I am not much of a movie review guy. But after watching Ghajini, the latest offering from Aamir Khan, I feel I need to let out what I think about it. Especially, since its touted as the best movie of 2008 and a runaway success.
Frankly, I am disappointed with the movie. I think Aamir made a wrong choice this time in signing up for this, much as he did after Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. And it is Aamir’s popularity and trust that people have in him that has made this movie anything next to a hit. I think the producers have used Aamir as a property and cashed on his name. And I have my reasons for why I say so:
– Did someone say this movie is a thriller? Mr. Murugadoss, do you even know what a thriller means? This is a very predictable story of a good guy taking revenge with a bad guy who killed his girlfriend spiced up with some ‘larger than life’ ‘over the top’ action. This is not a thriller. Everyone knows whats going to happen next. And its slow as well.
– The movie has a ‘larger than life’ South Indian tone. Which I particularly dislike. Everything is exaggerated beyond realism, very similar to Rajnikanth movies.
– My biggest disappointment is the screenplay. It is very loose. It’s clear that in order to take story forward, Mr. Murugadoss, has conveniently left many many loose ends in the screenplay. Specifics below:
- The policeman who enters Aamir’s flat in the Odyssey building was not carrying a gun. While I understand that in order to keep violence low in the movie, no gunshots were fired but still, I wonder how come a policeman is carrying out a mission without a gun?
- Again, no guns were shown when policemen caught Aamir in the lift of the girl’s hostel. I appreciate that for the sake of keeping violence low. But the policemen actually made no attempt to catch hold of Aamir. The only way he could think of running was to jump right into policemen’s arms.
- And here’s the best one – no one in the police had any idea who’s this guy whom they have caught inspite of 1 policeman following his lead. No sketch. No identification. Nothing. To top it up, why didn Jiah Khan tell the police whom they’ve caught? If I remember correctly, she was the one who called up police. So, she should have been the first one to be interrogated. No? Well, there was no other way to make Jiah Khan useful in the movie, hence this bullshit. Right, Mr. Murugadoss?
- A minor one: what was Aamir purpose of visiting the medical college where he met Jiah Khan for first time? That was the easiest way to meet her, I suppose.
- And, actually, Aamir throwing guys twice his size like snowmans is quite hilarious. No one could hit him. Not even a punch. OMG!
– One last thing: We could make out that the endless dessert in the song Ghuzarish were digitally created. It was damn easy to know that.
The loose ends in the screenplay popout even more since they are the course changing events in the movie. Also, one does not expect absolutely any slack in an Aamir Khan movie since he’s the perfectionist. Sad to say, this one did not live upto his standards.
Having said all that, I must touch upon a few things I liked about the movie:
– Aamir’s acting is par excellence. He’s not let us down. And he looks really good as Chairman, Air Voice when he’s doing business.
– Asin’s good too. Acts well. Looks good. Suited well to the role.
– The entire drama of Asin thinking that Aamir is fake Sanjay Singhania and Aamir enjoying it, is very tickling. Very hilarious and full of sweet spots. Thoroughly enjoyed that.
– Using villain’s screen name (Ghajini) as the movie title is, I think, a first in Indian cinema. Very cool!
Well, that is all I had to say about Ghajini. I would be happy to hear some more point of views, both supporting and contradictory.
Updates:
Another thoughtful review of Ghajini by Nag: http://www.narendranag.com/ghajini-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly.php
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