Om Shanti Om:Rahat Raihan's review
Om Shanti Om (2007)
Director: Farah Khan
Cast:
Shah Rukh Khan
Deepika Padukone
Shreyash Talpade
Arjun Rampal
Kirron Kher
Movie review by
Rahat Raihan:
Rating: 4/5
One of the best choreographers of the industry, Farah Khan turned into director with MAIN HOON NAA. Now she is all set to give the audiences her second dose of wholesome entertainment,
Om Shanti Om.
Can Farah surpass herself with her second directional venture?
To start with, Om Shanti Om deals with a subject like reincarnation, a subject that worked hugely in the past (Remember KARZ, MADHUMATI, KARAN-ARJUN?). But can this kind of subject work in this modern time?
Fortunately, the answer is in affirmative thanks to Farah's convincing & skilled storytelling. The talented storyteller has narrated the story in a new way with a very present day feel.
First thing you should know, OSO is not a remake of Subhash Ghai's classic KARZ. Yes, there are some shades of the film. But it's not what we call "remake".
Om Shanti Om is a true paisa vasool blue masala entertainer, a commercial film at its best. So, cancel whatever you are planning to do today & go to see OSO instead to have a blast this diwali.
But one thing!
Pls. don't take your brain with you. Rather leave it at a safe place of your house. Don't look for logic while eating the Farah Khan made delicious Om Shanti Om. Don't ask questions like "how" or "why". And surely, you won't be disappointed.
Om Prokash Makhija (Shah Rukh Khan) was a junior artist of the 70's. He fell in love with the reigning superstar of that time, Shantipriya (Deepika Padukone) who was married to a top producer of that time, Mukesh (Arjun Rampal). One day, by twist of fate, both Om & Shanti were killed by Mukesh. But, Om reborned again as Om Kapoor, son of an established star of that time. He becomes a megastar of present day. He wants justice for their death. He wants Mukesh to be punished for his sins.
The story has some similarities with KARZ & MADHUMATI, but the treatment is fully fresh. Farah is in form again. She proves her brilliancy by executing the sequences superbly. There was even no individual flaw in the executions.
The screenplay by Farah & Mustaq Sheikh is excellent.
The film's running period is lengthy (2.46 hours) but it really doesn't matter as surprises are everywhere waiting for you. While the film has it's share of light & comedy scenes in the first hour (Om's conversation with his mom, Monoj Kumar track etc.), the audiences will continue recieving jhatkas from the second hour. The first jhatka comes when Om hears the conversation between Shanti & Mukesh. Then, till the interval, the audiences have to stop their breath as there are so many things happening. After the interval, the film takes a new look. While the shooting scenes, filmfare ceremony scenes will bring smile to your face (Specially, the Aksay Kumar track), the comeback of Deepika will make you surprised & astonished.
Editing by Shirish Kunder is perfect. Reserve all the technical awards for best editing for him.
V Manikandan's cinematography is brilliant. He captures the 70's era splendidly with his amazing camera works.
Sets deserve special mention. The film's special effect is an asset. Red Chillies VFX should sweep all the major awards for visual effect of the next year. Costumes goes with the film's need.
Music by Vishal-Shekhar is so far, the best work from this duo.
All the tracks have the ability to win your heart. "Ajab Si", "Deewangi Deewangi" & "Jag Sona Sona Lage" are not only the bests of the film but also the year. "Dhoom Tana" & "Dard E Disco" have also worked. The title track is superb too. And Farah's choreography takes the music to an unreached level. "Dhoom Tana" & "Dard-E-Disco" are the best choreographed songs of the year. And to make 31 stars dance in a single song is not everyone's cup of tea. But Farah being the best of recent time has proved her ability.
Shah Rukh Khan hasn't been seen in a hardcore masala film for quite a long time. He has proved his ability again by giving a completely flawless delivery. He rocks both as Om Prokash & Om Kapoor. Deepika was just about okay. Her performance was not overwhelming. But as a debutante, sharing screen space with the biggest star of recent time rightly, is not a simple ability. Her beauty & dancing skill will surely help her rising to the top position.
Put your hands together for Shreyash Talpade. He has given a promising performance. Arjun Rampal rocks in a negative role. He has carried his role with supreme confidence. Kirron Kher has again proved that she is the best "mom" of recent time. Watch out her first conversation with SRK or Om's car chasing. She was in fantastic form. Bindu adds some fun to the film. Javed Akhtar is okay.
On the whole, Om Shanti Om is a very well made hardcore masala entertainer which will hold you on your seat for almost three hour's concord journey. The best gift for diwali.
The film will continue breaking records at the box office. The other big release "Saawariya" being a very boring one, OSO will continue reigning the cinema halls for the next couple of weeks.
A true Blockbuster.
