Vishal Bhardwaj has become something of a desi Kenneth Branagh. He has developed a knack for undertaking Shakespearean plays and moulding them suitably in unusual Indian set-ups. His previous outing was setting Macbeth in the Mumbai underworld (MAQBOOL) - and he had done a fabulous job. His second is an adaptation of Othello with a distinct UP flavour. Although the cook-up tastes great, it still leaves a lil’ something to be desired.

Everyone who’s been to school, and read any version of Shakespeare’s tragedies would know what Othello is all about. If not, you might have seen the Laurence Fishburne-Kenneth Branagh film version, or the high-school setting intriguingly titled “O” with Mekhi Pfifer-Julia Stiles.

Omkara’s version sees the titular character (Ajay Devgan) as a half-caste who is also the trusted right hand to a jailed powerful politician. He has a small army of goons to do the politico’s needful, among whom Kesu Firangi (Viveik Oberoi) and Langda Tyagi (Saif Ali Khan) are his trusted loyal aides. Problems start brewing when after winning the local elections, Omi is promoted to be the politician’s local link, and he in turn appoints Kesu, rather than Tyagi as his chief lieutenant.
Tyagi’s wounded pride takes on a darker shade, and he set’s upon a path where the power of a word well placed can result in a blood-soaked tragic climax.

It’s a difficult adaptation - Othello is a dark play with varied psychological shades to it. Add to it the fact that the Hindi version is set in the rustic soils of Uttar Pradesh with an authentic UP dialect sewn with heaps of expletives. The director who actually started his career as a gifted music-director, has an uneviable job of juggling musical score, writing & directing credits. He is quite capable, but the canvas of his current affair is much grander than his previously tightly-budgeted Maqbool. And a few cracks show.

Ajay Devgan is spot on to play the simmering Othello, and to a certain extent he plays that part wonderfully. His body language, and his steely gaze make sure that he means business. But there was much work needed for his gradual transformation from a doting sensible lover to a monster consumed by jealous rage and suspicion.

Saif Ali Khan steals the entire show with his hypnotically conniving and crafty Tyagi. He has invested a lot of effort in bringing out a character that you begin to hate with a passion. His body language, the effortless ease with which he mouths the UP dialect (trust me - it’s no mean job) and his chameleonesque shades just cement his reputation as a consummate actor of high calibre.

Konkona Sen Sharma as the Langda Tyagi’s unwitting accomplice is another scene stealer who truly shines out from the rest of the crowd, and that inspite of having a subsidized role.

Viveik Oberoi as Kesu & Bipasha Basu (in a sp. appearance) as his mistress Billo ChamanBahar are adequate. Kareena Kapoor as Dolly works well with her character but comes up short in lending authenticity to her role. She does shares a good chemistry with Devgan though. Naseeruddin Shah is good but has been cast in an inconsequential role.

Cinematography, costumes, set-designs & music (except for the incompatibly rousing orchestrations) are all commendable. The songs, on the other hand could’ve been done away with entirely - they hamper the proceedings (especially an ill-timed title song filmed during a violent scuffle).

In conclusion, the small faults not withstanding, this is a terrific work and a must see on every cineaste’s list.

Runtime: 151 mins.
Cast: Ajay Devgan, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor
Director: Vishal Bhardwaj