. For instance, the handheld camera elevates the tattoo scene. During this frightening scene, Sanjay wakes up to find tattoos etched on his body. Using stunning handheld camera, Murugadoss creates a compelling portrait of amnesia. Handheld camerawork is often a tricky technique to use in most movies. As Nitesh Tiwari’s “Dangal” proved, handheld camerawork elevates films about wrestling. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Through breathtaking visuals, Murugadoss captures tensions that men suffering from memory loss are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Ghajini” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies you will see. Murugadoss effectively uses cross-cutting to craft music sequences that are engaging. For instance, cross-cutting elevates the Guzaarish song. During this memorable scene, Sanjay has a song and dance number expressing his love for Kalpana. Using engaging cross-cutting, Murugadoss constructs a musical sequence that’s engaging. Moreover, the music score is marvellous. A.R. Rahman’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing a burden that amnesiac men bear. Through powerful production, Murugadoss captures men with memory destruction.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Ghajini” is a Bollywood remake which is engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and expertly uses flashbacks to capture the tensions that men with memory loss often experience. In Bollywood, most films rarely ever address the consequences of memory loss which is misunderstood. Fortunately, however, “Ghajini” avoids these obstacles. Murugadoss effectively uses flashbacks to capture deteriorations of a man with severe memory loss. The film deftly switches back and forth between two timelines: flashbacks of Sanjay’s joyous past life and present day sequences of his severe memory problems. For instance, flashbacks elevate the murder scene. During this terrifying scene, Sanjay recalls frightening memories of the time in which his wife was murdered. Using strong flashbacks, Murugadoss created a portrait of memory loss audiences can easily relate to. Through a bold screenplay, Murugadoss captured men with severe memory loss that face a price to pay.
One appreciates powerful performances.
Aamir Khan delivers one of his best career performances as Sanjay. Khan first earned appreciation for playing romantic heroes in renowned Bollywood movies. With “Ghajini”, however, he took on his most complicated role. It isn’t simple to portray an amnesiac man with memory loss but Khan succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With engaging expressions, Khan captures the angst, bravery and vengeance of a man with memory loss which faces tensions. It’s a fantastic performance by one of the best Bollywood actors today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Aamir Khan, the supporting cast is terrific and worthy of praise. Asin is astonishing, bringing courage towards a woman that becomes the sad victim of a murder that’s frightening. Pradeep Rawat is remarkable, capturing the menacing nature of a serial killer that gets away with committing grim murder. Lastly, Jiah Khan deserves praise. As a famous actress, she is unforgettable.
Finally, “Ghajini” would earn appreciation of everyone for honouring men that suffer from grim loss of memory. Unlike most Bollywood films, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including ambition, revenge and trauma that will resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with process of memory loss to enjoy it. Therefore, “Ghajini” is one of those rare Indian movies that everyone will adore.
Fans of Aamir Khan would definitely admire “Ghajini” and so would audiences seeking meaningful entertainment. A breathtaking crime drama, it honours a legendary actor with charisma in India.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about men suffering from memory loss facing adversity, it’s a bold reminder of a legendary Bollywood actor that has built a lasting legacy by his abilities to portray compelling characters in memorable movies which audiences love dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 