Haider- Movie Review

Haider- Movie Review

3 Stars out of 5

Visahal Bharadwaj, man who is known for his unique film making. He has given us critically acclaimed movies in recent era. Likes of Maqbool, Omkara, Kaminey, 7 Khoon Muaaf and many others were not only praised by who’s who of industry but also well appreciated by the aam janta, making handsome amount on box office. Another thing, which makes Bharadwaj different from others is his great and unmatchable combo with veteran Gulzaar sb. Dialogues, poetry and lyrics used in his films are extremely beautiful. Earlier adapting Macbeth and Othello in grand cinematic ventures, this time he has come up with yet another Shakespearian classic “Hamlet”.

The Tragedy of Hamlet, to me, is undoubtedly one of the best and most praised work of Shakespeare. No doubt, it is baap of tragedies. Scenes in the drama are beautifully written with never read before intensity and sensitivity. All the characters look so classy, yet real that you can get over of it. And when you get to know duo of Bharadvaj and Gulzaar sb is coming up with yet another Shakespearean story to tell, expectations are bound to go well above the sky.

Just, if you have not read Hamlet, it’s about a son’s revenge. Prince Hamlet is asked by the spirit of the assassinated King to take revenge from his mother Gertrude and his uncle Claudius. Bharadvaj has been successful in creating a very relatable script in the backdrop of Kashmir. It is a very intelligent screenplay, pictured with utmost authenticity. Characterization has been the backbone of all of his movies and this time, has once again succeeded in engaging sheer talent for the roles, that can only be enacted by these artists. Tabu in the role of Gertrude, KK Menon in the role of Claudius and Shahid Kapoor as Hamlet is almost a treat. They have done their parts with great class and style. Honestly speaking Shrada could not do the justice with the role of Ophelia. However, gem of the story is Irfan Khan, as the spirit of deceased King. Very authentic, very real, very classy and very artistic.

Some scenes of Hamlet are out of this world, especially when Hamlet visits his mother and King for the first time after the death of his father in the drama and the graveyard scene after the death of Ophelia takes your breath away, while reading. Unfortunately, Bharadvaj was not at all successful in maintaining the feel. Both of the scenes look so ordinary. Graveyard scene could have been made much more authentic. That was a huge disappointment for me.

Bharadvaj has always composed exceptional sound track for his movies. Songs like Tu Mere Rubaroo (Maqbool), O Saathi Re & Naina (Omkara) and Bekaraan (7 Khoon Muaaf) are master pieces. But this time, his sound track has not done wonders. Rather it’s a very average track, with almost nothing to cheer about.

Overall, this film is technically very correct but what it lacks is the real feel of the tragedy. Bharadvaj completes the trilogy (Macbeth, Othello and now Hamlet) but not in his very own unorthodox film making style. May be, I was expecting much more from the dream cast. Omkara is still the best of his works. Best of luck to Bharadvaj for his next ventures.