Langda Tyagi.. Bahubali.....BAHUBALI Langda Tyagi

Initially, had plans to write a review on Omkara after having watched the movie twice. Even before that, infact even before the movie was released, thought of writing the review of song lyrics of Omkara - but while all these urges were controlled by my inherent lethargy and inertia, I couldn't help but pay a tribute to one of the best villaineous performances in the form of our one legged Bahubali, who, infact never was one.

The initial impression of Saif was that long haired skinny lover boy crooning Ole-Ole in Yeh Dillagi. Mindless films and senseless acting - several such films came during this period - Ashiq Awara, Aao Pyar Karein. Even as late as Kachche Dhage, he seemed to be content with playing uber rich, vain lover boy. Dil Chahta Hai displayed a semblance of the actor in him. Ek Haseena thi was cool and it showed Saif could act. Even there, he played the rich, urban guy who had to display some emotions apart from just shaking his abundant hair and appear besotted with the dame.

And then came Omkara. Imagine the Nick of Salaam Namaste with short cropped hair, yellow teeth, sweaty clothes, a .303, a swear happy tongue and a vicious limp. Infact in one of the scenes in Omkara, when Langda is sleeping on a cot, his underwear (actually janghia) and that too, patre wallah what people wear in UP and Bihar is visible from under his pants. Contrast this with his Calvin Klein underwear visible from his under his jeans on the beach in Salam Namaste and you will know that life has come full circle for Saif.

Langda is violent, he is powerful, he is foul mouthed, he is evil and he schemes like only he can. He is loyal but has a twisted sense of loyalty. Infact, the character has several intricacies - in the climax when everything is lost and Omkara discovers the whole game, Langda says, "Know what you know - my lies and truth have no difference now". There is surrender, there is resignation but you are not sure if there is repentance.

Even in the opening reel, he tells Dolly's prospective groom about the imminent abduction of his bride. You can argue both ways if this act smacks of an already existing dilution in his loyalty towards Omkara.

And Saif has played it to the T. More so, considering his roles so far, his blue blooded family background and his chocolate lover boy image - the conviction, honesty and sincerety shows on screen and burns a hole in the viewers mind-space.

Infact you cannot rule out the distant resemblance with Gabbar Singh in the shot when Langda walks limpingly with a gun in one hand and the camera zooms out on the rocky landscape all around.

I can bet half the money in my pocket that this was the life time best role for Saif - even if he retires tomorrow - he's got something to proudly show to his grandchildren (of course, after they cross 18, that is)