Ghajini Hindi Vs Ghajini Tamil
The Tamil Ghajini, released in 2005, was a sweeping success. Surya, the hero, established his presence in the Tamil (and South Indian) Film industry. But the hype around the movie before its release and also during its early days is nothing compared to what Aamir Khan’s Ghajini is facing. A week before the release, it was Ghajini everywhere – from the hair cut to the eight packs to Asin, anyone and anything related with Ghajini came within the eye of the media. So definitely, the hype factor is in favour of the Hindi movie. After all the combination of Aamir and A.R.Rahman has always piqued interest in the movie going public.
Surya did a wonderful job portraying a rich guy fallen in love with a bubbling middle class girl. And he did well in the “short term memory loss” patient role as well. But his performance is nothing compared to what Aamir Khan, one of the best actors of India, has done in the movie. He has lived the role and done both periods of the character’s life with elan and perfection that only an actor like Aamir khan can. Surya is no pushover, but the experience of Aamir comes in his aid. Ghajini Hindi scores again.
Coming to the leading lady Asin, she has done a wonderful job in both the versions. But her performance in the Tamil version was better and maybe acting with someone like Aamir weighed her down a bit. A good performance and a great intro into Bollywood, nevertheless. Jiah Khan has done her role decent enough and is better than Nayantara who did that role in Tamil. But it has to be said that both of these ladies were lacking a lot in the movies and also the character was some what limited and flawed, to be fair.
Music, of course, A.R.Rahman outshines his erstwhile assistant Harris Jeyaraj, when it comes to the songs. The BGM in the Hindi movie is harsh at times and I daresay Harris Jeyaraj has scored over A.R.R in this aspect. Song picturizations were fantastic in the Tamil version and the Bekha and Guzarish songs can never really match up with the Oru Maalai and Suttum Vizhi of the Tamil version. The Asin intro song is better in the Hindi movie, but overall, the Tamil movie wins when it comes to picturization.
Coming to direction, Murugadoss has proved his mettle once again. The remake has minor changes from the Tamil one, but the climax, which was pitiable in the Tamil version has been changed and is a lot more better. And the name Ghajini now has a link to the story ( dont want to give any spoilers here), while the Tamil one didn’t have one.
Ok, Aamir has done a better job, but what about his chemistry with Asin. The chemistry is awesome between the two. It has to be seen to be believed. But, the chemistry between Surya and Asin was even better and was one of the major reasons why the movie was a huge hit. The pair was so natural on screen, so the Surya- Asin pair scores over Aamir- Asin pair.
The climax had gaping flaws in Ghajini Tamil and thankfully, they have been dealt with in the Hindi Movie. The climax is now more in tune with the story and comes within the realm of acceptable logic.
The verdict? The two movies are pretty even stevens and maybe Ghajini Hindi wins by a slight margin. Two good movies, that could have been better. Yeah both are based on the Hollywood flick Memento, but Ghajni has been well made for Indian audience.