Review of Ghajini (2005) by Venkat M — 16 Jul 2012

It's hardly fair to keep compering 'Ghajini' with Christopher Nolan's 'Memento'. Apart from the only remembering the last 15 minutes, the body heavily tattooed with reminders for revenge, the constant taking of photos to remember, this is where the comparisons stop.

Sounds a lot but it just isn't. For a start, I didn't enjoy 'Memento' at all (the character was bland and unlikable, and I didn't care what happened to him...) but that's enough about that film.

'Ghajini' is a very different kind of film. It begins seriously, explaining what has happened to Sanjay Singhania - How he has lost his memory and how he deals with only remembering the last 15 minutes.

After some action and getting to understand how he's feeling, we are transported back to before the 'accident' happened. This is after 30 minutes, and I was wondering whether my interest for a back story was going to be enough for me to care or continue.

I needn't have worried - it's very clever how we are given a complete change of story, introduction of a new main character, and a romantic comedy feel to replace the grim nightmarish start. And it still kept me interested! Add a few story songs just to make you remember it's Bollywood.

....not forgetting a kind of fun case of mistaken identity....and you realize this I nothing like 'Memento'....it's sheer diversity and changing moods and colour are much more fun. The best way to watch 'Ghajini' is to go with the flow.

...don't pretend to be watching the other film mentioned - It's not confusing to the viewer....it's a boy meets girl....with only a secondary story of madman out for revenge. Remember that for more than 15 minutes and you'll really enjoy this very good movie.

BTW - halfway through the film we are back to being serious and back to the future of not remembering....somehow it all works. There's tension, drama and danger....and Aamir is brilliant as usual.