'Omkara' headed for Cannes Film Festival

Mumbai, May 18 (IANS) There can't be a better platform to promote a film than the 59th Cannes Film Festival and that's exactly what director Vishwal Bhardwaj is doing for his "Omkara".

He is leaving for Cannes with producer Kumar Mangat and the cast - Ajay Devgan, Saif Ali Khan, Viveik Oberoi and Bipasha Basu - for the launch of a coffee table book on the making of "Omkara".

However Kareena Kapoor, who plays a crucial role in the film, is not travelling with the team, as she is busy with the Rock Stars concert.

The book launch, scheduled for Saturday, will be preceded by a press meet organised on a boat.

An eight minute 'show reel' of the film will be unveiled in front of both the international media, including Variety and Screen magazines, and the Indian press, which comprises Star News, CNN, NDTV and India Today.

After that the cast and the crew will talk to them about the film and their experiences.

Bhardwaj's "Omakra" is the desi version of Shakespeare's "Othello", mainly shot in the small towns of northern India. Most scenes have been filmed on real locations like markets, streets and imambaras.

Ajay plays the title role Omkara, the leader of a gang. Langda Tyagi (Saif), a shrewd and scheming member of his gang, makes his life difficult when he appoints Kesu (Viveik) and not Tyagi as his trusted lieutenant.

Tyagi poisons Omkara's mind with tales of a romantic affair between Kesu and Omkara's beloved Dolly (Kareena).

The film is expected to hit Indian theatres July 28.

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Omkara