Omerta is the fourth collaboration of Hansal Mehta and Rajkummar Rao. Itsis a full feature film but Hansal Mehta has filmed it brilliantly in documentary style. It follows the events in the life of Omer Sheikh who is educated and privileged. It covers events from his introduction to terrorism to his current status. Hansal Mehta is known for some unique concepts with his filmmaking and this is no exception. He has tried to pull the slightest of details in every scene.
In Italian mafia, Omerta is a code of silence about criminal activity and a refusal to give evidence to the police.
But this film is not about any italian mafia or code of silence.. It follows the life of Omar Sheikh played by Rajkummar Rao. With his top-notch performance, Rajkummar Rao yet again steals the show. He exceptionally got into the shoes of terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh. Rajesh Tailang and Rupinder Nagra also played their roles significantly to compliment every one’s performances.
Mukul Dev had been working on the script since 2005 but due to lack of proper resources he couldn’t finish and it took a lot of time to get filmed. But, finally, they got real footage of terrorist attacks and proper resources. Since, the film is only 96 minutes they couldn’t cover everything and lacked major things like How in the first place Omar got so much into Jihad and suddenly this terror saga ended.
In the visuals department, Anuj Rakesh Dhawan has perfectly captured every moment and real locations across different parts of Delhi, Kashmir, and London. With exceptional camera work and documentary-style camera work, it adds a sense of rhythm to the story and keeps you on your toes all the way. With clever use of camera, lighting, and framing, some sequences have become tenser as well as engaging. The background score compliments the film styling.
Omerta does not fall into the trap of getting too much into the negative criminal mind of such a strong character. The film never seems to justify the criminal acts of the person who was involved.
Although, being a great film it didn’t do well on box-office due to lack of promotional activities and didn’t break even the production cost of 18 crores.
An intelligent and well-made film that combines real-world facts. The entire film, its environment, and its impact is highly appreciable. It sheds light on the mind of terrorists and especially, how an intelligent terrorist holds this concept and is brain-washed to do things in the name of god.
Omerta ticks almost all the boxes for a great film, and if you understand what you’re into and you do have some idea on dynamics and politics of this world it will be a treat for you. The film is filled with many dangerous and disturbing moments that will fear the hell out of you. Do watch this film with intensity and understanding, barring a couple of sluggish moments in middling portions, it’s a perfect watch. You can watch Omerta now on ZEE5.