"Ghajini" is a 2008 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Allu Aravind and Madhu Mantena. The film stars Aamir Khan, Asin, and Jiah Khan in lead roles, with Pradeep Rawat and Riyaz Khan in supporting roles. The film is a remake of the 2005 Tamil film of the same name, which was also directed by A.R. Murugadoss.
The film follows the story of Sanjay Singhania (Aamir Khan), a wealthy businessman who suffers from short-term memory loss after a violent encounter with his lover's murderers. He uses Polaroid photographs and tattoos to keep track of important details and to help him exact revenge on those responsible for his condition. Asin plays Kalpana, a young woman who helps Sanjay in his quest for revenge.
"Ghajini" was a critical and commercial success and became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2008. The film was praised for Aamir Khan's performance, the action sequences, and the music by A.R. Rahman. The film also sparked a trend of short haircuts among young Indian women, as Asin's character in the film had a popular short hairstyle.
The film's marketing campaign was also innovative, with Aamir Khan appearing in public with a new short haircut, which he had gotten specifically for his role in the film.
The film's soundtrack, composed by A.R. Rahman, was also a huge success and featured hit songs like "Guzaarish" and "Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gayi". The film's background score, also composed by Rahman, was particularly praised for its effective use of music to create tension and build suspense.
"Ghajini" was also known for its action sequences, which were choreographed by Peter Hein. The film's climax, in particular, featured an intense fight scene between Aamir Khan and Pradeep Rawat, which was well-received by audiences and critics alike.
"Ghajini" was a landmark film in Indian cinema and helped to establish Aamir Khan as one of Bollywood's most versatile and talented actors. Its success also paved the way for other Hindi-language remakes of South Indian films, which have since become a common trend in the Indian film industry.
In addition to its critical and commercial success in India, "Ghajini" also received international acclaim and was screened at several film festivals around the world. The film was released in several other languages, including Telugu and German, and its success inspired the creation of a mobile video game based on the film.
The film's portrayal of short-term memory loss also sparked a national conversation about the condition and the challenges faced by people who suffer from it. Several organizations and activists praised the film for raising awareness about the issue and promoting a more empathetic and understanding attitude towards those who live with memory loss.
However, "Ghajini" also faced criticism from some quarters for its portrayal of violence and its treatment of mental illness. Some critics argued that the film was excessively violent and that it perpetuated harmful stereotypes about people with mental health conditions.
Despite these criticisms, "Ghajini" remains a popular and influential film in Indian cinema, and its impact can still be felt in Bollywood today.
The success of "Ghajini" led to a resurgence of interest in the action thriller genre in Bollywood, and many films in the years that followed incorporated similar elements of suspense, action, and revenge.
The film's director, A.R. Murugadoss, went on to direct several other successful films in Bollywood, including "Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty" and "Akira". Aamir Khan, meanwhile, continued to deliver critically acclaimed performances in films like "3 Idiots" and "Dangal", cementing his status as one of India's most talented actors.
In the years since its release, "Ghajini" has become a cultural touchstone in India and a favorite among fans of action and suspense films. Its impact on Indian cinema and popular culture is undeniable, and it continues to be remembered as one of the defining films of its era.
Apart from its impact on Indian cinema, "Ghajini" also made a significant impact on the Indian fashion industry. Aamir Khan's stylish look in the film, including his short haircut and tattooed body, became a trendsetter among young people in India. The haircut and style became so popular that it was dubbed the "Ghajini cut", and many salons began offering the style to their customers.
The film's success also inspired several other Indian film industries to make remakes of the film, including the Tamil and Telugu film industries. The Telugu remake of the film, titled "Ghajini", starred Suriya in the lead role and was also a box office success.
Overall, "Ghajini" continues to be a beloved film in India, and its impact on Indian cinema and culture is still being felt today. It remains a testament to the power of a well-made film and the enduring appeal of action, suspense, and revenge.