Omkara (2006)

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Bharadhwaj knows how to takes a Shakespeare tragedy and make it completely his own version rooted firmly in Indian soil. The ensemble cast is brilliant in outperforming each other at every given opportunity it's impossible to praise just one of them. Music by Bharadwaj himself is atmospheric along with the cinematography. The lyrics to the songs were also amazing as in they all foreshadow the coming events of this version of Othello. The only small problem I felt was in the editing and the fact that I am not a big fan of Othello itself. Even though I understand Hindi, due to heavy dialects used I was missing some words and used an English subtitle and it does no justice to the wonderful dialogue in the film. I don't know if there are better subtitles but, with the one I used, someone who doesn't understand Hindi wouldn't even have half the impact of the movie.

Before I get to reviewing the actual movie, I have a few words about the production company that has released this movie here and in the UK...I hate them and will avoid movies that they release! The people selling this DVD have managed to cram more commercials into the film when the DVD begins than I have ever seen before AND you cannot skip through them to get to the movie (it disables this feature on your DVD machine). This is obnoxious....but it gets worse. AFTER you start the actual film for the main menu, it stops to show you a commercial for Western Union!!! Unless the movie is free, I see no reason for these people to do this and I pray that other sleazy DVD producers don't begin this slimy process. Imagine--being forced to wait through about 10 minutes of ads before you can even watch the movie itself! "Omkara" is a Bollywood film whose plot is derived from Shakespeare's "Othello". Naturally, it is significantly different in many ways---such as being set in modern day India. Omkara (Othello) is also quite different--instead of a prince of the Moors, he's a second in command for the mob! I had high hopes for this, as two Indian films I've seen based on Jane Austin films were wonderful re-vamps of the old tales. I also have loved Akira Kurosawa's Japanese versions of Shakespeare (such as "The Bad Sleep Well" and "Throne of Blood").In this Indian film, Omkara (Othello) takes Dolly (Desdemona) from her fiancé when the film begins. There are lots of hurt feelings, but when Omkara chooses Kesu (Cassio) as his successor instead of Landga (Iago), things REALLY go downhill. Langda is NOT happy and begins cleverly manipulating those around him. And, he makes it appear as if Kesu and Dolly are having an affair and that Kesu is disloyal. As you can see, it's pretty much the same plot and the original story--just dressed up in a modern Indian guise. However, there are lots of subplots and elements that make this unique--not just a thinly veiled copy.Considering the source material, it's not surprising that this isn't some syrupy Bollywood film. It's very gritty and violent--especially the murder scenes near the end of the film . Yet, like so many films from India, it still takes time out for a small number of songs--a peculiarity of Bollywood films that I usually enjoy quite a bit. And although adult and violent, compared to some American films it's relatively tame--though very tough for an Indian film and still NOT a film for younger audiences. Overall, a very good film--one lovers of Shakespeare and haters of Shakespeare can both enjoy. The acting is nice and it's a first-class production all around...see this one.By the way, although I am not a ballistics expert, in the final scene, shouldn't the bullet have come out the other side--especially with such a large caliber gun? Just wonderin'.

The movie was not focused like Prakash Jha movies. It was fragmented and dragged with repetitive scenes that did not add any twist to the story. The acting was nothing to boast it was good acting expected of Kareena Kapoor, Ajay Devgan and Saif Ali Khan. The length of the movie is hindrance to the story telling. There are too many characters that do not add much. There are some good movies with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar as back ground like "Shakt" and "Aparnhan". Ajay Devgan who plays a calculating and brooding characters well is a let down as compared to "Singham" There was no one who deserved an award here but if someone did get one it was a hype.

This time Bharadwaj attempts to spend more money to make a bigger film, with a bigger more popular cast and with a more bollywood-style music. This does become a minor flaw. Yet, his screenplay remains both brave, daring and clever, something most directors would shy away from. The man has proved again that he's a fine storyteller and composer. He sings too! Gulzar's lyrics bring out the context. He doesn't shy away from giving the film a realistic setting and atmosphere. The use of course (street) language by the character further adds to that. Dialogues are cleverly witty and have a humorous edge.'Omkara' boasts of some strong performances. Ajay Devgan in the title role is adequate. Vivek Oberoi does well. Bipasha Basu is good in her small role. Kareen Kapoor gives her best performance to date. However her best is not good enough. Any good actress would have done far more justice to the role. 'Omkara' does take her a step away from worst actress (now occupied by Aishwarya Rai for Dhoom 2). Last but not least, 'Omkara' belongs to Saif Ali Khan and Konkona Sen Sharma. Their outstanding work makes up for the flaws of the other actors. Konkona has one of the smallest roles. Yet, actress that she is, she gives an extraordinary performance of an ordinary character. Saif Ali Khan owns the movie. He plays his part with gusto delivering one of his most memorable performances to date.'Omkara'is a cinematic treat and is one to be watched by all movie lovers. It's finely made, finely acted and one of the most complete films of the year (in spite of a few flaws that are easily compensated for).