cybersupam
Long time back I watched Memento, which was a masterpiece in the thriller generation. It was (and is) one of my all time favourite thrillers. After watching it I became a great fan of Christopher Nolan who also later provided us two Batman movies so far. Now after a long time again I had to see Indian version of Memento. Here Indian in the sense doesn't always mean of Hindi film industry Bollywood. It can be of any industry, and let's take here Tamil film industry Kollywood since Ghajini is originally made in Tamil as well dubbed in Telugu.I must admit that I caught this Ghajini just by its subtitle since I cannot understand any of Southern Indian languages. Just after learning that it was inspired from Memento I decided of watching it, but neglected again and again. And so now I am commenting on this impressive title Ghajini after finally grabbing it.In Memento Christopher Nolan used a unique storytelling technique which was not used before by any other director, and made me to watch it thrice to understand the whole story. But although Ghajini is not exactly a carbon copy of Memento, it has the similarities of the lead role suffering from 'anterograde amnesia' and following the incidents of written notes & tattoos corner by corner in his body as reminders. Still then the main theme was on taking revenge of his lover's murderers. The rest of the story is from itself.Murugadoss did a memorable job by making an Indian version of Memento in his own way by using his own talent and not fully depending on Hollywood. Nevertheless, Surya Sivakumar is really impressive in both roles – as a rich, cool and romantic businessman lover as well as a serious amnesiac running after murderers for revenge. And most important to mention is the name of Asin who performed a tragic but marvelous role as Kalpana. Pradeep Rawat's double role was so boring, and I guess it was created just to spark in the running story, nothing else than this. I watched him first and last time in super hit Sarfarosh as illegal weapon supplier Sultan, and now again.I equally noticed some unnecessary issues like police officer's role performed by Riyaz Khan. His role was not that important for the story but he appeared in the movie as if he is born simply to die from an amnesiac patient. After his first appearance I expected as if he has a strong significance in making the story sharper. Besides, many songs were also not important for showing the tragic romance between Sanjay and Kalpana, and could easily be avoided.After all I wish to give only 7 out of 10 for lacking of originality in the action scenes. During running of the movie only the fact that made me bored were the action scenes by which I felt as if I am watching some cartoons in Cartoon Network or Pogo. I know most of the Indian action scenes are made in this sense just to turn a superhero for some time. That's why Ghajini could have been a superb heart-touching and entertaining if important action scenes are presented more realistically than they are.
Raj Doctor
Ghajini Just because Amir Khan the superstar of Bollywood is attempting to make this Tamil re-make in Hindi, I was interested to see this original (which itself is a rip-off of Hollywood movie Memento).The story is very much similar to the original Hollywood movie Memento. The hero (Surya) who is suffering short term memory loss - revenges his girl friend's (Asin) murder through the help of notes, photographs and in the end another heroine (Nayantara) to track the killer Lakshman and his brother (both played by Pradeep Singh Rawat).The movie is told in typical Indian (Tamil) style. The big part of the story is told in flash back in two episodes, each in first and second half. As the flash back is a love story between Surya and Asin there are lots of songs thrown in. Whenever there is no flashback, the hero fights and kills the goons.I hear that this was a hit movie in Tamil when it was released so explains the taste of Indian audiences. There is typical and cliché of everything and most things are over the top presented unconvincingly. So if you are seeing this movie, see with a perspective of an Indian audience may be you will enjoy.I think all actors and actress have overacted a bit throughout the movie. Surya is above average. Asin looks beautiful. Let me make it clear here that for me, this movie even though not so good, was better than the original Memento. Seeing two movies of similar stories and both made poorly by the Director, I am interested to see what Amir Khan Productions is up to? Will he really change the script and treatment of Ghajini or present the same absurdities! Let's wait and watch! (Stars 4.5 out of 10)
rafiqs
I got to tell you that this movie elevated my respect to Tamil film industry. Very rare you find such a beautiful and skillful storytelling! Most of the time the director's direction matters in the movie. He can mould the acting the way he asks for. And that's what you see from this one. Movie storyline seems to be inspired from Hollywood all time favorite "Momento". The beauty of the movie is the pace in which it goes. Each scene is worth watching. Special effects and background score is the best I have seen! Surya was perfect fit for the role and he carried it with passion and dedication. This is the first movie of Asin I have seen and Man! she rocks. None in her genre can act so real! Finally have to say, this is the way the indianized version of Hollywood flicks should be made ;-)
SelvarajanK
Gajini, Directed by A.R.Murugadhas is a action movie, this time with a story. Murugadas, RD. Rajasekar, Antony above all Kanal Kanna are the real hero's of the film in Story, Camera, Editing and Stunts respectively.The highlight of the movie is the climax stunt between Surya and the Villain absolutely fabulous. When I saw alavandhan (movie) I thought what else can you do to beat this kind of stunt (remember kamal vs kamal) but the vision of the director, stuntman and the visual effects is really amazing and surprisingly perfect (It took 10 days to complete the climax).Surya has performed beautifully in both the characters. Surya, Asin pair in the movie looks fresh and good. Nayanthara trying to be sexy looks ugly in her attempt but her character is the pivot in the movie. Harris Jayaraj is looking confused in many places in the background score, he gives you a feeling as if you are seeing his earlier movie (anniyan, thotti jaya) but he has made it equal with songs specially "Sutrum Villi Sudarae" is beautifully choreographed and filmed.A.R.Murugadhas has done the story (The knot was taken from an English film Memento), screenplay and direction very well, but the two songs (Nayantharas and the climax song) are definitely the show stoppers as they bring down the phase and the impact of the story in a descending order, must have been avoided (remember Ramana where we has effectively only 2 songs) Gajini a movie worth watching.