Haider

A still from "Haider".

“Haider” commands respect!, and so does Vishal Bhardwaj! “Haider” is not a movie you can enjoy while munching popcorns with your Pepsi. You don’t want to miss even a single moment of this intense drama which is based on Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”. Your eyes refuse to leave the screen as if they are spell bound and glued to it magically.

This third adaptation from “Vishal Bhardwaj” is a true work of art. With “Haider” Vishal has taken a big leap and proved his irrefutable superiority among his contemporaries.

The film speaks of the hard work pumped into it and there is a distinctive detailing in this adaptation that is a signature style of Vishal Bhardwaj. Set in the 90s with turbulent Kashmir as its backdrop, this film presents two aspects of Kashmir brilliantly. There is a clear reference of force’s transgressions, which will not be pleasing for many eyes. But, in a film you do take some liberties and “Haider” after all is a work of fiction.

 Tabbu symbolizes the very purpose for which film is regarded as an art form.

“Shahid Kapoor” struggles in some parts of the initial half of “Haider” as at some points you do feel like shahid is not letting go of his star image but, Shahid matches up to the plot’s intensity in the second half.

Hero becomes big only if he is matched with a villain of same magnum. K. K. Menon is a marvellous villain who proves it, yet again with his flawless performance. Irfann Khan is also there in a short yet intense role.

Shraddha Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor

“Shraddha Kapoor” who plays Haider’s love interest means business and she has proved, ‘she is here to stay’. Her performance is smooth and she performs both intense and passionate scenes with ease and finesse.

Tabbu

 But who takes the cherry on the top is Tabbu. Playing Haider’s mother, her captivating performance leaves every one speechless. She makes you realize what you miss when she is not shooting. She symbolizes the very purpose for which film is regarded as an art form.

Tabbu and Shahid Kapoor

In one of the last scenes when she requests her husband (KK Menon) to spare her son’s life, you feel a mother’s plight. She has reached a resolution. She is unfazed now. she is a mother who is protective of her son. She is going to protect him at all costs. She will stand against the world, against her own husband and even death.

What an adaptation! Vishal Bhardwaj leaves everyone speechless!

RATING:   5/5