My immersion into Bollywood films continues and has me asking, “Is Shah Rukh Khan is the only actor in India?” He has managed to be the lead in both movies that I picked at random. Thankfully he and his cheesy acting style are growing on me. So join me as I share whether I think this is a movie you should all check out.

SYNOPSIS:

In the 1970s, Om, an aspiring actor, is murdered, but is immediately reincarnated into the present day. He attempts to discover the mystery of his demise and find Shanti, the love of his previous life. (IMDb)

THE PLOT

The plot twists were not really what I was expecting when I started. When I saw that this was a reincarnation story, I thought it would be 20 min in the past, dead, then bam…30 years later. But the story stayed much longer in the past and really fleshed out the characters. Getting to know Shantipriya and caring about her character and the tragedy that occurred when she loved the wrong man was very important in keeping the viewer invested. Her unjust death was what really moved the story forward towards the second half’s revenge focus.

Then we get the second half where they really settle in for the reincarnation story arc mixed with revenge. The way the director/writer used the reincarnation trope made it a lot more enjoyable than if it had been a straightforward revenge plot. Instead, we getting a super, over-the-top, quirky revenge story which had me laughing through the whole thing. Usually, when I am watching this kind of show the romance is key to my enjoyment. However, this movie distracted me so much with the main character’s mannerisms that I totally forgot that I wanted romance. It was perfect for a distraction from real life.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Once again, the dances just really steal the show for me. I especially loved the Om Shanti Om dance that happened in the middle of the film. It was an awards after-party, and this massive group of (I’m assuming famous Indian actors/actresses) cameo in a vibrant and energetic number—so much fun.

Beyond the dance numbers, I also really loved the backdrop of a movie studio lot. I have always been a fan of classic film and the visual concept of a large lot full of stages and creating many different movies in a small space. This movie really was able to capture that energy.

CHARACTER OBSERVATIONS

Shah Rukh Khan’s charisma and energy were on full blast in this movie. Om’s one-sided love for Shantipriya in the ’70s and her death had a lot of layers to it that I was not expecting. I was surprised at how we didn’t have that strong of a love line with our two leads. Usually, when I am watching this kind of show, the romance is key to my enjoyment. However, this movie distracted me so much with the main character’s mannerism and life goals that I totally forgot that I wanted romance. It was perfect for a distraction from real life.

If I had any complaint, it would be that the female lead’s look-alike (in current time) was missing some of that energy of the 70’s version. It inferred why (at least a tiny bit) by the end, but it was a distraction while I was watching. Not to mention, I really really missed Shantipriya’s 70s styling. Her outfits were just so stunning that nothing in the modern time period could compete.

OVERALL REACTION

This movie was so much fun to watch, and I give it a solid 8/10. If you want to be entertained and watch just an all-over fun movie, then this is for sure a great choice. After my first Bollywood review, I started getting more and more recommendations. Be sure to keep those coming. If it a movie you think I should check out and it is available at some location with English subs, I’m happy to try it out (although it might take a while since my list is getting longer and longer.)

Til our next Bollywood adventure,

Kmuse

Dramas with a Side of Kimchi