Othello subverts the traditional symbolism often used in theatre. For instance, the white-skinned man or woman is the one that takes on shades of grey, while the dark-skinned man -- traditionally called upon to take on the negative role -- is actually the actor led astray.
Needless to say, these distinctions on the basis of colour would have been made only at Shakespeare's time, but it is still an integral part of the play's essence.
The film also stars Vivek Oberoi as Cassio, Othello's lieutenant. Apparently, director Vishal Bharadwaj is still looking for someone to play Cassio's mistress, Bianca. Other characters of note in the original play include the duke of Venice, a senator called Brabantio (who is also Desdemona's father), and a Venetian gentleman called Roderigo.
This should be worth waiting for.