Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Good idea lost in the noise

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

Another excellent Shakespeare adaptation by Bhardwaj, this time moving the story of "Othello" to the modern Indian underworld, and making Othello (here called Omkara) not black, but a half-caste. The acting is all of a very high order -- understated but intense, and even a familiarity with the events of the play didn't keep this from feeling suspenseful, intense and occasionally quite emotional. If you have the cliché vision of a Bollywood film in mind, you're in for a pleasant surprise. The acting is naturalistic, not histrionic (with only one or two exceptions in supporting roles). There is a song or two, but they flow naturally out of the action, in situations where singing is appropriate (e.g. a performance by one of the characters at a party, where others join in). Note: this is an adaptation of the story, the language is not Shakespeare's. The dialogue is contemporary, and story elements are changed, so this isn't for purists. On the other hand, no familiarity with the original is needed to fully enjoy this complex tale of passion, politics and betrayal. It is alive, and filled with social commentary, romance, and ever evolving alliances. The film also looks great. Ironically the regular Eros DVD of this film looks better than the Eagle blu-ray of it's twin Maqbool (Bhardwaj's take on Macbeth).

Before I get to reviewing the actual movie, I have a few words about the production company that has released this movie here and in the UK...I hate them and will avoid movies that they release! The people selling this DVD have managed to cram more commercials into the film when the DVD begins than I have ever seen before AND you cannot skip through them to get to the movie (it disables this feature on your DVD machine). This is obnoxious....but it gets worse. AFTER you start the actual film for the main menu, it stops to show you a commercial for Western Union!!! Unless the movie is free, I see no reason for these people to do this and I pray that other sleazy DVD producers don't begin this slimy process. Imagine--being forced to wait through about 10 minutes of ads before you can even watch the movie itself! "Omkara" is a Bollywood film whose plot is derived from Shakespeare's "Othello". Naturally, it is significantly different in many ways---such as being set in modern day India. Omkara (Othello) is also quite different--instead of a prince of the Moors, he's a second in command for the mob! I had high hopes for this, as two Indian films I've seen based on Jane Austin films were wonderful re-vamps of the old tales. I also have loved Akira Kurosawa's Japanese versions of Shakespeare (such as "The Bad Sleep Well" and "Throne of Blood").In this Indian film, Omkara (Othello) takes Dolly (Desdemona) from her fiancé when the film begins. There are lots of hurt feelings, but when Omkara chooses Kesu (Cassio) as his successor instead of Landga (Iago), things REALLY go downhill. Langda is NOT happy and begins cleverly manipulating those around him. And, he makes it appear as if Kesu and Dolly are having an affair and that Kesu is disloyal. As you can see, it's pretty much the same plot and the original story--just dressed up in a modern Indian guise. However, there are lots of subplots and elements that make this unique--not just a thinly veiled copy.Considering the source material, it's not surprising that this isn't some syrupy Bollywood film. It's very gritty and violent--especially the murder scenes near the end of the film . Yet, like so many films from India, it still takes time out for a small number of songs--a peculiarity of Bollywood films that I usually enjoy quite a bit. And although adult and violent, compared to some American films it's relatively tame--though very tough for an Indian film and still NOT a film for younger audiences. Overall, a very good film--one lovers of Shakespeare and haters of Shakespeare can both enjoy. The acting is nice and it's a first-class production all around...see this one.By the way, although I am not a ballistics expert, in the final scene, shouldn't the bullet have come out the other side--especially with such a large caliber gun? Just wonderin'.

An Excellent Masterpiece. This movie really made me proud of bollywood after long span of time. Although the story is an excerpt from Shakespeare's Othello, it has its originality and nativity. Vishal Bharadwaj had proved himself as a very creative and excellent director bollywood had ever produced. While watching Omkara, i really felt i was travelling through each n every scene of it, though i am a bit unknown to the very bhojpuri culture shown in it. The music had very much impressed me, every score was an appropriate one. Performances are what this movie makes great. Ajay, Saif have done a marvelous n terrific action and were applauded by each n every individual in India. Also, kareena, vivek were equally praised for their roles.Overall, I wouldn't give a 10 for any bollywood movie. But Omkara is definitely an exception. Its a 10(+). I have to change my mindset about Indian movies at least from now on(hahaha).MUST WATCH!!!

This film is VERY good....It is of international standards...But then it makes you wonder why isn't it popular among the non-Indian people. The acting in the film is amazing. The cinematography and direction is brilliant. This film is of International standards among films like Black Friday and Eklavya. Shakespeare would be proud if he was to see this Hindi adaptation of Othello. But the question is why do the Western people still think of Indian films as cheesy love stories. Why do films like kkkg, Kal Ho Na Ho and Bride and Prejudice become known among the western audience while films like these are ignored? Bollywood, start marketing better! Saif Ali Khan is brilliant Langda Tyagi (Iago)...he is a natural in this films. Ajay Devgan is Amazing as Omkara (Othello). Quality Indian films are being ignored while commercial films starring Amitabh and Shahrukh become hits. People need to realize it's not about the star cast but about the story. This films, Omkara, Black Friday, Eklavya, and Rang de Basanthi (Kind of) are good films. Even Small budget films like Dor and Khosla ka Ghosla are good! This film along with those deserve much more recognition among the Indian and Western American and British audience. People think of bollywood films as cheesy musicals( Don't get me wrong, thy are fun to watch..) but the stereotype needs to end and people need to know about the quality films that bollywood produces. Omkara is one such films!