'Ghajini' loses audience due to Mumbai terror attacks

Some movie buffs want to give ‘Ghajini’ a miss because the promos suggest it’s too violent, which they’ve lost appetite for post 26/11.

Aamir Khan’s annual films are always looked forward to. More so this year because of 2008’s pitiable record at the box office.

However, there’s a section of movie buffs who, despite their love for Aamir and good cinema, is planning to give ‘Ghajini’ a miss. And the decision has roots in the recent terror attacks that Mumbai witnessed. The film, they say, is too violent — as the promos have made it clear — and they have no appetite for it post 26/11.

Many who comprise this section of the audience are the ones who were directly or indirectly affected by the attacks, like Mona Gillani. The 19-year-old commerce student was shopping at the Colaba Causeway when the terrorists opened fire at Leopold Café. “I wasn’t anywhere close-by but I heard the gunshots and later saw the bodies of those who died,” says Gillani, recounting the horror. “I have since developed an aversion to anything violent. I love watching films and watch all of Aamir’s flicks but this one isn’t palatable for me. From what I’ve seen in the promos, I feel it’s just too soon.”

Indrani Ray, a media programming and marketing consultant, wasn’t affected directly by the

terror attacks but she seconds Gillani and isn’t keen on watching violent films after having heard gunshots in her living room for three days. However, she isn’t averse to watching the film if her friends recommend it. “There’s so much violence around us that glorifying it on celluloid doesn’t appeal to me. But if word of mouth is fabulous, I’ll give it a shot,” she says.

Trade pundits agree that the promos are a tad discouraging in terms of violence. However, many feel it wouldn’t be fair to judge a film by its cover. But that will not affect the box-office performance of the film in any way. “While it’s up to an individual to decide whether or not they want to watch a film, they should surely not judge it entirely through promos,” says director Kunal Kohli. “I think ‘Ghajini’s’ a sweet love story.”

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