Film: Om Shanti Om
Release date: 18th February 2008
Certificate: 12
Running time: 162 mins
Director: Farah Khan
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Shreyas Talpade, Arjun Rampal, Kirron Kher
Genre: Action/Bollywood/Comedy/Drama/Romance
Studio: Eros
Format: DVD
Country: India
Om Shanti Om sees Shahrukh Khan team up once again with director and choreographer Farah Khan, after their successful partnership on Main Hoon Na in 2004. Deepika Padukone also makes her debut, and stars in the lead role alongside Shahrukh Khan. Watched by audiences all over the world, Om Shanti Om consists of the classic Bollywood formula of spectacular song and dance sequences seamlessly intertwined with a storyline of good versus evil.
Set in the backdrop of the Bollywood film industry, Om Shanti Om follows the struggles of actor Om Prakash Makhija (Shahrukh Khan).
Om, otherwise known as Omi to his friends, seeks to make it big in Bollywood and escape from his endless roles as an extra. Along with his best friend Pappu, played by Shreyas Talpade, he wistfully watches as fans flock to catch a glimpse of one of their favourite heroes - Om longs to be rubbing shoulders with stars such as Rajesh Kapoor (played by Javed Sheikh), and to break away from the shadows of the simple supporting role.
As well as this dream to see his name in lights, he has one other goal - of one day meeting the ultimate ‘Dreamy Girl’ herself Shanti Priya (Deepika Padukone). Shanti, whose image adorns the streets of Mumbai, is one of the leading screen sirens of her generation. When times are tough, it is Shanti’s image that Om often finds himself turning to for hope.
Following an unexpected twist of fate, Om eventually manages to catch the eye of Shanti and gets the chance to come face to face with the girl of his dreams. The film then follows what happens after this chance encounter, and the eventual unexpected friendship that ensues between ‘ordinary’ Om and superstar Shanti. Despite the strong friendship and the bond that develops between the two, both Om and Shanti have secrets which they have not shared with one another.
The film also stars Arjun Rampal, who plays high powered movie director Mukesh Mehra. The ruthless and money driven Mukesh will quash anyone that comes in his way, and has the ability to change the fate of even superstars such as Shanti. When Om eventually crosses paths with the determined director, he soon finds not everything is as he imagined, and all that he had dreamed of may be lost forever…
The detail which has gone into this no-expense spared production is evident on screen, from the lavish costumes to the elaborate musical numbers. The carefully made style choices complement the unique personality of each character. The stylistic transformations made by both Khan and Padukone between the past and modern day eras helps the audience believe in the authenticity of the characters they play.
As soon as the film starts, the viewer is transported back in time to the ‘70s, truly believing that Shahrukh Khan’s character is part of that once enigmatic era. Throughout the film, the intricacies and detail that has gone into its production can be seen in musical numbers such as ‘Dhoom Taana’, where the stars recreate iconic performances from yesteryear. The film’s ability to capture the true essence of an era is maintained throughout the film, especially in the scenes involving Padukone’s modern day character.
The storyline itself, although clichéd and following formulaic Bollywood family film combination of comedy, action, romance and music, does offer something new to the audience. The plot ensures the film standout from the typical boy meets girl romance, and the clever dialogue gives the film a distinct comedy edge from the standard Bollywood blockbuster. The unexpected twists of fate and turn of events during the film keep the viewer guessing and interested until the end.
What makes the film most unique, however, and appealing is its eclectic characters with their distinctive personalities. It is the individualised collection of characters and their interplay amongst one another that would maintain the interest of even the more discerning viewer who is sceptical of the supernatural part of the story. It is also the genuine and unassuming nature of characters such as Om that draws the viewer in and keeps them engaged in the story.
The viewer’s empathy towards the character of Om is very much down to the way in which he is played by Shahrukh Khan, and, like many of the other roles, he has played he manages to transform into the character on screen. Khan’s debut with Padukone also makes a fresh pairing for fans, and their comedic interaction with one another, especially in the second half of the film, makes it worth seeing alone.
As well as the two leads, the supporting roles played by Kirron Kehr (Bela Makhija – Om’s mother) and Shreyas Talpade complement the entire ensemble. The relationship between Om and Pappu, in particular, appears both sincere and genuine, thus making the film all the more poignant when the plot takes a dramatic turn. Arjun Rampal’s character is very different to the leading heroic roles fans have been used to seeing him in, yet his cool and unfaltering acting style complements the resolute and firm villainous character of Mukesh.
This film definitely caters for the whole family, with its blend of romance, comedy, action and drama. It has an air of old-Bollywood, paying homage to the past, which viewers young and old will enjoy. Above all, it is the colour, detail and true Bollywood glamour that makes it entertaining for audiences all over the world. GA
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