Been looking forward to Vishal Bhardwaj’s (indian) adaptation of the famed Shakespearean tragedy, “Othello.”

Found the language rather coarse (often bordering on crude, yes) and violent, at first. But, of course, that could be justified by pointing to the notion that after all, that was what the characters themselves dwelled in. So, if the main cast, say like Omi (Omkara, played by Ajay Devgan – as Othello, yea) and his most trusted Langda (played by Saif – as the inimitable Iago) and Kesu (played by Vivek Oberoi – as Cassio) are introduced as persons steeped in violence (verbal, physical, etc.), then over time, it isn’t too difficult to accept them as they are.
An aside here: Yours truly prob. finds it easier to accept characters in their darker shades of character, than i’ll ever do, to real people.. For people, aren’t just figments of (creative) imagination – they are meant to utilize their willpower and human capacity to understand, appreciate – Empathise, yes they havta.

Thought the main cast Omi (Ajay, as Othello) and Dolly (Kareena Kapoor, for Desdemona) were simply, excellent.

Although Langda was a laudable effort, – representing one of Shakespeare’s best villains – amoral, pragmatic and eternally manipulative Iago, being no easy task – was actually a wee bit disappointed that the crucial closing element of his confession didn’t qute come through.

Having said that, i guess it takes a really poignant work to bring a tear or two of genuine appreciation to yours truly. What more, after knowing full well the plot of this beautiful (if indeed it could be called so – in its representation of human fallibility) tragedy and being cautious of its media hype..

If not for anything else, then do stop and watch this film for the beautifully poignant closing scenes where the beautifully human Omi sings his song of deep, true love for his beloved again, albeit in a much more heart-rending moment of confusing loss – thence the title of this ‘lil, humble post.
Wishes all, minerva*

This is a Hindi version of Shakespeare’s Othello, set in rural India. I’ve never seen Othello, but I liked this. I was amazed at the villain’s sneakiness and malice.