Omkara

Article Updated 29 July, 2006 06:11:47 AM IST

Omkara

Making a dark film like 'Omkara', particularly at a time when comedy seems to be ruling the roost, sure requires courage. Don't be shocked out of your wits by its generous use of expletives. We wonder how the censors passed it! 'Omkara' is basically looking into human psyche and how seeds of suspicion can be easily sown in a person's mind.

The story- Omkara, referred to as Omi (Ajay Devgan), is a mafia chief who heads a gang of outlaws; Langda Tyagi (Saif Ali Khan) and Kesu (Vivek Oberoi), being his main men. Peace in his kingdom is disrupted when Omi appoints Kesu instead of Langda as his chief lieutenant. Langda is raging with envy and he plots to falsely implicate Omi's lover Dolly (Kareena Kapoor) in a love affair with Kesu. This he manages with the help of his unsuspecting wife, Indu (Konkana Sen Sharma), and Raju (whose marriage had been arranged with Dolly). Langda also keeps poisoning Omi's mind. Finally he succeeds in his mission leading to a tragic end.

Vishal's storytelling is very effective. Although it's a dark film, he moves the story well from a simple love story to one with a shocking, tragic end. There are some outstanding scenes. All the sequences involving Ajay, Viveik and Saif are good. Even Ajay and Kareena's scenes are good. The hair-raising climax may disturb most people, particularly those used to happy endings.

Now for the performances. Ajay's looks, his body language, his expressions are surely award winning! Ajay gives another power-packed performance and looks every bit the character with his dark brooding looks.

Saif Ali Khan as Langda Tyagi is truly different from his previously attempted characters. His brilliant portrayal of a negative character really takes one by surprise.

Naseeruddin Shah is brilliant as usual in a brief role.

Vivek Oberoi is good but doesn't really get much scope. Konkona Sen Sharma is outstanding. Bipasha Basu is effective in a special appearance. Kareena delivers a restrained performance. She looks better in her Indian and non-made up look rather than her contrived Westernized look in most films.

Vishal Bhardwaj's music goes with the mood of the film. The 'Beedi' track is for the masses. 'Naina Thag Lenge' has a different feel about it. Cinematography is superb in some parts, especially when the film begins. Dialogues are good.

On the whole, 'Omkara' is a brilliantly made film with superlative performances. But it's not a family film. It's also not for the female audience, so there it has already lost out on a major chunk of its audience. From the box-office collections point of view, the U.P. and Bihar belt will be a money-spinner but its fate seems doubtful in the metros and other centers.
*** (Three stars)

*poor; **average; ***good; ****very good; *****excellent

Print this Article

http://www.bollyvista.com

http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/29/6906