Entertainment | Film & Cinema
Action packed
After a year-long gap, Aamir Khan is back this Christmas to sizzle the screen with his six-pack.
- By Abdulla Mahmood, Gulf News Report
- Published: 23:29 December 24, 2008
After a year-long gap, Aamir Khan is back this Christmas to sizzle the screen with his six-pack.
An Aamir Khan film is an event that must be celebrated simply because it comes once a year! Exactly a year after his last release – Taare Zameen Par – the versatile actor is back again this Christmas with Ghajini. It almost feels like it is his Christmas gift to his fans!
Ghajini is a remake of a Tamil blockbuster of the same title, both directed by A. R. Murugadoss. The Tamil filmmaker retained actress Asin from the original but traded Southern hero Surya, who received huge recognition for his portrayal, for the versatile Khan.
War with memory
The film portrays a man's struggle with his short-term memory, which hampers him from tracking down the baddies who killed his ladylove. Unlike most filmmakers, Murugadoss has no qualms about admitting that Ghajini is not an original script but inspired by Hollywood's Momento.
Impressive original
Even though Aamir was tempted to do Tamil remakes in the past, nothing materialised. He finally gave the nod to Ghajini after watching the original Tamil version. "I was impressed with the plot and Murugadoss' stylish narrative. I felt it was a challenging role and moreover I had not done an action film for a long time," says the actor.
Khan's make-over
For the role Khan had to chisel a brawny physique and develop an enviable six-pack beefy look. "When I agreed to do the role, Murugadoss wanted me to have a muscular look, but I wasn't sure if I could work it out. Thankfully with my hardwork and trainer's help, I was able to develop the required look," says Khan. Many claim Khan's physique is on par with the best in Bollywood, rivalling the other Khans – Salman and Shah Rukh.
Besides the six-pack, Khan's cropped hair with a stretched line across his head has become a fad of sorts. "The hairstyling was done in keeping with the character, who suffers a scar due to his head injury," explains the actor.
Young and trendy
Khan will sport two new looks – a rugged, injured angry look, and a younger, trendier one. Arjun Bhasin (of Rang De Basanti fame) designed Khan's look and costumes, while Avaan Contractor (of Dil Chahta Hai fame) worked on his hairstyles.
In fact, Khan will be showcased in six different looks in a single frame for the song Behka. Choreographed by Ahmad Khan, the song was shot in Cape Town, South Africa.
And what was the thinking behind the multiple looks for a single song? Ahmed says, "While flying to South Africa, I told Aamir (Khan) about my idea of giving six looks in a single frame, using a motion control camera. He liked the idea and decided to give it a shot.
"In the song he wears styles that are very unlike Aamir. He sports low-waist and narrow-fit jeans, low-neck tees and hats," adds Ahmed.
Southern hottie
Ghajini introduces Asin, the South Indian industry's latest export to Bollywood. She's starred in a few Tamil blockbusters, namely (Dasavatharam) with Kamal Hassan. "It's a dream come true to make my Bollywood debut opposite Aamir. Though my role and angle are similar to the original, I'm still as nervous as I was the first time round. I can't wait to see the audiences' response," says the actress. Her fresh look and impressive performance are sure to win her a slot in Bollywood.
Besides Asin, Jiah Khan will be seen in a substantial role. Ghajini is Jiah's second release after her debut with Amitabh Bachchan in the luke-warm Nishabd.
Lilting music
Ghajini's USP is A. R. Rahman's melodious music. In true Rahman style he betters the original film's musical score (composed by Harris Jayaraj).
"It is difficult to compare the music of Harris Jayaraj and Rahman as both have come up with a distinct phenomenal soundtrack. My favourite track from the Tamil version is Suttam Vizhi and coincidentally it's Hindi version Guzarish is also my favourite. I have been two-times lucky to get such beautiful compositions picturised on me," says Asin.
Rahman has indeed churned out terrific musical scores throughout 2008, beginning with Jodhaa Akbar followed
by Ada, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and Yuvvraaj. In fact, his musical score for the critically acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire has fetched him a nomination at the Gloden Globe.
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