While Bollywood has been delivering a similar kind of cinema to the audience, in 2008, a film came along that changed the dynamics by providing wholesome entertainment. It was Aamir Khan’s Ghajini that perfectly blended thriller and emotions, emerging as the power-packed entertainer of the year. Audiences hadn’t seen such a comprehensive entertainer in a long time, and this film not only created a stir but also set a new benchmark at the box office by creating the ₹100 crore club.
The story of Ghajini was unique, tracing the life of a wealthy business tycoon who falls in love with a struggling actress. Hiding his real identity, he wins her love. Just as they are about to start a new journey together, tragedy strikes when he is hit on the head with an iron rod while protecting her from goons, who ultimately kill her. The narrative then follows his journey as a man suffering from short-term memory loss, seeking revenge against the killer named Ghajini.
This is where director A. R. Murugadoss worked his magic. While the film revolved around the life of the protagonist, he chose to title it after the villain, Ghajini. This rare creative decision piqued the audience’s interest and became a significant element of the film’s appeal.
We can confidently say that Ghajini was not just a box office spectacle but also the beginning of a new era in Bollywood. It became the highest-grossing Indian film of the year and the first Bollywood film to cross the ₹100 crore mark domestically, creating the “100 Crore Club.” After this milestone, other films began aiming to surpass this benchmark. Remarkably, Aamir Khan’s character was even featured in a 3D video game titled Ghajini – The Game, based on the film. Now, that’s a true success story!
Ghajini also boasted an outstanding chartbuster album, with every song becoming a superhit and still being cherished today. Tracks like “Aye Bachchu,” “Behka,” “Guzaarish,” “Latoo,” and “Kaise Mujhe” are all iconic.
The film starred Aamir Khan, Asin Thottumkal (marking her Hindi film debut), Jiah Khan, and Pradeep Rawat. While the film created waves with its phenomenal box office streak, it also garnered immense love from audiences everywhere. Even after 16 years, it’s safe to say that there hasn’t been another film like Ghajini.
