Ritu's Reviews

Deep, dark, and full of turmoil is the impression of Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’. Likewise, you would expect Vishal Bhardwaj’s OMKARA to drag you down into a ditch of gloom. However, while the film is tragic, its execution is far from dull and dreary. With a stellar star cast and an expert director, this film prevails.

As a viewer there are three variable outcomes and one fixed.

-If you’ve read Othello, then most probably you’ll come out thinking it was a fair adaptation
-If you haven’t read Othello, then chances are you’ll find the narrative appealing, but also face the odds of being
lost
-Lastly, if you struggle with crude language, bold dialogues and find a UP/Bihari version with ‘gundas’ vs. dukes,
to be a demeaning take on a classical great…then you’ll walk away disappointed and disillusioned.

Irrespective of which of the above impressions you form, there are no two opinions on the production quality of the film. Clearly conceptualized, everyone from the actors, to the set director, costume designer, light techs, and lens men, are in sync. Director Vishal Bhardwaj has done an exemplary job. Along with him the art director earns praise for exceptional work and the director of photography for skillful cinematography.
As for the screenplay, it is, what it is. You like it or you don’t. The base of the story is after all an adaptation, so you have a general idea of what you’re walking in to. But what you may not expect is the inappropriate language and suggestive nature. Evidently no film for children, full of foul language it doesn’t make for a wholesome family watch. Still the dialouges are witty and act as a relief from the otherwise intense script. Although an adaptation, Bhardwaj’s OMKARA, still forms its own identity, apart from what Shakespeare may have envisioned. Vishal’s characters have their own individuality and unique shades.

Omi, Omkara, played by Ajay Devgan retains the basic attributes, but is too stoic. The zest of jealously that should be engulfing his being is portrayed in a subtle manner leaving his characterization weak. Ajay plays the central role but fails to leave a mark, only appearing functional. However this could largely be due to the fact that someone else steals the thunder right from down under.
In a key role, it’s Saif Ali Khan that shines all through. When you think Omkara you think Saif in the same breath. Up top from his shaved head, down to the fungus in the toes of his character, he’s absolutely phenomenal. Completely transformed from the comic and lover boy type, he’s entirely consumed as ‘Langda’. 5 stars to Saif for taking the challenges presented by the role and following through with flawless determination.
Next to Saif if there are others that take notice, its Kareena Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma. Kareena, the beautiful catalyst, enacts with the right amount of vulnerability and grace. Konkona, is as fitting in her role as Saif. She’s the female show stealer who with a small part, looms large.
Vivek Oberoi fans may have been waiting for this one to give him the re-charge he desperately needs, but a’las no such luck. The young Oberoi isn’t able to add any newness or take much notice.
While the rest in this multi-starrer, maintain a dated look with the demands of their character, Bipasha Basu still holds on to her supermodel image. She looks like an absolute misfit in the film and doesn’t have much to boast of for her character. In fact her portions include raunchy dance-numbers that are pace breakers.
Additionally deserving mention are Naseeruddin Shah, who takes a notable stance, and Deepak Dobriyal, Dolly’s pining lover whose existence is a comical satire on its own.

Musically, the title track, ‘Omkara’, ‘O saathi re’, and ‘Jag jaa’, are outstanding tunes. As a matter of fact, the talented director himself composes the music matched with Gulzar’s soulful lyrics.

To sum it up, Vishal Bhardwaj’s Omkara is a distinct piece of work. But don’t let the hype fool you; it may very well not be a film to your liking. Where as Shakespeare’s Othello among his other works are noted as classics, Omkara’s treatment is unique in a Bhardwaj style. If you liked his sense in Maqbool, then the approach is very similar. This time his actors of commercial appeal help step it up a notch. Omkara from a critical perspective is a well made and well enacted film earning Ritu Mahindru's 3 stars.