Om Shanti Om: A movie about a star, not just the reel one

"If you want something with all your heart," insists Om, the central character(s) of Om Shanti Om, "then the universe conspires to make it happen for you." Breaking into his trademark goofy, endearing, dimpled grin, he acknowledges that the universe has indeed given him everything he wished for today. It's hard not to blur the lines, as it is very often with Shahrukh Khan, between real and reel life. He might just be making an allusion to his own life- rising from nowhere in real life, and as a Junior Artiste in reel life, to become a mega star, worshipped and adored by millions, despite a relative lack of natural acting capability, something which he acknowledges with good grace (and somewhat of a smirk). You realize, with Mr. Khan on the screen, that his earnest (if sometimes inadequate) performances usually help to give us, the audience, the message that dreams really do come true. Which he reminds us in the movie, can sometimes transcend the screen and mix in with real life.

OSO is not a great movie, or even a good one. Trying to be a spoof and a homage to the masala potboilers of the '70s, it falls into the same traps it lampoons, without urgency, purpose or any semblance of script. Yes, it is a homage to reincarnation, and look!- the bad guy exclaims that "no one could possibly believe in reincarnation!" Hilarious! It would have been funnier if they had gone about it quicker. The movie is far too long, putting in too many songs, over the top melodrama and no real purpose- which are the things it wants to satirise/pay homage to, but falls victim to instead. Arjun Rampal is indeed the most toothless villian ever. I have never seen so many Bollywood stars in a single shot servins so little purpose. And while Deepika Padukone looks gorgeous, she cannot act. I am happier to see her model, where atleast I can imagine her to be fascinatingly brilliant, funny and suitably mysterious.

Kirron Kher, though, hams it up nicely as the ever doting mother, complete with kheer. The "nominations" for Best Actor are suitably funny, especially Abhishek and Akshay, who display a good sense of humor. But of course, the real star of the show, once again, is Shahrukh Khan. Much has been written about him, and much has he been villified and glorified, probably both to an extreme. But you cannot help but acknowledge his self awareness when he says that his family is prone to overacting. You cannot help but laugh when he convinces the hapless producer that the only way to salvage his movie is by an "item number"- and out comes not a slinky starlet in a bikini, but Mr. Khan, shirtless and toned. Because he's right- he is the draw, he is a star, and he can draw crowds better than any starlet can. He is confident in his own star power, secure in his own limited ability and yet all to aware of his own power over the audience. For star power, look no further than the self assured, half wondering, half smirking smile playing on his lips when he stares with passionate intensity into Kajol's eyes in that redundant song. Watch his contented "I just died and went to heaven" smile when he comes face to face with his "Dreamy Girl". Or better still, watch Deepika Padukone's eyes light up with adoration, wonder and amazement when she comes face to face with Om, the superstar, who returns her gaze in a way calculated to make her swoon.

Fame might be a fickle friend, but here's hoping Mr. Khan never loses it. For what he's done for us- made us believe in happy endings, even in real life; made it cool for men to be romantic, and made the average Joe stop in the middle of a street, spread his arms, gaze into a woman's eyes, smile, and croon, "Tujhe dekha to yeh jaana sanam..."
Including yours truly.