Om Shanti Om (2 DISC BOX SET WITH AUTOGRAPHED POSTER) Reviews

• A Bollywood Bonanza

  
  By AH9K6PPVZKVY3 on 2008-03-30
  This spectacle of colours and sounds is like a celebration of Bollywood with its crème de la crème cast and crew, and a story set in the Indian film industry spanning 30 years of classic and cult movies. As such, this film cannot fail to stir the hearts of most Indians and lovers of Bollywood, but its appeal can reach much further beyond its domestic arena because of its high production standards and personnel of international acclaim. The two most famous names in "Om Shanti Om" are Shahrukh Khan, one of India's most talented and versatile actors, and the film's scriptwriter, choreographer and director, Farah Khan, who has also earned many local and international awards for her outstanding productions. The two Khans (not related) have already worked together successfully on several big hit movies, and "Om Shanti Om" is yet another step along this fantastic journey into semi-fantasy, escapism and sheer delight for the senses. Although technically a Bollywood standard production of nearly three hours in length with about eight song and dance scenes throughout, "Om Shanti Om" is in fact many films in one as it embraces three decades of Indian films. A basically simple story is very effectively woven through this film industry history, mixing a tragic drama with the unreal world of show business while making fun of its own industry by overplaying the sentimental tones of many classic Indian films. For this reason alone, a general knowledge and feel for Bollywood would help the viewer to appreciate and understand these playful yet respectful tributes to Indian cinema. Yet the story itself already makes for general entertaining viewing, and the high-profile stars, brilliant music and choreography, as well as lavish sets make this film stand out from the rest.
  
  The first half of the film is set in the 1970s, complete with garish fashions and cars, big hair and sideburns, and even nauseating Seventies wallpaper, as we watch a young studio extra trying to get closer to the beautiful, famous actress he is in love with, when suddenly tragedy strikes. But true to Hindu traditional belief, his soul is reincarnated that very instant into a newborn baby so that 30 years later - in our present day - when he finally remembers his past life, he can mete out justice and revenge on the evil perpetrator who took the life of his beloved three decades ago, but not without a nice little twist at the end. A lot of work went into making the sets, especially those with an authentic 1970s look and feel, and even the songs and music in the first part of the film are in the style of Bollywood's Seventies films. Some Bollywood cult figures are also comically represented, but many are also internationally recognizable or are very similar to Western and Hollywood characters and movies, such as a parody of India's Filmfare Awards: Bollywood's Academy Awards, at which everyone who is anyone in Bollywood makes at least a two second appearance in their most typical and best recognized role or personality. For viewers not up on Bollywood's Who's Who, the second disc in this set might be helpful with nearly three hours of "the Making of..." complete with interviews, bloopers, deleted scenes, audience comments, interactive trivia quiz and much more, all with English subtitles. A nice, colourful booklet also has a brief summary of cast and crew which serves as a nice introduction to get acquainted with Bollywood, and the medium-sized, autographed poster of a bare-chested Shahrukh Khan in a sexy pose is also an added bonus in this set. In fact, in recent times the EROS label s been producing ever bigger and more lavish box sets with more bonus material, and "Om Shanti Om" is the biggest one so far, and therefore worth a little extra money. Watching this top-notch Bollywood production is like taking a fun ride at an amusement park with all its sounds and colours to create the perfect escape from the real world for a few hours, and then makes you want to come back for more.
  
  
  
  

• "Oh, fish!"

  
  By A2HVL790PBWYTU on 2008-04-17
  If you're any fan of Bollywood, OM SHANTI OM is sure to entertain the bejeesus out of you. This movie is joyful and extravagant and at times very funny. It tells of love and revenge, and of reincarnation and redemption. There's also a bit of film industry spoofing going on. This is only Farah Khan's second turn at directing (after Main Hoon Na, yet another must-see cinema), but she already shows signs of becoming a great director. Certainly she knows how to tell a story, although, to be honest, in this instance, the story is overshadowed by the spectacle. Despite some tragic and somber moments in the plot, OM SHANTI OM remains overwhelmingly a display of sheer, rowdy exuberance. It's a party caught on film.
  
  Plot SPOILERS now.
  
  It's Bollywood in the 1970s. Om Prakash Makhija (Shahrukh Khan) is a lowly, aspiring actor (or "junior artist"), whose resume, at this stage, consists of taking on gigs as an extra in films. He is seriously crushing on reigning Bollywood queen Shantipriya (Deepika Padukone), with whose billboard image he often converses. Om's dream comes true one day when he gets to meet Shanti, and even ends up saving her life. But Om then stumbles on a secret which makes any notion of romance with Shanti an impossibility.
  
  Things take a turn to the sinister when Shanti perishes in a fire deliberately caused by a shady movie producer (Arjun Rampal), and Om, in a desperate bid to rescue her, soon after passes away from grievious wounds. But, nearby, in fact in the same hospital, as Om takes his last breath, the baby son of a famous actor is born. And the baby's name happens to be Om. You see where this is going, right?
  
  30 years later, Om Kapoor (again Shahrukh Khan) has followed in his father's footsteps and has himself become a celluloid superstar. But his priveleged status has gone to his head, making him into a spoiled and selfish brat. Om also loses some street cred with his underwhelming brand of cussing, which mostly consists of "Oh, fish!" And, mysteriously, he's had a fear of fire all his life. Events unfold to at last make Om recall his past life even as he prepares to make a film, under the patronage of a shady movie producer (yes, that same one from 30 years ago). Then a bubblegum chewing girl named Sandy enters Om's life. Sandy is a huge fan of his and bears a striking resemblance to Shanti. And, suddenly, Om sees a way in which his beloved Shanti's death can be avenged...
  
  SPOILERS end.
  
  Bow down to this blockbuster picture if you, in any shape or form, are hooked into Bollywood, and, specifically, into the 1970s Indian film industry. OM SHANTI OM is simultaneously a fond sendup and a wry homage of that wild and wooly era. For one thing, if you go way back to those days, then you'll enjoy that bit of fun with 1970s actor Manoj Kumar (although, reportedly, Kumar himself wasn't too enthused with all the ribbing). If you pay attention, you might even learn how Govinda might possibly have gotten his screen name. Myself, since I've started watching Bollywood only about two years ago, I'm sure many inside jokes flew by unrecognized, over my head and unappreciated.
  
  OM SHANTI OM reunites Shahrukh Khan and director Farah Khan (MAIN HOON NA and other films), and these two are undeniably the wellspring of the film's energy, enthusiasm, and vision. The general feel here is one of good-natured boisterousness, yet Shahrukh and Farah keep this ship steady and on course. The feel-good nostalgia is tempered by enough contemporary touches in the second half of the film, so that even the younger generations are kept engaged. Fair warning, though, if you haven't seen any (or a lot) of Bollywood cinema, OM SHANTI OM just may overload your senses and sensibilities.
  
  It's near 3 hours long, and packed with many wonderful moments. As when Om first gets a chance to talk to Shanti but is so flabbergasted he can only make weird faces and funny noises; this, even as his voice-over reflects his elegant but unsaid responses to Shanti's questions. Then there's Om pretending to be a big movie star and then having to put on an act when Shanti comes to visit his set. And those are just two in a busload of memorable scenes. The film does tend to bog down post-intermission, but, still, the second half has its share of highlight bits. Unmissable is the whole Filmfare Awards sequence, which had me rolling on the floor and revealed what good sports Abhishek Bachchan and Akshay Kumar truly are. This is followed by an all-star afterparty as Om's pals in the movie biz show up to help him celebrate (this is the portion of the film where you play "Spot that Bollywood Star!"). Shahrukh pokes fun at himself with the two suspiciously similar "movies" he's nominated for in Filmfare. And, for the ladies, the musical number "Dard-e-Disco" showcases Shahrukh's rockhard abs, which, rumor has it, he'd worked on for 3 months. Me, being a manly man, I shrugged at the newly buff Shahrukh (while bitterly drowning in envy, of course).
  
  Oh, man, the sets, the sets, the opulent sets. I don't know how much it cost to finance this film, but it was well worth it. The set designs are spectacular, especially the 1970s film studios, before and after the devastating fire. The awesomely garish costumes and hair styles simply evoke that era, even as you grin at the kitschiness of it all. Most of the songs rock, from the sweet "Ajab Si" to the hauntingly melodious "Main Agar Kahoon." The wonderful "Dhoom Taana" is evocative of the tunes churned out back in the day (the song's set pieces incorporate pirates, the cabaret, tennis and also, thru special effects, 1970s stars Amrapali, Jay Vijay, and Saccha Jhoota). "Dard-e-Disco" is an item number, with Shahrukh himself, abs and all, as the "item girl" on display (Farah Khan calls him that). The showstopper, of course, is "Deewangi Deewangi" in which 30 Bollywood big names pop in and boogie down with Shahrukh ("All the hot girls put your hands up and say Om Shanti Om...").
  
  It's almost impossible not to have fun when you make a movie like this. The actors must've had a blast. More importantly, they were good. Deepika Padukone is a star in the making. This is the former model's debut film in Bollywood, and she's tall and gorgeous and is engaging as the sad Shanti and, later, as the klutzy Sandy. Also a former model, Arjun Rampal's acting hasn't impressed me in the past. But, here, as the conniving movie director Mukesh Mehra, he lands possibly his best role. He's surprisingly effective as the villain, in spite of that tacky little foo-foo mustache. Kirron Kher is also memorable as the melodramatic mom. As for Shahrukh Khan - reliably over-the-top yet magnificent and poignant for all that - the guy owns this movie. Even in his goofiest moments, he never loses that charm. There's a reason Shahrukh is one of the (if not THE) most sought after actor in Bollywood.
  
  Eros International pulled out the stops with this dvd packaging, too. There are two dvds in this set, and they come in this oversized, very cool protective box. The first disc has the movie, the song selections, and the Director's Commentary (taped while Farah Khan was lying in bed, 6 or 7 months pregnant). The second disc has 2 and a half hours of extravagant bonus features: the pretty thorough Making of OSO; the Making of the Songs (sorry, I always find this segment boring); the not-very-serious (and occasionally annoying) interview with SRK, Arjun Rampal, Deepika Padukone & Farah Khan; Bloopers; Visual Effects (interesting for the "Dhoom Taana" segment); OSO Events - worth watching for the Music Launch, the Fashion Show, the London Premiere, and the Special Screening (where you get other actors' reactions); and an OSO Trivia Game. The best part (for me, anyway) is that most of this stuff is sub-titled in English. There's also a booklet with Cast & Crew bios and a poster of Shahrukh and his abs and his autograph.
  
  Bollywood hasn't been exactly shy about producing movies with a reincarnation theme. But OM SHANTI OM may be the most buoyant and feel-good of them all, despite the dark supernatural element which creeps in. The plot, admittedly, is mediocre and rehashed, so we're pretty much on automatic when it comes to the storyline. The fun, instead, lies in soaking in the nostalgia and the gentle lampooning, the glorious absurdity and even the friendly self-indulgence of the film. Then there's also the tons of cameo appearances. Inspired by a warmth for the past and crafted with skill and heart and imagination, it's very hard not to be swayed over. OM SHANTI OM is a celebration of Bollywood. And, really, why even fight it? Wallow in the film, man, wallow!
  
  

• Deepika Padukone!

  
  By A17R50L4E730YH on 2008-05-29
  It is not often that a movie actually lives up to the hype. At this point I'm a relative novice when it comes to the whole Bollywood genre, but while reading up on the subject I heard about this movie and now I'm glad I put it at the top of my list.
  
  This movie turned out to be one heck of a romp. It just goes all over the place from being overly dramatic, very grave, to ridiculous comedy or parody. At least half of the musical numbers were quite well done especially the huge homage to Bollywood's past. But most notable by me was the leading heroine who played Shanti. Actress Deepika Padukone is stunningly beautiful and does not seem to be of this planet. I could just gape at her all day.
  
  This is only the 3rd Bollywood movie I've seen to date, but if this movie is any indication, sign me up as a fan for life. I have to believe this is a bona fide Bollywood classic.
  
  

• Bollywood Goes Hollywood

  
  By APSRQWVW3RZ53 on 2008-08-07
  I waited a long time for this DVD. Excellent transfer in Bluray format and the sound is excellent. The music score and choreography is spectacular with vibrant and colorful scenes and a good love story.
  
  

• Om Oh Om Why Can't You Be With Shanti???

  
  By on 2008-07-15
  Written by a 15 year old
  Wow, Om Shanti Om was a superb flick!!!! I loved all of the songs, especially the final song, it made me want to burst out in tears for the misery Om had to go through and for the immense love he held for Shanti!!! Just go buy the album and I'm sure it will convince you to try the movie out!!! Shahrukh did an amazing job as both Om Prakash and Om Kapoor!! This movie I wouldn't recommend for first time Bollywood movie watchers though beacuse, a lot of the humor is based on Bollywood pop culture references and if you don't know who Abhishek Bachchan, Karisma Kapoor, or Rani Mukherjee is than a lot of the humor will fly over your heads taking a level of enjoyment away from this movie!!! All I can say is drop what you're doing and see this movie!!!!
  
  
• Entertaining Tribute/Spoof of 70's Bollywood
  By A1YMZC2G7XCB9L on 2008-07-17
  Farah Khan's best quality as a director is that she is not confined to what is trendy or what is expected from a Bollywood movie. Instead, she makes movies that she wants the audience and the actors making the film to enjoy. In this case, we get a movie that deals with heavy themes of reincarnation and revenge in a lighthearted package that shamelessly embraces and yet spoofs 1970's Bollywood.
  
  Om (Shah Rukh Khan), a bit part actor in the 70's, is in love with the beautiful leading lady Shantipriya (newcomer Deepika Padukone). Through a series of coincidences, he manages to catch her attention but finds out that she is already married to the evil Mukesh Mehra (the handsome Arjun Rampal). Tragedy ensues, but Om and Shanti get another chance at happiness in their next lifetime, when Om is the spoiled son of a rich actor and Shanti returns as Sandy, the diamond-in-the-rough who helps Om get revenge for the treachery of Mukesh Mehra.
  
  Without a doubt, the best part of this movie is the song/dance numbers. That is only to be expected, as Farah Khan remains the absolute best choreographer in Bollywood. For instance, Dhoom Taana is a catchy song, choreographed in a manner that is engaging and funny. But the real treat for Hindi cinema fans is Deewangi Deewangi, which features cameo appearances by just about everyone in Bollywood (31 star actors and actresses).
  
  It's also clear that everyone in this film seemed to enjoy themselves while making the movie. Shah Rukh Khan, in particular, embraces his inner ham here with solid comedic results. Farah Khan, during her brief on-screen appearance, also seemed to be having plenty of fun.
  
  Their enthusiasm is contagious, and I believe you will enjoy Om Shanti Om even if you have never seen any older Bollywood movies and can't conceive of a story line involving reincarnation. This film is lighthearted entertainment, and seems to be making fun of itself on more than one occasion. Although not particularly deep or poignant, this film succeeds at what it is supposed to do: entertain thoroughly and unexpectedly.
  
  
• Great movie.
  By AQA9YPD24WR15 on 2008-07-27
  I love Bollywood and when this industry can laugh at itself it's even better! The story is a little silly sometimes, but hey, what Bollywood movie isn't? I love the scenes at the award show when SRK is nominated for like three movie awards and they're all basically the same movie. Too funny! The songs and dance sequences are great too.
  
  
• Wow! Great Bollywood Movie!
  By A1R7WL84HRMPY0 on 2008-08-05
  I just bought this Bollywood movie and I loved it. I loved all the songs of this movie from the beginning to the end. At the end of the movie they sang and introduced all the producer, actors, actresses and supporting casts. This is a great movie to watch. The actresses in this movie were so...so...so beautiful. I would recommend it to everyone to have it.
  
  
• All you hot girls, put your hands up and say "Om shanti om!"
  By A2KP1SXTMHK8ZO on 2008-08-14
  All you cool boys, come and make some noise,and say "Oh Shanti Om!"
  
  I am so glad I listened to the reviews here. I wanted to see more Bollywood after seeing a "Bollywood"-style number in "So You Think You Can Dance," and Bollywood-fusion films like "The Guru" (NOT the Mike Myers film "The Love Guru" - I mean the GOOD one, with Jimi Mistry and Heather Graham) and "Bride and Prejudice."
  
  This film is wonderful. The dancing, the energy, and the comedy have a touch of the goofiness that make musicals like "Singing in the Rain" so much fun (and like that musical, this one is also set in the world of movie-making). And though there is a dramatic side to the story, the story never drags; for a 142-minute film, that's saying something. It is definitely a fun movie. The musical/dance numbers are dizzy fun, the hero is likable, and the actress who plays our heroine is a knockout (both in beauty and in talent. My God, these Bollywood heroines are gorgeous women). Even the credits are a hoot, as everyone from the director to the carpenters take bows at the end.
  
  Please see it, lest your heart know the Pain of disco.
  
  
  
  
  
• highly recommended if you are already versed in Bollywood
  By A2YCZWQPWSVC28 on 2008-08-25
  I have not stopped playing this movie since I bought it a few months ago. Musically and visually one of the best Bollywood films that I have ever seen.When watching OSO, you feel that you are watching a classic, grand scale movie. This film is remorselessly '70's themed, and the plot seems to be based on that time period's formula. If you are open to that serious a through-back, you will find this movie very enjoyable.
  
  SRK comes off with a genuine, touching, non-franchise/automated performance. Hard to pull off when you have been in more movies than probably anyone in history. Ok, a few of his signature moves here, but it guud!
  
  The detail
  
  

• Saawariya [Blu-ray]
• Devdas (2 Disc Set)
• Jab We Met
• Om Shanti Om CD
• Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge