Review of Omkara

Omkara (2006)
8/10
Tragic, haunting,exquisite and unforgettable..
22 July 2010
There is something about Omkara that I cannot quite put my finger on. For someone who isn't familiar with the rustic and colorful UP dialect and its swear words, understanding this movie is difficult. Get the best subs you can find and sit tight!

I have never been so impressed with Hindi cinema as I am now. The way Vishal has managed to take this story and apply it to a wild and rural UP setting, seems effortless!Its dusty, barren and sometimes grimy, but I loved it because it seemed to fit perfectly like a painting on a canvas.

Each star does a brilliant job of portraying their characters on screen. The real shocker was Saif.You get to see how much he's grown as an actor; he's certainly come a long way from those old flicks where he had long hair and short dialogs! His portrayal of Langda as a calculating, cold blooded killer will certainly chill your bones.

Ajay was splendid as always. Great eye work. Gives the impression that under that tough exterior is a man riddled by insecurity, jealousy and pride. Vivek is adorable, was hoping for a bigger role for him, his potential as an actor is largely untapped. Konkona does a great job of portraying the den mother, while managing the trials of being married to a gangster. I'm not sure why they had N. Shah play Bhaisaab, it seemed unnecessary. He gets sidelined in the movie.

I thought Kareena wouldn't have much to do as Dolly Mishra, but I was wrong. Dolly's heart is so pure and so innocent, it tugs at your heart. Dialogues are crisp and the script is tight, though it slows a bit in the middle of the movie. No bull shitting or low IQ jokes here.No long drawn out songs. You have to sit up and pay attention. The songs are blended in to the movie so that they're not eye sores or headaches.

The ending is tragic, leaves you shocked and deep in thought afterward. Omkara now has a permanent place on my shelf. I recommend it to anyone who is a skeptic of Hindi cinema. It certainly changed my outlook.
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