Omkara

Article Updated 20 July, 2006 12:44:18 AM IST

Omkara

Having savored the musical delicacy 'Maachis' and realizing that it is the same 'genius of a team' Vishal and Gulzar at the helm of affairs, it is but obvious that we are about to be treated to something that is class apart and intellectually fulfilling.

Coming back to the album and its tracks, a cursory glance shows 'Namak', 'Beedi' and 'Lakad' as three of the listed titles and we are reminded of the three essentials of life (as in the Northern plains), often referred to as 'none' ('namak' or salt), 'tel' (oil)'and 'lakdi' ('lakad' or wood). Interestingly,'tel' makes way for 'Beedi', may be as per the changing times!

The title track 'Omkara' commences with 'ektara' string, light 'dholak' sounds and an earthy, rustic background rhythm (by Nitin Sharma), which is absolutely enthralling. The tune of the 'mukhda' is similar to 'Dhadak Dhadak' ('Bunty aur Babli'), may be intentionally, as both the songs are based on a very popular folk tune of U.P. and incidentally both the movies have U.P as their backdrop. The track mainly through Gulzar's 'Purabia'/'awadhi' (commonly used local language in parts of Central and Eastern U.P.) lyrics introduces the main protagonist - Omi Shukla, alias 'Omkara', referred to as 'Bade Bhaiya' by the 'aam janta' (common folk). The lyrics give a clear insight into his life, the powerful personality and persona, praising his bravado.

Sample the apt lyrics - "Aankhein teri tej tataiya, Jeebh saanp ka phunkara", which simply put, compares his ('Omakra') eyes to a sharp stinging wasp ('tataiya) and his tongue to a hissing snake. Sukhwinder is mind-boggling. All in all, a superb piece of work by Vishal, Gulzar, Sukhwinder and all the backing vocalists, who chip in beautifully to raise the song to a very high level.

After this amazing composition, the next track 'O Saathi Re' features the multi-faceted, multi-talented Vishal Bhardwaj, along with the reigning queen of classy melodies, Shreya Ghoshal. The song starts off with soft guitar notes(by Chintoo Singh) and is a silken smooth love ballad. The only minor point of disappointment (if any) is the monotonous nature of the composition. Vishal does an exemplary job, as he conquers the high octaves with élan and Shreya supports him beautifully. Incidentally, the title of the track 'O Saathi Re' was one of the three chosen probable names of 'Omkara'. But it did not find favor with the audience poll and more so with Ajay Devgan ( 'Omkara' or 'Omi Shukla').

One cannot believe that the next track 'Jag Ja' has been sung by the super talented singer of the 80s and 90s, Suresh Wadekar, as he sounds flat and rusty. Though the tune and setting of the the song resembles that of a lullaby, it's not one. In fact it is the reverse as it's an awakening (literally) song. It's the first routine or ordinary composition from the Vishal-Gulzar team, albeit the flute interludes by Ashwin are of top quality.

'Beedi' starts off with Vishal Bhardwaj paying homage to Pancham Da's 'Dekha Na Hai Re Socha Na' ('Bombay To Goa'), (just the starting piece). But the rest of the song is Vishal's very own earthy, rustic, super rhythmic dance party item number (performed at Western U.P fairs and even in Bhardwaj's hometown, Meerut during the world famous 'Nauchandi' Mela).

(Off topic-These are fairs where the local goons, along with their side kicks show their might and vie for the dancing girl's attention)

The song has been picturised on Saif and the dancing (item) girl is Bipasha, who through her graceful yet seductive dance moves combined with some mind blasting situational lyrics by Gulzar makes the song a delight. One must not fail to mention the perfect rendition by Sukhwinder makes it one of the finest dance numbers heard in a while.

One superb composition follows another. Listed as 'Naina', it is more 'heer' like (Punjabi form of tragic singing) in its nature. Qudos to the versatility of this extremely talented singer -Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. He is simply amazing and proves that he is a worthy successor to his illustrious uncle (late) Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan . Gulzar's lyrics are straight from the-heart "Naino ki mat maniyon, Naino ki mat suniyo Naina thag lenge". Some lively sitar beats dominate the 'antras'.

'Namak' is the expected 'mujra', picturised yet again on the sultry Bipasha Basu. The 'mujra', was a form of dance-cum-singing and originated more from North-East India (mainly U.P and partly Bihar) which was common a few decades back, during the era of the 'nawabs and the wealthy landlords. It still has its presence in these parts . It is partly 'qawwali', complete with harmonium (Firoz Shah), 'tabla' and 'tutti'. The basic rhythm resembles a well known 'naat' (Muslim devotional hymn) tune. Rekha Bhardwaj is more nasal than required, though she conveys the raunchy message by her singing style.

Next is 'Lakad', a semi-classical, haunting classy composition. Its slow melancholy rhythm leaves a lasting impression. Some beautiful, (minimum use) of instruments like guitars and strings are the highlight. The song is in the same corridor as the Vishal-Gulzar number 'Paani Paani Re' ('Maachis'). Rekha sheds her nasal style and shows her maturity as a singer. Gulzar takes inspiration from a North Indian saying "Lakdi jal koyla bhaee, Koyla jal bhaee raakh, Main birhan aisi jali, Koyla bhaee na raakh", which literally means that wood burns to form coal and it further burns to form ash. However, the lonesome protagonist could become neither coal nor ash even after burning (in love or desire).

Last but not the least is the theme 'The Tragedy Of Omkara', which is an instrumental conveying a sense of fear, death, destruction, love and deception which forms the main crux of the movie precisely. The orchestra slowly reaching the high crescendo is simply fabulous.

On the whole 'Omkara' is a superb compilation, with many rare gems and a worthy follow up to the Vishal-Gulzar combos 'Maachis'. It may not rule the charts instantly, but will ultimately find its audience, after the films success (may be). A collectors piece and a must buy.

Rating: 8 /10

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