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[keep-it-cool]

I am generally very wary of south indian remakes ... nayak and all the recent priyadarshan movies (except hera pheri and hungama to a lesser extent) being examples of how things can go horribly wrong. But, with Aamir agreeing to do the movie, I am curious (I know I will end up watching anyway). Rs90+ crores is huge money .. wonder what it will take to recover all of that for those who have acquired the rights. I hope I am proven wrong, but I am afraid this may turn out to be a damp squib.

And, I havent seen Memento either.

http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/36615.html

Ghajini remake leaps ahead of OSO!
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, February 16, 2008] 

Every time a ‘big-budget’ film is about to be released, it passes through a stage where it is compared with its predecessors. The film that is under the limelight today is Aamir Khan’s next movie under production, ‘Ghajini Remake’.

Towards the end of last year Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Om Shanthi Om’ broke many records and fetched a record breaking Rs. 73 Crores for its rights. Now Aamir’s ‘Ghajini’ has broken this record of OSO and set a new record of fetching a whooping Rs. 90 crores.

Indian Film Company has sold the domestic theatre rights of ‘Ghajini’ for a ‘huge’ 53 Crores. We have reports suggesting that no other Hindi film has been sold for this mammoth sum. Not only this but the satellite, overseas and the home video rights have fetched another 40 Crores, which makes an over all mammoth 93 Crore!

This massive investment flick, which is not yet titled, is a Hindi remake of the Tamil director A.R. Murugadoss Tamil flick ‘Ghajini’. This is the biggest movie for Aamir Khan this year where he is pairing with Asin, a South Indian beauty, who also was the heroine in the original Tamil version.

Reports close to the producer suggest that they are receiving good offers from various distribution houses. They say that they have surpassed any Indian film's record in terms of pre-release sales.

We wish this team all success!

[keep-it-cool]

http://www.tamilstar.com/news/publish/article_5156.shtml

A.R.Murugadoss has been missing in action from Kodambakkam for a long time. When we finally managed to get hold of him for a quick chat, we asked him to update us on his progress with the much-awaited Hindi remake of Ghajini with Aamir Khan. This is what the director had to say: "Aamir Khan had taken some time off after TZP. He is completely
 
 worn out by work, the man works for close to 20 hours a day without any hesitation – so committed and passionate is he towards work. It’s a once in a lifetime experience working with him. He intends to finish off some work towards TZP DVD and then join us. We will start shooting from the first week of March. Watch out for his bald look!"

 
Next up, we asked him about his association with Rahman: "After the impact of Aamir’s commitment to work, you encounter Rahman’s incredible commitment to work: A.R.Rahman is work himself. He does nothing but music. He lives, breathes, and talks music. But both these people are very socially aware and have a strong opinion on everything happening around them. It’s been fabulous doing music with A.R.Rahman"
On his future projects: "Let me finish this one first. It has taken all my energy. I rarely get a chance to think about something else. But I do have some ideas and I have been talking to few people. Nothing concrete until this movie is complete"

"By the way, the name of the movie is still not finalized", adds Murugadoss, who is well on his way to becoming a star director in the circuit.

[justforkix]

Gajini was a poor remake of Memento.

Memento was an excellent movie. Gajini was quite ordinary. But Gajini was a hit - no idea why

[keep-it-cool]

So, Aamir is remaking a poor remake of a classic?? Hmm .. and that too with the director of the poor remake!!

I am more optimistic about his teaming with Raju Hirani for Idiots - based on Five Point Someone.

[atticus]

The problem is you can't really make a remake of a movie like Memento (which took me more than a couple of viewings to understand. There are a lot of subliminal frames in the movie) for Indian audiences. Given that, I thought Ghajini was a decent movie. The first half was really good and then it fell off completely in the second. The acting, music were all very good and that probably saved the movie... Murugadoss  is a good director. Anyone who can make a vijayakanth movie entertaining (not in an "unintentional comedy" way) has to be good.

[keep-it-cool]

Well apparently they have re-written the last half to one hour coz aamir hated it. Anyway, let's see how it turns out.

[justforkix]

Well apparently they have re-written the last half to one hour coz aamir hated it. Anyway, let's see how it turns out.

good. IMO, that was what screwed up the tamil version !!!

[keep-it-cool]

A couple of posts from Aamir's blog on this movie

GHAJINI.   
Friday, June 29, 2007
 
http://www.aamirkhan.com/blog.htm

Guess where I am as I write this? I'm sitting in A.R.'s studio in Chennai!!! We are here to work on the songs of Hindi remake of GHAJINI. Rehman is sitting to my right leaning against his piano, Prasoon Joshi, who is writing the lyrics, is to my left, and in front of me is Murgadoss, the director. Quite appropriate that I should be doing my post on GHAJINI today. Usually I wouldn't be here but Murgadoss wants me around as he is relying on me to guide him about the Urdu lyrics. So I'm here more as a translator. When I was offered GHAJINI I didn't take it very seriously as I'm not usually keen on remakes. But when I saw the film I really loved it. I did not like the last 30 mts of the film but despite that the film had worked for me. I was not sure that I shoiuld do it as I had a problem with the end of the film, also I was not sure that it was my kind of film. The person who persuaded me to go for it was Surya, the hero in the original. I had called him to congratulate him on his performance. While discussing the film I expressed my doubts, I felt that maybe I was not the right actor for the film. He just brushed aside my doubts and insisted that I was the right person for the Hindi remake. But what sealed it for me was my meeting with the director. He is a really spirited young director and I was very impressed meeting him. He has a really nice vibe around him and a very sharp instinct towards his work. Importantly, when I expressed my reservations regarding the end of the film he did not hesitate in seconding that he too was not very happy with that portion, and that in the remake thats the portion that he felt we needed to rework. Having made sure that we were on the same page and feeling a great amount of comfort in Murgadoss I went ahead with my decision. In this meeting I got to know how the story came about. Murgadoss had heard about a film called MOMENTO and the concept had really fasinated him. Without having seen the film he went ahead and wrote his own version of the script and screenplay. Having finished his script he then saw MOMENTO, found it very different from what he had written, and went ahead and made GHAJINI. I had not seen MOMENTO myself untill then and was very curious to see it. On seeing it I thanked my stars that he had not seen MOMENTO before having written his script. I preffered GHAJINI any day. Momento I just couldn't understand. For those of you who have asked me why I don't have any problems doing a remake of a Hollywood film..., its NOT a remake. Watch both films and see for yourself. In my opinion this is a GENUIN case of 'inspired from', and nothing beyond that. Murgadoss has written a completely different and original screenplay and he should get the due credit for his work. Its being produced by Allu Arvind, Directed by Murgadoss, Music A.R. Rahman, lyrics Prasoon Joshi, cinematography Ravi K Chandran, sound Rassul. The two female roles are being played by Asin and Jhia Khan. I thought Asin was stunning in the original so she was the natural choice for that role. For the other role a number of actresses were auditioned, the director found Jhia the best suited and so she has been finalised. I have not seen Jhia's earlier film but I did see her test and I agreed with the assesment of the director. We have begun shooting for the film and should complete the shoot by the end of the year. So I would guess it should be a 2008 May or June release. On the script level while we have stuck to the Tamil original for the most part we have made changes to the villian track, and have changed the last 30 odd mts of the film including the climax. I was telling Rahman about this blog and told him about the various posts you guys had made criticising his work.... relax just kidding, told him you'll love him, got a big grin out of him, he sends his regards. Couple of questions I have for those of you who have seen the Tamil version. What should we call the film in Hindi? Any ideas? And who is the right cast for the role of the villian? Those of you haven't seen the original please wait and see the Hindi version. Met someone I am a huge fan of on my flight here... Rajnigaru! He is so cool, I just love him. He is the guy who really rocks. Bye for now. Love.

[keep-it-cool]

Its Memento not Momento!!!   
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
 
Hello, hello, hello. Took a few days to recover from my sessions with A.R. He works through the night so I''m still jet lagging. By the way the work went really well and I''m really liking how the songs are turning out.

As you can see the paragraph problem has been solved, so no more going squint eyed.

Thanks a ton for the imputs on casting and title, some of them are really interesting and I''ve passed them on to the director.

Hey those of you who have not seen the Tamil version please don''t feel obliged to see it. I''d rather you''ll wait for the Hindi version. At this rate there wont be anyone left to see what we make in Hindi.

Guys, Mira, its MEMENTO not MOMENTO!!! Relax just kidding, I know I need to do a spell check but I''m really lazy and at 3am I''m not at my best. Ok while on Memento let me also clarify that I said that - ''I did not like Memento'', which is very different from saying that - ''Memento is not a good film''. I sincerely believe that film making/viewing is extremely subjective, and that each person has his/her own opinion. And each person is entitled to his/her own opinion. So I usually take care to say that a particular film did not work for me, as opposed to its not a good film. Who am I to pass judgement on a film all I can say is that I did not like it. Others may like it and I respect that. Why Memento did not work for me is that it left me confused. By the end of the film I had no idea who had killed the hero''s wife? Had she been killed at all? Had he killed his own wife? Did he finally get the guy who killed his wife? Was he still searching? Did he have a wife at all? So while, in theory, I can appreciate the attempt of writing a screenplay which travels backwards in time, at some point I need to know what actually happened in the film. And personally I feel that I should get the film without the need to read what the web says about it, or articles in magazines which explain the film. So for people who got the film... power to you! I''m sincerely glad that you enjoyed it. But I have to admit that I failed to understand what was going on, so I didn''t enjoy it. And once again, having seen both films I sincerely believe that Murgadoss has written a completely different script and screenplay. Thats my personal opinioln. I can see that some of you dont agree with me, but thats fine, lets agree to disagree.

Quite a few of you have asked me how I select my films, so thats what my next post is going to be about. Till then.
 

[Zacked]

First look

[LosingNow]

Aamir Khan's workout and diet..
--
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/The_Streetfighter/articleshow/3624258.cms


The Streetfighter!
22 Oct 2008, 0000 hrs IST, MARK MANUEL , TNN

Salman Khan, eat your heart out.

Hrithik Roshan, go to the back of the class. The best body in Bollywood is about to step out from behind the gym shower curtain. And, it is Aamir Khan’s. BT presents the awe-inspiring look that the actor trained for a year to develop and showcase in his new film Ghajini. Feast your eyes on him. You will be forgiven for mistaking Aamir for the Mike Tyson of 1989.

That was when the mercurial boxer was world heavyweight champion and notoriously the meanest man on earth. Aamir has the same look, in face and body; just shows what man can make of himself once the mind is conditioned to accept pain, the body punishment, of sustained, rigorous physical training.

Ghajini is not the kind of film Aamir is used to making. It is an action thriller, a full-on entertainer with revenge as its theme.

Filmmaker A R Murgadoss of the South convinced Aamir to play the role of a man of violence. Aamir said in explanation, “I needed this kind of physique because the kind of action you see me doing, you will believe I am capable of only because of my body.” As to what it took to achieve this streetfighter look, Aamir still cringes in memory of the sheer torture he put himself through to get there. “It took three hours of workout every day. I began on March 15, 2007, one day after my birthday, and it went on till April 21, 2008,” he said. “I learned a lot about fitness in this period. And how far I can push myself.”

His workouts were structured by his physical trainer Satyajit Chaurasia and diet by Dr. Vinod Durandhar. “The workout was a cycle of three days,” he revealed, “Mondays I did chest and back, Tuesdays I worked on the arms, and Wednesdays I exercised my shoulders and legs. Then I would repeat the cycle. This included cardio every day of between half-hour to an hour. And abs, to work the core muscles and get the six-pack, say 1,000 crunches. On days when I felt good, I would push myself more. There was no time to think... because I’d be screaming in pain! But I was particular about getting eight hours of sleep. No matter what time I went to bed, I’d get eight hours, then get up and start training. It was tough, because I was into post production for Taare Zameen Par at the time. And I’d finish my workouts, shower, crash out for a while to regain strength, then go to work.”

He talked about the challenging diet that supplemented his look. “It was a balanced diet, one-third fat, one-third carbs, one-third protein, but normal food, rotis, rice, sabzis, chicken, 16 egg whites, fruit, and four litres of water. All cooked in three teaspoons of oil. No, not olive oil. There was no sugar, no potatoes, no bananas, no red meat, no egg yolks and no fried stuff. The diet changed every month. In the last week and before I went on the sets of Ghajini, I cut down salt. And the last three days, I took myself to the brink of dehydration by having just one glass of water a day. This cut that last bit of fat. And the body looked lean and ripped,” said Aamir triumphantly.

Which truly is a phenomenal way of preparing for a role and getting into character for any actor. Robert de Niro did it in 1980 when he played the boxer Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull. Now Aamir has done it for Ghajini. The film is slated for release in December.

Aamir, meanwhile, is into his next film already. It is Raju Hirani’s 3 Idiots... for which he does not require “any kind of body”. How did he feel about losing the Ghajini look for 3 Idiots? “It’s heart-breaking,” said Aamir Khan with a wry smile.

[keep-it-cool]

He He .. what an idea, Sirjee

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/15/2008121220081212025812547fef91741/AAMIR-TRESS--PASSES-ON-SRK-TERRITORY

First, he named his dog Shah Rukh, and laughed it off as a joke. But now with his latest publicity gimmick for Ghajini which releases within a fortnight of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, the gloves are off and Bollywood's most-underplayed rivalry is set to hog the headlines.

In a surprise move that has caught Shah Rukh and Yashraj Films off-guard, Aamir and his producers tied up with leading multiplexes (BIG Cinemas, Cinemax and PVR) across the country, where SRK-starrer Rab Ne is releasing today, to give all the ushers, ticket-sellers the distinctive buzz-cut that Aamir sports in Ghajini.
 
“People will go to watch Rab Ne...but see these Aamir's Ghajini prototypes everywhere in the theatres,” says a trade analyst. The idea for this ambush marketing, says our source, came from Aamir. “The producers of Ghajini were delighted with Aamir's idea. The fact that the audience identifies with the Ghajini hairstyle also helped their cause. It was difficult to get almost 1500 ushers to shave off their hair just like Aamir though he himself was kicked with the idea that anyone who goes to watch Rab Ne Ban Di Jodi will see Aamir lookalikes. Not just ushers but also men at the ticket counter and those who work in the food courts will be sporting the Ghajini look,” said our source, not wishing to be identified and get caught in the cross-fire of two warring superstars.

“This marketing initiative required a lot of coordination since all ushers had to do it voluntarily,” said Joydeep Ghosh Roy, GM Marketing and Sales, PVR Cinemas. “I think this is one of the most eye-catching marketing strategies. After a gloomy period due to the tragedy in the city, two big films like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini are releasing one after the other, and we're all looking forward to this,” he added.

When asked about the gimmick, Aamir dead-panned: “I am very happy that theatre chains are carrying out this activity. I sense that that they are treating the release of my film like an important event. I am glad that they consider Ghajini as one of the important films of the year.”

For Bollywood insiders there is more to the move than a mere marketing drive. The equation between Aamir and SRK has always been a volatile one. During the infamous SRK-Salman fight, Aamir had chosen to side with Salman and after naming his pet-dog Shah Rukh, wrote on his blog: “Shah Rukh is licking my feet and I am feeding him biscuits every now and then. What more I can ask for? He is smelling too much. I think he needs a bath. Heel boy, heel.”

To know if Shah Rukh Khan, never shy of pangas himself, will stay down at heel, or respond in kind, watch this space.

[keep-it-cool]

This is the look!

[kban1]

can someone provide a little background on the SRK-Salman feud and also on the AK-SRK feud ?

[keep-it-cool]

The AK-SRK feud is a media creation.

The SRK-Salman feud is a long story.

[kban1]

The SRK-Salman feud is a long story.

Pliss to share the highlights. Thanks in advance

[keep-it-cool]

This more or less covers it.

Some masala from a few people who claim to be in the know ...apparently after the initial argument, Salman asked SRK to fight & said "chal mard ban" ..to which SRK responded "aphi pehli waali se poonch mein kitna mard hoon" ..following which they almost came to blows.

http://srkplace.wordpress.com/2008/07/21/the-history-of-sallu-srk-feuds/

The History of Sallu & SRK Feuds

The two topmost Khans of Bollywood are at loggerheads. No doubt their friendship has been strained from the start.

Someone has rightly said that two swords cannot stay inside one scabbard. They would rattle. Much rattling has been going on between Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan from the start of their friendship in Bollywood.

The two first fought on the sets of SRK’s film Chalte Chalte way back in 2003 when Salman (then on the rebound) barged onto the sets of the movie and demanded to speak to Aishwarya Rai who had then freshly dumped him like some hot potato. Salman’s aggressive behavior did not please SRK and the two indulged in a heated squabble.

The first crack in the friendship lasted about one-and-a-half years during with neither SRK nor Salman tried to mend their fences.

Then came Farah Khan ’s sangeeth ceremony in December 2004 which both SRK and Salman attended. It was a festive occasion and the two stars apparently found it most auspicious to bury their hatchets. Bury them they did with a bear hug and a few tears of repentance.

Bygones were let bygones and Salman-SRK were friends again.

But last week, a fresh crack appeared in their friendship, a crack that may be difficult to repair.

At the birthday party of Katrina Kaif , Salman and SRK almost came to blows. How the spat began is still unclear, but sources present at the party say Salman was inciting SRK with provocative remarks from the start of the party.

According to one report, while having a friendly conversation with the guests and Salman, SRK in his usual flamboyance proclaimed himself (jocularly) as the superstar of Bollywood. But Salman reportedly took the remark seriously and replied that SRK was a superstar who was ‘Paanchvi Fail’ (an allusion to SRK’s unsuccessful TV show ‘Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Hai’). SRK, too, did not take the remark kindly and said something that disturbed Salman.

Thereby, what began as harmless joshing turned into a full-blown war of words between the two superstars of Bollywood. People present at the party tried to intervene between the two, but the two stars had already reached the point of no return.

Reports say just when it seemed that verbal spat was about to become physical, SRK’s wife Gauri Khan took him by hand and led him straight out of the party. And what was supposed to be a night of revelry ended on a rather sour note.

Even though the whole B-Town is buzzing with the talk of the spat, neither Salman nor SRK has so far tried to make a compromise. The chill that was there between them four years ago has returned again.

Someone has rightly said: ‘The more things change, the more they remain the same’.

[kban1]

Thanks a lot for the info

This is entertaining 

[justforkix]

The original tamil/telugu producer files a case against release of Ghajini - Madras HC stays release of movie. Aamir claims stay is only in TN while producer who filed the case says stay is for the release all over India !!

The hindi Ghajini producer Allu Aravind is planning to appeal against the stay tomorrow !!

[keep-it-cool]

The original tamil/telugu producer files a case against release of Ghajini - Madras HC stays release of movie. Aamir claims stay is only in TN while producer who filed the case says stay is for the release all over India !!

The hindi Ghajini producer Allu Aravind is planning to appeal against the stay tomorrow !!

Boy, it was difficult to find this thread

I think a few crores will change hands in an out of court settlement.

The intent of the original producer is clear when one considers that this suit was filed at the eleventh hour to give very limited time for the law to take its due course. There is no way anyone in India atleast could have missed that Ghajini is being remade in India over the last two years.

However, if Geetha Arts does not have the adequate paper work to prove that it has all the rights, it has no one else to blame.

[justforkix]

Interim injunction against ‘Ghajini’ release

Special Correspondent
 
IN TROUBLE: Aamir Khan in the Hindi version of Ghajini.

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Tuesday granted interim injunction restraining the respondents in a civil suit from releasing the Aamir Khan-starrer ‘Ghajini.’

Justice P.R. Shivakumar granted the injunction, pending civil suit, on an application filed by A.Chandrasekharan, proprietor, Sri Saravana Creations, Nungambakkam, Chennai, in which he has cited Geetha Arts Division of Allu Entertainment Pvt.Limited, Chennai, AR.Murugadoss and M/s Ad Lab Films Pvt Limited, Mumbai, as respondents.

The film was scheduled for release on Christmas day.

In his affidavit, Mr. Chandrasekharan submitted that he was constrained to file the suit for declaration of his right and for permanent injunction. The respondents were attempting to interfere with his copyright.

He continued to be the owner of the copyright in respect of the film and no one else was entitled to produce the same in any other language.

Copyright infringement

The respondents did not have any right to produce the film in Hindi.

They should be restrained from interfering with his copyright, he said.

The applicant said he had parted only with the Chennai city rights, the Telugu remake, the dubbing and satellite rights. He had retained all other rights with himself. He was shocked as to how the respondents could conceive any idea of producing the picture in Hindi.

[justforkix]

Madras High Court stays worldwide release of Ghajini
 
Tuesday, 23 December , 2008, 20:41
Last Updated: Wednesday, 24 December , 2008, 11:19 
 
Chennai/Mumbai: The much-awaited release of Aamir Khan-starrer Hindi film Ghajini has been nixed with the Madras High Court on Tuesday staying its worldwide screening on Thursday after the producers of the Tamil film on which it is based filed objections.

Film industry circles say an amount of at least Rs.1.2 billion was riding on the Aamir Khan film.

Justice P R Shivakumar granted the stay after A Chandrasekaran, the producer of the original Tamil film of the same name, filed a suit claiming that the producers of the Hindi remake had "fabricated documents to claim ownership over the remake rights".

Appearing for the respondents Geetha Arts and Ghajini director A R Murugadoss, advocates Shivaraman and Anbumani told the court that it would be impossible to convey the court ruling the world over where the prints have been delivered.

On this, Justice P R Shivakumar observed: "We will record this plea. However, we are staying the release of the film worldwide."

"To whomsoever the first respondent (Geetha Arts) has delivered the prints, it is for the first respondent to communicate by the fastest media that the film should not be released and comply with the (court's) order."

Senior counsel A R L Sundaresan, who appeared for the petitioner, said: "The judge has accepted our plea that Geetha Arts and director A R Murugadoss had fabricated documents to claim ownership over the remake rights of the movie Ghajini, which our clients had not assigned at all."

"Our matter is not connected to any other matter in any other court," he said, referring to the Bombay High Court order allowing release of the film.

"Our colleagues have filed a caveat to meet any appeal filed during the winter vacation starting tomorrow (Wednesday) in view of the release that was scheduled on December 25 - which has now been stayed," Sundaresan added.

Ghajini, a revenge saga, has Aamir Khan in the lead role and Asin plays his love interest.

Praveen Trikha, regional head (North) of Studio 18 that is distributing the film in India, said in New Delhi: "As far as I can say, the stay will be vacated by tomorrow, we are working on it."

An official of BIG Pictures, of Reliance ADAG group, which owns the overseas distribution rights, said on condition of anonymity: "The court verdict has come late in the evening (7.30 pm) and our lawyers are studying it right now. So, we can't comment on it."

In the petition filed in the Bombay High Court, Mumbai-based KBC Pictures had sought a stay claiming Ghajini infringed its copyright of a film being made by them on the same subject entitled Kahani Ghajini Ki.

Mumbai reports said earlier that Rs140 million had been spent on the Hindi version's publicity alone.

According to the Hindi version's producer Madhu Mantena, various brands being endorsed by actor Aamir Khan have joined hands for the Rs140-million promotional campaign, the costliest ever for a Bollywood movie.

"This kind of promotional campaign is necessary to create a hype around the film, so that more people become aware of its release," Mantena said.

Some brands associated with the campaign have come out with their new product lines.

While clothing brand Van Heusen has already launched its new Ghajini apparel, the mobile instrument and accessories' company Samsung has come out with two special edition mobile sets, L700 and M200. These two models are pre-loaded with Ghajini ringtones, songs and pictures.

Petitioner A Chandrasekaran, producer of the Tamil film Ghajini (2005), said: "The accused (Allu Aravind who owns Geetha Arts and others) paid me just Rs 2.6 crore (Rs 26 million) and a minimum guarantee besides the rights for distribution in Chennai and many other things (for the Tamil film). I had only entered into an agreement for the Telugu version for which I was to be paid from the overflow - and that has not happened so far - and nothing more".

"The worst part is that the accused persons obtained my signatures on a blank stamp paper and claimed that I agreed for giving them all the rights - which I have been contesting since early this year."

"Further, the case in the Madras High Court has been going on since April 2008 and the orders have been issued by the judge by the grace of god just today."

"So far, the accused have forwarded accounts for a paltry sum of Rs1.6 crore (Rs16 million) when they earned dozens of crores from the original and the Telugu versions. Worse, they refused to entertain my polite requests for a settlement. I know that over Rs 120 crore (Rs1.2 billion) is riding on this film which is only because of what I originally own. I have been cheated and am not giving in without a fight."

Joginder Mahjan, a Delhi-based distributor, said: "The film's prints have already been delivered to all theatres. It is now impractical to stop the release of the movie."

"All paid previews for the film have been sold and in fact the opening weekend bookings are houseful. The stay can also be a publicity gimmick by the producers. It will be vacated tomorrow itself," he added.

[keep-it-cool]

Ok. The HC has lifted the ban ...so, release is secure. Now wait for the inevitable settlement before the final hearing on Friday

http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23524&sectionid=4&issueid=85&Itemid=1

Madras HC lifts ban on release of Ghajini

IANS
Chennai/Mumbai,  December 24, 2008   
 
Comment Print Email A  A  A Share Facebook! Digg it! Newsvine! Reddit! Del.icio.us! Technorati! StumbleUpon! RSS Feed
CloseIndia Today expert view on Madras HC lifts ban on Ghajini releaseThe eagerly awaited Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini will be released on Thursday, as scheduled, as the Madras High Court on Wednesday lifted a stay on its release.

A division bench of Justices V. Dhanapalan and N. Satyanarayanan allowed the release.

Justice P.R. Shivakumar had stayed the Hindi film's release on Tuesday after A. Chandrasekaran, the producer of the original Tamil film of the same name, filed a suit saying that the producers of the Hindi remake had "fabricated documents to claim ownership over the remake rights".

Local firm KBC Pictures in its complaint said Murugadoss had entered into an agreement with it in 2004 for re-making the hit Tamil film in Hindi. Thus, the company claimed, the Hindi film was in violation of their contract.

The director's lawyer Venkatesh Dhond said: "The court has refused to stay the release of the film. The final hearing will be on Friday but for now the court has no objection to its release."

Preeti Puri, vice-president (corporate communication) of the film's overseas distributors Big Pictures, refused to comment on the matter.

"The matter is sub-judice and we cannot comment on the issue," she said before the Madras HC order came.

Earlier, the movie release cleared a hurdle when the Bombay High Court gave it a green signal. Justice S.B. Karnik of the Bombay High Court said the film can be released as scheduled but also asked director A.R. Murugadoss to file an affidavit on Friday clearing his stand.

[keep-it-cool]

From Aamir's blog

http://www.aamirkhan.com/blog.htm

Yes Ghajini is Releasing.    

Dec,24,2008
 
Ghajini is finally releasing as per schedule on 25th Dec, and some theatres are having paid previews this evening.

The last 24 hours have been most traumatic. In fact yesterday I had written a post which I was just about to uplink when I heard about the problem, and then I didn't post it. Am putting it below. Am emotionally totally drained. Just going to wait for your response now.

_____


Prenatal Depression.

Just before any of my films release I go into pendulum mode. One sec I feel very optimistic about the film and the next I’m sure no one’s going to like it. I lose my smile my appetite, my sleep. On the whole I am listless and walk around like a zombie. VVC (Vidhu Vinod Chopra), who was talking to me yesterday, accurately described it as Prenatal Depression. The film is about to be delivered and will be out of our systems so to speak. Then it will have a life of its own which we have absolutely no control over.

Sigh. It too tough, making films.

All the 2 years of planning, preparation, creative discussions, the struggle to shoot the film and the sleepless nights of post production ultimately culminate in a 3 hour experience in the darkness of a cinema hall.

This time around it is a remake of a Tamil film so I am especially anxious. Ghajini was a huge success in the South and Surya had done an excellent job in the original. I hope that I have been able to do justice to the film. Am especially awaiting Surya’s response as he was the one who went out of his way to convince me that I suit the role.

Am guilty of not being able to read the responses for my last post this time around, as I have been just too busy. In fact the last couple weeks have been too hectic and as a result of the exhaustion and excitement I’m down with fever so am lying in bed as I write this.

While the film releases on the 25th all over I believe in some Cinemas it actually opens for Paid Previews on the evening of 24th. So I will be eagerly awaiting your response 24th evening onwards. Wont miss a single post.

At this time, irrespective of the fate of the film, I want to acknowledge and introduce to you the various people who have worked behind the scenes on this film. The presenter Arvind Garu, who has been a great support to the entire team and has had complete faith in Murgadoss and his abilities. Also a man of great wisdom and maturity. Both Tagore Madhu and Madhu Mantena who have worked tirelessly to bring the film onto screen in the best possible way. Each with their individual strengths have been the best producers that this film could have ever asked for or got. Ravi K Chandran who has taken the film to another level with his visual excellence. Rasul who has impressed me the most with his amazing sound design. He has been among the most committed technicians I have ever worked with. The kind of detail and layering I have seen him get into is truly heartwarming, and the pains he has taken to satisfy the director are inspiring for any film person. Anthony who has truly astounded me with his editing abilities and has been a learning experience to work with. Peter Hines who has shocked me with his mad energy and acute understanding of the character and situation when he is composing for action. Stunt Shiva, who stepped in when Peter was unable to be with us because of the change in schedule because of my injury, worked with an enthusiasm unseen in clash work. Sunil, who quietly and tirelessly went about his work in Production Design to give the film the unique look that it requires. Arjun and Avan who has never failed to satisfy me in my endeavor to look the character. Rahul Nanda, who has managed to capture the pain and romance of the film in one single image. Anup Dev, who has patiently and with a lot of care given the final touches to the film. Piyush Misra, who handled the tough job of adapting the dialogues into Hindi. Nabeel Abbas, whose advice into the promotions and marketing of the film as a consultant were extremely helpful. Shilpa and Prabhat, who are extremely insightful and acute with their expertise in promotion have taken the film to the heights that it deserves. Priti and Aman, whose marketing abilities have given the film the scale and depth that it deserves. And lastly and most importantly Murugadoss. To make a film is very difficult, to make a film which connects with the audience is even more difficult, and to REMAKE a film which has connected big time with an audience with the same enthusiasm is most rare. Working with fresh enthusiasm, crystal clear thinking and an almost childlike excitement Murugadoss has breathed like into the film. He is an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with. How much I have learnt from him.

At the risk of sounding very presumptuous and patronizing I humbly thank all of you for the great time you gave me.

And now the time to test the pudding has arrived.

Cheers.

[Zacked]

any one watched it yet...

[achutank]

Ghajini opens to a bumper response worldwide
25 Dec 2008, 1541 hrs IST, PTI

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Ghajini_opens_to_a_bumper_response_worldwide/articleshow/3891183.cms

 Print      EMail      Discuss     Share     Save     Comment    Text:
MUMBAI: Bollywood actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan's much awaited film 'Ghajini', the story of a man with short term memory loss on a mission to
Ghajini hairdo
Aamir Khan's new hairdo for the movie Ghajini has become a big hit with the youngsters. (BCCL)
More Pictures
avenge the death of his fiancee, opened to a "bumper" response in India and 22 countries worldwide.

The film has got a "bumper opening" worldwide. "It's a well made film even though the length is a slight hitch," Trade analyst Amod Mehra told reporters.

The advance booking for the film is four times more than the record opening any movie has ever got, Khan said.

According to trade sources, the film has been released with nearly 1,500 prints. The paid previews all over India yesterday have boosted its box office collections, they said.

Critics said, despite flaws in the story, the treatment and presentation made all the difference.

"Asin is a lively actress and poses a serious threat to all present leading Bollywood heroines. Aamir is the soul of the film. However, its length should have been trimmed by half an hour," they said.

[keep-it-cool]

It's crazy. I am in Delhi. No tickets available till next week in any decent theatre.

Reviews by critics have been mixed though.

[Cover Point]

Went to watch Rab ne bana di here in Chicago ... sold out for the 3:30 show .... Ghazini was playing (This is on Thursday) at the 4:00 show .... decided to watch it. Unfortunately kids were with us ... and i did not know the movie had this much violence.

Outside of the violence being inappropriate for any kid under 14, the movie was excellent. Amir Khan's performance was excellent. The violence, as I said can be rather gruesome, but fits in the movie well. The south Indian actress (dont know the name) looked good in the role and acted well.

The plot is very good (even though it is a basic revenge story). Amir depicts the character very well.  He can really look scary in the movie. He depicts his own violence rather well. The ending was still weak.

Overall a good movie if you can stomach the gruesome violence.

[keep-it-cool]

Everyone who's seen it appears to have liked it a lot. I'll be watching it next week. It seems to be sweeping everything else away here in India!!!

[dhruvdeepak]

poor movie!! i just saw it. awful directing. some idiot keeps fast forwarding important scenes, so bloody annoying. villains were absolutely pathetic, this is like the goondas from movies in late 80s and early 90s.

Aamir is glorious, and he acts like an animal rather a lot. gruesome and sad story of course...

nothing more to the movie.

[Cover Point]

poor movie!! i just saw it. awful directing. some idiot keeps fast forwarding important scenes, so bloody annoying. villains were absolutely pathetic, this is like the goondas from movies in late 80s and early 90s.

Aamir is glorious, and he acts like an animal rather a lot. gruesome and sad story of course...

nothing more to the movie.

didnt I already post that its not recommended for kids? You kids never listen! 

[WicketView]

Is it memento in Hindi or are there any significant differences?

[Aloo Kashmiri Ul Haq]

Is it memento in Hindi or are there any significantly differences?

BLASPHEMY!!

[achutank]

very pretencious nonsense

typical madrasi crap where even the SFX of someone drinking water is exaggerated like some bombs are falling

amir is bogus as always - stock shots 3, 5 and 8 were in play.

the heroine can do wonders with a good scripted role, she is better than amir khan

and was that jiah khan? can't recognize her with all those clothes on her

and how typically amir, even the villain cant be good because that would be too much for his oversized ego

needed a crocin 

[keep-it-cool]

Thoroughly enjoyed the movie ...Aamir was brilliant & Asin was very good as well. The villain could have been much better ...I miss Amrish Puri a lot these days. There were quite a few loopholes in the plot but the pace was great and those did not grate - I cease being an analyst once I am off work

It was particularly fun watching it in a Delhi theatre . This is the second time I am watching a movie in Delhi and I must admit the enthusiasm has to be seen to be believed - claps, whistles et al. I've experienced these in single screen theatres in Mumbai but this was PVR on a weekday!! It was impossible to get tickets at the back rows even for the afternoon shows despite the theatre having some 12 shows or so - finally had to settle for the 7-8 rows away from the screen!!

PS - Aamir has turned film marketing into an art ...amazing pull & goodwill the guy has!!!

[keep-it-cool]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Puri_priests_sport_Ghajini_look/articleshow/3953263.cms

PURI: It's not the college-going trend-conscious youngsters alone who are enchanted by Aamir Khan's new crew cut hair style. The Ghajini  hairstyle has also become a rage among priests at the world famous Jagannath temple here.

Aamir Khan's attention-grabbing haircut has prompted nearly 30 young priests at the 12th century shrine to go for the latest fashion statement. Garbed in traditional attire (dhoti), these priests, who have little exposure to the glamour world, can now be differentiated easily because of their Ghajini haircut.

And they are proud of it. "I am not a big fan of Aamir Khan. But I liked his hairstyle in Ghajini . So I went for it," said Santosh Kumar Dash, a priest. Everyday Santosh serves the presiding deities of Jagannath temple by beating drums when ‘bhog' is offered. "More than 30 young priests at the 12th century shrine are sporting the look now,'' Dash added. The priests can be easily differentiated on account of their haircut.

"When I cut my hair two days ago everybody in the temple looked strangely at me. I felt a bit awkward then. But after looking at so many similar hairdos around me I feel comfortable now,'' he added.

Siba Shankar Panda, another priest said the devotees were also stunned to see the Ghajini craze within temple premises. "When we escorted some devotees into the shrine they stared at us blankly. They could not believe their eyes because they never expected a priest emulate a Bollywood actor. I told them I did it just for fun,'' Panda said.

When asked whether the act could create a negative impression among devotees, Panda shrugged off the idea. "On the other hand it is attracting more pilgrims everyday. My business is not suffering any loss,'' he added.

Honey Guru, another priest has become a regular visitor to the gym after he got the haircut few days ago. "I was impressed by Aamir Khan's eight packs in the movie. I want one as well. If others can adopt new fashion trends, why can't priests do the same?''

[LosingNow]

Enjoyed the movie. Total masala entertainer.

Aamir was brilliant.

Asin was Ok.

Jiah sucked.  Frankly, she does not belong on the silver screen and would be worse without clothes on

Rawat was Ok.

Loved the script and editing. Obviously there are some loopholes not serious ones - but one has come to the movie to go for a cinematic ride and these can be ignored.

Cinematography was awesome. Rahman music was not great but good - sounded similar to Saathiya. One song sounded like a total copy of Saathiya song.

The romance portion and the good-at-heart part of Asin was overdrawn .. could have been trimmed by 20 minutes. One song could have been cut easily.

I am one of those few who hated Memento. I got a headache watching it and shut the DVD within 15 minutes. Nolan tries to be too clever for his own good. He irritated me. (BTW, I liked Dark Night but more for Ledger's performance than the content of the movie).

Overall a must see. Yes it is violent - but at times appears cartoonish violent almost pulp-fiction like. Obviously not for kids. Wives/Girlfriends can go.

[dextrous]

Wives/Girlfriends can go.

lol...WN should start a section on the site..."movie OK for girl" ''movie ok to go to with gf and wife"

[LosingNow]

Wives/Girlfriends can go.

lol...WN should start a section on the site..."movie OK for girl" ''movie ok to go to with gf and wife"

and

[broadbat]

Quickest to 200 crore in Indian cinema. 2 weeks. Singh may not be King after all.