Omkara
His earlier two films may not have been major money-spinners
but they were both critically acclaimed and loved by the select who few watched
them. We are talking about 'Makdee' and 'Maqbool', both directed by Vishal
Bhardwaj, who started his career as a composer and is now leading from the front
by taking over directorial reins as well.
Now he returns with 'Omkara' that is
being promoted in a fantastic manner by its makers. Produced by Kumar Mangat,
the film stars Ajay Devgan, Saif Ali Khan, Viveik Oberoi, Kareena Kapoor,
Bipasha Basu, Konkona Sen Sharma and Naseeruddin Shah with music by Bhardwaj
himself and lyrics by Gulzar.
When a team like this comes together for a film adaptation of Shakespeare's
Othello, there are good expectations of a 'different' score. It may not
necessarily boast of a chartbuster appeal but a new experience is something that
one looks forward to! After listening to the album, one concludes that the
experience is new but not that would be everyone's cup of tea!
Rustic to the core, title song 'Omkara' is sung by Sukhwinder Singh in a way as
if he in a state of intoxication. And doesn't the style simply suit the
proceedings? One is literally carried to the heartland of India in a way the
song has been structured, be it the lyrics, tune or the rendition. A kind of
track that would be noticed more for its rhythm rather than its content since it
requires a few hearings to actually comprehend what the song is all about, it's
a catchy number that sets the path for the rest of the album to follow.
Next to come is 'O Saathi Re' that could have been the title song of the film if
'Omkara' wouldn't have been the chosen one out of 'Omkara', 'O Saathi Re' and
'Issak'. The song has a distinct Vishal Bhardwaj touch; the kind that was so
impressive in 'Maachis' and to some extent even his lesser heard score in
'Betaabi'. The track exudes the feeling of intimacy and deep love. Gulzar's
lyrics have the master's stamp all over it as this 'raaga' based number is sung
with perfection in low pitch by Shreya Ghoshal and Vishal Bhardwaj, who does a
rather impressive job in his new role as a singer. The song may not be one of
the best bets for the masses to hum around but is a must listen for those
looking for class. Also, expect this 'difficult-to-sing' number to be attempted
by upcoming singers in talent hunt shows!
After an introduction number followed by a romantic number comes an item song
that truly belongs to UP/Bihar/MP! If 'Main Aayi Hoon UP Bihaar Lootne' Shool
resulted in Shilpa Shetty being most in-demand for gyrating to an item song, as
far as a mainstream actress was concerned, watch out for Bipasha Basu in 'Beedi'
that is as rustic-n-earthy as it gets! Bipasha, who has most of her item
songs/dance numbers boasting of up-market setting, is a revelation here, as she
looks completely 'desi' and 'at-home' while doing her 'jhatak-matak' act. A
complete team work with Sunidhi Chauhan leading the front and Sukhwinder Singh,
Nachiketa Chakravorty and Clinton Cerejo supporting her in the act, the overall
effect of the song also gets enhanced with effective camerawork and the kind of
choreography that completely justifies the small town setting in the cow-belt! A
sure fire hit that is going to garner whistles-n-claps at single screen
theatres, it has been beamed on the satellite channels at just the right time as
the film's music album release!
Suresh Wadkar, who is one of the favorites of Vishal Bhardwaj since the time the
composer entered the Bollywood musical scene, sings a solo 'Jag Ja Ri Gudia'. A
serene number, it can be compared to A.R.Rehman style of music in the way it
moves at a slow pace and maintains a consistent rhythm throughout. For a common
man, it is quite difficult to comprehend the situation and relevance of the
number without seeing it on screen, courtesy Gulzar's poetry! A track that
doesn't have much for masses to look forward to!
Sounding like a 'mujra', 'Namak' could also have been the title song of the
film, in accordance to the reason as stated above, since the song goes as 'Namak
Issak Ka'! Rekha Bhardwaj sings this track that is based on Indian classical
music and has an old-world feel to it. It would be interesting to see how this
song, which is the lengthiest of the album, is choreographed and presented in
the narrative! Rakesh Pandit provides support to Rekha in this yet another
rustic number that has a situational feel to it. An average track that doesn't
have much repeat value to it!
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who rose to fame in India with 'Mann Ki Lagan' Paap and
'Jiya Dhadak Dhadak' Kalyug arrives with a solo 'Naina Thag Lenge' that is quite
an impressive piece of composition. Yes, the song again has a classical feel to
it but there is something about this slow paced number that makes one go for the
repeat button. The song may not have much for those who have now been used to
compositions by Himesh Reshammiya, Pritam and the likes but for those looking
for some variety and a thoughtful yet romantic number, 'Naina' is the one for
you.
Mood of the album remains same with the arrival of 'Lakkad Jal Ke Koyla Hoye
Jaaye'. A song about heartbreak by Rekha Bhardwaj, it is yet another 'raaga'
based number that would be appreciated most by those who understand Indian
classical music. Set in a manner that would suit a dark lonely night, its sound
should create an impact in the narrative but isn't of the kind that would make
masses play on the album on and on.
The album concludes with 'The Tragedy Of Omkara', something that is apt for the
movie that has a tragic end. A one and a half minute musical piece with a chorus
in the background, it gathers momentum towards the end after a slow beginning
and reminds of the instrumental track of 'Saam Daam Dand Bhed' Sarkar.
'Omkara' is an album for those who are simply tired of anything Bollywood and
just wish to hear a new sound with distinct classical shades. In fact for such
an audience, a number like 'Beedi' would be a complete no-no as it comes close
to being commercial. But for those who like to listen to music that has some
commercial elements to it, there are only 2-3 numbers that would come close.
While the movie seems sure to take a bumper opening, the same cannot be said
about the music of 'Omkara' that would be primarily endorsed by the section of
audience that has classical inclinations.
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