The problem with a remake is that you always end up comparing it with the original even when the remake is as effective as Aamir Khan’s latest outing “Ghajini”. Ghajini is not a bad film. In fact, it is a pretty good movie and will definitely appeal to viewers who have not seen its Tamil original. The problem with Ghajini is that with the same director ( A R Murugadoss), the same heroine (Asin who impresses with her excellent Hindi) and the same villain (Prathap Singh Rawat, not even half as menacing)as the Tamil original, the movie ends up being more or less a translation of the original. Aamir Khan has worked hard on his body. However, it is to Suriya Shivakumar’s credit that even an actor as talented as Aamir is not able to add much value to the character when compared to the original.
Additions, there are. In the form of music director A R Rahman who surprisingly fares way below expectations. Of the five odd songs, only “Guzaarish” is impressive, that too because of Prasoon Joshi’s lyrics. Jiah Khan who plays the second lead does not come anywhere near Nayanthara. To add to her woes, her only song has been brutally chopped off at the editing table. Ravi K Chandran uses excellent color schemes and lenses. The movie is really a virtual treat! Editing could have been sharper especially during the climax which is way too lengthy! Aamir and Asin in spite of being good individually, do not generate enough on screen chemistry for the viewer to feel that Aamir’s character could go to any extent to seek revenge for her brutal murder. This remains a major drawback of the movie. Also on the flip side is the heavy overdose of violence, something that was kept under control in the Tamil original. The movie also gives a chance for Riyaz Khan to get to Bollywood. The actor impresses in spite of getting very little screen time.
To sum up, Ghajini can at most be rated as average considering the pre release hype it generated and also the presence of stalwarts like Aamir, Asin and Rahman. I do agree that the movie is a major money spinner all over the world. But I would recommend the Tamil original over this one…
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I didn't see the Hindi version. I did listen to the songs. I reminded myself many times that its a Aamir Khan movie and its a ARR tune. Still, "Suttum vizhi" and "oru maala ilaveyil neram" kept on ringing in my ear :-) Yea, only Guzarish sounded atleast a bit impressive.
ReplyDeleteGhajini wouldn't be counted neither in the "Best of ARR" list nor in the "Best of Aamir Khan" list, I suppose. Still, let it be there for bollywood, as a treat from from Tamil.
Couldnt watch the Tamil version still...but songs in Tamil were simply super....and Loved the movie Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi relased more or less the same time, than this......
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