Released on December 25, 2008, Ghajini is an Indian psychological action-thriller film directed by A.R. Murugadoss. Starring Aamir Khan, Asin Thottumkal, and Jiah Khan in pivotal roles, the movie blends intense action with emotional depth. A remake of the Tamil film of the same name, Ghajini takes inspiration from Christopher Nolan’s Memento while adding a Bollywood touch. The film explores themes of love, vengeance, and the fragility of memory. With its gripping narrative and powerful performances, Ghajini became a milestone in Indian cinema.
Table of Contents
- Plot Summary
- What’s Good?
- 1. Aamir Khan’s Performance
- 2. Direction and Screenplay
- 3. Asin’s Charisma
- 4. Music and Background Score
- 5. Action Sequences
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Target Audience
- Box Office Details
- Financial Overview
- First 5-Day Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
- About the Author: Ram
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Sanjay Singhania (played by Aamir Khan), a wealthy businessman who suffers from anterograde amnesia—a condition that prevents him from forming new memories. Armed with tattoos and Polaroid photographs, Sanjay embarks on a mission to avenge the brutal murder of his beloved, Kalpana (Asin Thottumkal). The movie alternates between the present-day quest for revenge and flashbacks revealing Sanjay and Kalpana’s heartwarming love story. As the narrative unfolds, the audience is drawn into a web of action, emotion, and suspense, making for a riveting cinematic experience.
What’s Good?
1. Aamir Khan’s Performance
Aamir Khan delivers one of the finest performances of his career, effortlessly portraying the duality of a vengeful fighter and a vulnerable lover. His physical transformation and intense portrayal of Sanjay’s emotional turmoil are nothing short of extraordinary.
2. Direction and Screenplay
A.R. Murugadoss’s direction ensures a taut narrative that keeps the audience hooked from start to finish. The screenplay is expertly crafted, balancing action sequences with poignant emotional moments.
3. Asin’s Charisma
Asin’s portrayal of Kalpana is delightful, adding a fresh and endearing quality to the film. Her chemistry with Aamir Khan forms the emotional backbone of the story.
4. Music and Background Score
Composed by A.R. Rahman, the music is soulful and elevates the film’s emotional quotient. Songs like “Guzarish” and “Behka” became instant hits. The background score enhances the tension and drama, making the action sequences even more impactful.
5. Action Sequences
The film’s action, choreographed by Peter Hein, is gritty and realistic. The fight scenes, particularly those featuring Aamir Khan, showcase raw intensity and well-executed choreography.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Engaging Narrative: The film’s non-linear storytelling keeps the audience invested in the plot.
- Emotional Depth: The love story adds a layer of emotional resonance, making the revenge plot more impactful.
- Production Values: High-quality visuals and meticulous attention to detail elevate the overall cinematic experience.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Climax: While the journey is gripping, the climax feels somewhat predictable and lacks novelty.
- Length: At 3 hours, the film’s runtime could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter pace.
- Limited Villain Arc: The antagonist’s character lacks depth, making him less memorable compared to the protagonists.
Target Audience
Ghajini appeals to a wide audience, including:
- Fans of intense action-thrillers.
- Viewers who enjoy emotional, character-driven narratives.
- Aamir Khan fans who appreciate his dedication to transformative roles.
- Families looking for an engaging movie with a blend of action and romance.
Box Office Details
Financial Overview
- Total Budget: INR 65 crore (approximately).
- Worldwide Box Office Collection: INR 232 crore.
First 5-Day Earnings (India and Overseas)
| Day | India Collection (INR) | Overseas Collection (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Opening) | 18 crore | 4 crore |
| Day 2 | 20 crore | 5 crore |
| Day 3 | 22 crore | 6 crore |
| Day 4 | 15 crore | 4 crore |
| Day 5 | 12 crore | 3 crore |
The film shattered several box office records, becoming the first Bollywood movie to cross the INR 100 crore mark domestically, setting a new benchmark for commercial success.
Recommendation
Ghajini is a masterful blend of action, emotion, and suspense. With stellar performances, memorable music, and a gripping narrative, it’s a must-watch for fans of intense storytelling. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an unforgettable cinematic experience!
Genres:
Action, Romance, Thriller
Rating:
7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Aamir Khan | Sanjay Singhania |
| Asin Thottumkal | Kalpana Shetty |
| Jiah Khan | Sunita |
| Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat | Ghajini Dharmatma |
| Riyaz Khan | Inspector Arjun |
| Khalid Siddiqui | Air Voice Manager |
| Tinnu Anand | Satveer Kohl |
| Sai Tamhankar | Sunita’s Friend |
| Supreet | Ghajini’s henchman |
| Sunil Grover | Sampat |
| Rajendran | Ghajini’s henchman |
| Vibha Chibber | Havaldar Vaijayanti |
| Firdausi Jussawala | Dr. Peston Wadia |
| Sonal Sehgal | Ad model |
| Anjum Rajabali | Dr. Debkumar Mitra |
How is Our Review?
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
