Writer/Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Irrfan Khan and Tabu
‘A Captivating Adaptation’
Not many actors in Bollywood have earned the appreciation of Shahid Kapoor. Since his rise to fame in the 2000’s, Kapoor has been a beloved icon. Whether it’s doomed lovers, vengeful killers or historical figures, Kapoor has portrayed several characters. Arguably, Kapoor’s greatest strength as an actor is his larger than life presence. He is one of those actors that has always had a rare ability to elevate every movie he’s in through his bold presence. Even when he isn’t the main focus of a movie, Kapoor has always left a lasting impression. Through a capability to portray characters audiences can relate to, Kapoor has become a beloved actor that audiences value. Throughout his strong career, Kapoor has made many unforgettable movies which are absolutely without a single doubt worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Kapoor and adore all films which he has made in his career. However, “Haider” definitely stands out as being his most meaningful movie. Released in 2014, Vishal Bhardwaj’s movie offered a fantastic Indian adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Packed with breathtaking music, engrossing storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s an extraordinary Shakespeare adaptation. At the centre of it all is a brilliant performance from Shahid Kapoor, who plays a ferocious man seeking to avenge his father’s murder. Ultimately, what makes “Haider” a timeless masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Indian Shakespeare films, it discusses strong themes everyone would relate to. A spectacular Shakespeare adaptation, there are many strong reasons why “Haider” is a movie worth watching.
“Haider” tells the story of a young man that embarks on an adventure seeking revenge for his father’s murder. Shahid Kapoor plays Haider Meer, an angry man with a traumatic past. Growing up in the war-torn country of Kashmir, Haider witnesses his father killed in front of his eyes at an early age. Searching for vengeance, Haider returns to his home many years later to repair violence. Assisted by his brave mother Ghazala (Tabu), Haider seeks to make his dreams come true. Faced with his uncle Khurram (Kay Kay Menon), he seeks to avenge the death of his father that he regarded with affection. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Haider starts to wonder whether it’s possible to avenge a death of his father.
Vishal Bhardwaj is fascinated with the plays written by Shakespeare. A bold Bollywood filmmaker, Bhardwaj has often made great adaptations of plays written by a legendary author. His iconic film “Omkara” adapted a beloved Shakespeare play about infidelity in India. With “Haider”, however, the filmmaker creates his first ever vengeance movie. It’s the filmmaker’s first attempt to interpret a legendary Shakespeare play about revenge but he succeeded immensely. Using strong cinematography, Bhardwaj captures the life of a vengeful man seeking revenge in a war-torn city. Recalling Rob Minkoff’s “The Lion King”, Bhardwaj uses montages to capture tensions that a young man seeking revenge is facing. For instance, montages enhance the hometown returning scene. During this unforgettable scene, Haider returns to the hometown where he grew up several years after being exiled. Using strong montages, Bhardwaj honours a legendary Shakespeare play. Montages are complex techniques. As Imtiaz Ali’s “Jab We Met” proved, montages enhance Bollywood romantic dramas. That being said, it works immensely in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Bhardwaj honours a legendary piece of literature.
Another admirable aspect of “Haider” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive Bollywood Shakespeare movies you will ever see. Evoking Mansoor Khan’s “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak”, Bhardwaj uses cross-cutting to stage musical sequences that are engaging. For instance, the cross-cutting elevates the Bismil song. During this engaging scene, Haider delivers a profound musical number showcasing his devotion to his hometown after several years of being abandoned. Through strong cross-cutting, Bhardwaj honours a play that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent, it gives the movie an engaging atmosphere honouring plays of Shakespeare. Through engaging production, Bhardwaj celebrates an iconic piece of literature which deserves appreciation.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Haider” is a Shakespeare adaptation that is compelling. The movie is extremely well-written, and effectively uses monologues to celebrate the literature of an English author. For instance, dramatic monologues elevate the speech scene. During this heartbreaking scene, Haider delivers an emotional speech expressing feelings of grief after his father’s death. Through bold monologues, Bhardwaj crafts a portrait of Shakespeare audiences relate to. Monologues are a tricky technique to use in Bollywood movies. As Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Padmaavat” suggested clearly, monologues enhance historical epics. That being said, it works immensely in this movie. Through an excellent screenplay, Bhardwaj honours a legendary author whose literature is beloved today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Shahid Kapoor gives one of his best career performances as Haider. Kapoor achieved appreciation for playing romantic heroes in celebrated Bollywood films. With “Haider”, however, he took on his most intense role. It isn’t easy to portray a legendary character in Shakespeare’s literature but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charming and emotional in his most memorable role. With strong expressions, he captures the bravery, grief and trauma faced by a vengeful man on missions. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most beloved actors that is working in India today.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Kapoor, the supporting cast is excellent and worthy of recognition. Tabu is fantastic, capturing the negative point of view of an Indian woman that seeks to make her son’s dreams come true. Irrfan Khan is incredible, bringing charisma to a guide that seeks to inspire troubled men with pride. Lastly, Kay Kay Menon merits appreciation. As an evil uncle, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Haider” would earn appreciation of everyone for celebrating the literature of an iconic author. Unlike most Bollywood movies adapting Shakespeare’s work, it discusses bold themes everyone would relate to. The film discusses strong themes such as grief, mental health and trauma that will resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Shakespeare’s play to enjoy it. Therefore, “Haider” is one of those one of a kind Shakespeare movies that everyone will adore.
Fans of Shahid Kapoor will absolutely enjoy “Haider” and so would audiences seeking meaningful entertainment. A breathtaking Bollywood literary adaptation, it honours an actor that’s worthy of appreciation.
Nearly 20 years following the release of an iconic Bollywood movie that celebrated the legacy of Shakespeare, it a bold reminder of a beloved actor with rare charisma that has made memorable films throughout a strong career about which audiences have come to deeply care.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 