Directed by Vishal Bharadwaj of the Maqbool fame, Omkara is kept very close to the original story of Othello. He has added the Indian touch in order to make a Bollywood version.
Set in the lawless hinterlands of present day Uttar Pradesh, Omkara tells the tragic love story of Omi (Ajay Devgan) and Dolly (Kareena Kapoor). Skillfully manipulated by his lieutenant Langda, Omkara follows Omi's descent into the whirlpools of jealousy. Saif Ali Khan gives a masterful performance as the vengeful muscleman Langda, bitter at being passed over for promotion by Omi.
Omkara or Omi (Ajay Devgan) is a gifted chieftain of a gang of strongmen supported by politician, which include the crafty Langda Tyagi (Saif Ali Khan) and the dynamic Kesu (Vivek Oberoi) amongst his chief cohorts. The story begins when Omi appoints Kesu and not Langda as his chief lieutenant. Langda's pride is slighted and raging with envy he hatches a plot to falsely implicate Omi's beautiful lover Dolly (Kareena Kapoor), in a love affair with Omi's 'favorite lieutenant', Kesu. With the unwitting aid of Indu (Konkana Sen Sharma), Langda's wife, and the willing help of Raju, a fellow grouch, Langda's plan takes shape and results in horrific tragedy. Using petty insinuations and lies, Langda keeps poisoning Omi's mind till one day it snaps and Omi goes about tearing up his own safe and secure world.
OMKARA is embellished with great performances, but the one who steals the show is, without a shred of doubt, Saif Ali Khan, who plays the evil Langda Tyagi brilliantly. Ajay makes a stirring and powerful interpretation of a man haunted by uncertainty about his lover's faithfulness. Kareena delivers an award-worthy performance. She looks gorgeous even without makeup. Vivek Oberoi is alright; he doesn't really get much scope. Konkona Sen Sharma is outstanding. She makes a towering impact every time she appears on screen. Bipasha Basu plays a nautch girl called Billo Chamanbahar. Naseeruddin Shah is adequate. Deepak Dobriyal [Raju] is a supremely talented actor.
Omkara - Music Review
His earlier two films may not have been major money-spinners but they were both critically acclaimed and loved by the select who few watched them. We are talking about 'Makdee' and 'Maqbool', both directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, who started his career as a composer and is now leading from the front by taking over directorial reins as well. Now he returns with 'Omkara' that is being promoted in a fantastic manner by its makers. Produced by Kumar Mangat, the film stars Ajay Devgan, Saif Ali Khan, Viveik Oberoi, Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Konkona Sen Sharma and Naseeruddin Shah with music by Bhardwaj himself and lyrics by Gulzar.
When a team like this comes together for a film adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello, there are good expectations of a 'different' score. It may not necessarily boast of a chartbuster appeal but a new experience is something that one looks forward to! After listening to the album, one concludes that the experience is new but not that would be everyone's cup of tea!
Rustic to the core, title song 'Omkara' is sung by Sukhwinder Singh in a way as if he in a state of intoxication. And doesn't the style simply suit the proceedings? One is literally carried to the heartland of India in a way the song has been structured, be it the lyrics, tune or the rendition. A kind of track that would be noticed more for its rhythm rather than its content since it requires a few hearings to actually comprehend what the song is all about, it's a catchy number that sets the path for the rest of the album to follow.
Next to come is 'O Saathi Re' that could have been the title song of the film if 'Omkara' wouldn't have been the chosen one out of 'Omkara', 'O Saathi Re' and 'Issak'. The song has a distinct Vishal Bhardwaj touch; the kind that was so impressive in 'Maachis' and to some extent even his lesser heard score in 'Betaabi'. The track exudes the feeling of intimacy and deep love. Gulzar's lyrics have the master's stamp all over it as this 'raaga' based number is sung with perfection in low pitch by Shreya Ghoshal and Vishal Bhardwaj, who does a rather impressive job in his new role as a singer. The song may not be one of the best bets for the masses to hum around but is a must listen for those looking for class. Also, expect this 'difficult-to-sing' number to be attempted by upcoming singers in talent hunt shows!
After an introduction number followed by a romantic number comes an item song that truly belongs to UP/Bihar/MP! If 'Main Aayi Hoon UP Bihaar Lootne' [Shool] resulted in Shilpa Shetty being most in-demand for gyrating to an item song, as far as a mainstream actress was concerned, watch out for Bipasha Basu in 'Beedi' that is as rustic-n-earthy as it gets! Bipasha, who has most of her item songs/dance numbers boasting of up-market setting, is a revelation here, as she looks completely 'desi' and 'at-home' while doing her 'jhatak-matak' act. A complete team work with Sunidhi Chauhan leading the front and Sukhwinder Singh, Nachiketa Chakravorty and Clinton Cerejo supporting her in the act, the overall effect of the song also gets enhanced with effective camerawork and the kind of choreography that completely justifies the small town setting in the cow-belt! A sure fire hit that is going to garner whistles-n-claps at single screen theatres, it has been beamed on the satellite channels at just the right time as the film's music album release!
Suresh Wadkar, who is one of the favorites of Vishal Bhardwaj since the time the composer entered the Bollywood musical scene, sings a solo 'Jag Ja Ri Gudia'. A serene number, it can be compared to A.R.Rehman style of music in the way it moves at a slow pace and maintains a consistent rhythm throughout. For a common man, it is quite difficult to comprehend the situation and relevance of the number without seeing it on screen, courtesy Gulzar's poetry! A track that doesn't have much for masses to look forward to!
Sounding like a 'mujra', 'Namak' could also have been the title song of the film, in accordance to the reason as stated above, since the song goes as 'Namak Issak Ka'! Rekha Bhardwaj sings this track that is based on Indian classical music and has an old-world feel to it. It would be interesting to see how this song, which is the lengthiest of the album, is choreographed and presented in the narrative! Rakesh Pandit provides support to Rekha in this yet another rustic number that has a situational feel to it. An average track that doesn't have much repeat value to it!
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who rose to fame in India with 'Mann Ki Lagan' [Paap] and 'Jiya Dhadak Dhadak' [Kalyug] arrives with a solo 'Naina Thag Lenge' that is quite an impressive piece of composition. Yes, the song again has a classical feel to it but there is something about this slow paced number that makes one go for the repeat button. The song may not have much for those who have now been used to compositions by Himesh Reshammiya, Pritam and the likes but for those looking for some variety and a thoughtful yet romantic number, 'Naina' is the one for you.
Mood of the album remains same with the arrival of 'Lakkad Jal Ke Koyla Hoye Jaaye'. A song about heartbreak by Rekha Bhardwaj, it is yet another 'raaga' based number that would be appreciated most by those who understand Indian classical music. Set in a manner that would suit a dark lonely night, its sound should create an impact in the narrative but isn't of the kind that would make masses play on the album on and on.
The album concludes with 'The Tragedy Of Omkara', something that is apt for the movie that has a tragic end. A one and a half minute musical piece with a chorus in the background, it gathers momentum towards the end after a slow beginning and reminds of the instrumental track of 'Saam Daam Dand Bhed' [Sarkar].
'Omkara' is an album for those who are simply tired of anything Bollywood and just wish to hear a new sound with distinct classical shades.
