Watch Om-Dar-B-Dar

Om-Dar-B-Dar is a delightful surreal comedy film directed by Kamal Swaroop that was released in 1988. Set in the small town of Rajasthan, the story weaves around the life of a young boy named Om who is deeply absorbed in his fantastical imagination. The film takes an unconventional approach to storytelling, presenting a non-linear plot with vividly colorful dream sequences that transcend the boundaries of reality.

The movie is a culmination of Kamal's long-felt passion for painting, poetry, and cinema. The film is a kaleidoscope of various themes - social critique, history, mythology, and religious symbolism. The story revolves around a young boy named Om, who lives in a joint family with a colorful cast of characters. His father is an eccentric visionary and an inventor while his mother is a loving homemaker. Om's elder brother is a dacoit-in-making, and his grandfather passionately advocates the virtues of Gandhian ideology.

Throughout the film, Om spends his time observing everyday life and dreaming of the fantastical. His mind creates a world that explores ideas of mortality, sexuality, love, religion, and Hindu mythology, spinning them into fantastic images and weaving them into imaginary stories. The 'OM Dar-B-Dar' of the movie's title represents surrealism - Om's unrestrained imagination that persists beyond logical and linear thinking.

The story is meandering and unpredictable and often leaves the viewer puzzled, as director Kamal Swaroop defies viewer expectation at every turn. The screenplay is unique, combining philosophical themes with nonsensical humor. The story is told through a series of seemingly unrelated events, and yet they all come together at some point, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. The director's playful use of dream sequences and allegory drives the story forward.

The performances of the cast are spot-on, each of them contributing a unique flavor to the film. Anita Kanwar plays the mother with admirable understatement. Lalit Tiwari as the grandfather is a standout, his steadfast adherence to Gandhian principles clashing amusingly with his grandson's worldly ambitions. Gopi Desai as Om's teacher provides moments of pathos as she recites poems about the violence and decay of modern society.

The cinematography deserves special mention, and it is evident that Swaroop approaches the film as a painter. The movie is a visual treat, a fascinating blend of surrealistic and realistic elements that make for a visually stunning kaleidoscope. The frames are highly stylized and feature bright colors, quirky interactions, and imaginative visuals that create a vivid world.

Despite its apparent fragmentation, the film's musical score beautifully ties together the disparate elements of the narrative. The film's music establishes mood and atmosphere and ranges from classical Indian melodies to pop and disco. The catchy tunes of the film often serve as an ironic counterpoint to the otherwise absurd and surreal visuals.

The movie is a testament to the spirit of Indian independent cinema, with its refusal to be boxed into a genre or style. It is an ode to the power of imagination and the limitless possibilities it can create. It forces the viewer to ponder the randomness of life and the role of the individual in society.

In conclusion, Om-Dar-B-Dar is an unconventional masterpiece that defies viewer expectation. It is a surreal comedy that impresses with its fantastic visuals and philosophical insights. The film is a spectacle of color, sound, and imagination, a joy to watch, and a treasure trove of meaning. It remains an overlooked classic of Indian cinema and a must-watch for all lovers of the cinematic art.