Saif Ali Khan is set to return to a heartland setting with his upcoming cop drama 'Kartavya', evoking memories of one of his most celebrated performances — Langda Tyagi from 'Omkara'. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the 2006 film was a Shakespearean adaptation, and Saif's portrayal of the villainous Iago-inspired character is widely regarded as the best of his career. In a recent interview, Saif discussed how that role helped him prove his mettle to skeptics in the industry and among audiences.
'Omkara' Remains a Landmark Shakespearean Adaptation in Hindi Cinema
Released in July 2006, 'Omkara' continues to be hailed as one of the finest Shakespearean adaptations in Hindi cinema. Set in the political heartland of Uttar Pradesh, the film was based on Shakespeare's Othello. Ajay Devgn played the lead, while Saif Ali Khan portrayed Langda Tyagi, a character inspired by the villain Iago. The film also featured Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, and Konkona Sen Sharma in pivotal roles.
Saif Ali Khan Credits Vishal Bhardwaj for Believing in Him
Saif was effusive in his praise for director Vishal Bhardwaj, crediting him for having faith in him when many others did not. Speaking to PTI, he revealed, “Everyone was doubtful, but he was very kind and supportive and helped me with the dialogues. I did a lot of homework. I was on holiday in the Maldives, people were like, 'Why don't you rehearse in the heartland?' I was reading this script under an umbrella in the Maldives, learning all these lines, and kept practising. Then I came back.”
Saif Ali Khan Says 'Omkara' Changed the Industry's Perception of Him
Saif further added that the role transformed how people in the industry viewed him, and the positive impact of that performance continues to benefit him today. “The film has done so much for me, and I'll always be thankful. It has expressed a certain range to a bunch of filmmakers, who would otherwise think that I can't do it. They've said, 'Okay, if he's done that, then he can do this.' I like playing roles like this (in Kartavya), which is not like Omkara, but it's a little grounded, rooted, and very different from my personality. But that's the whole point of acting. So, it's nice if you can be free enough to have your own accent and your own body language and not try and convince people that actually you can be different,” Saif added.
'Kartavya' to Premiere on Netflix on May 15
'Kartavya' is directed by Pulkit, known for Bhakshak, and produced by Gauri Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment. The film boasts a talented cast including Sanjay Mishra, Saurabh Dwivedi, Zakir Hussain, Manish Chaudhari, and Rasika Dugal. It will be available for streaming on Netflix from Friday, May 15.
