Haider

Director: Vishal Bhardwaj

Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Tabu, Kay Kay Menon, Narendra Jha and Irrfan Khan

Vengeance may breed more vengeance, but it will with certainty produce death. If you fancy themes of innocence lost, Haider could well be your bible. This grim movie has the power to evoke strong emotions. It’s dark and flawed in parts and perhaps has too much violence. But it recovers from every little stumble to turn in to something poetic. Like art and life itself, it may be flawed but it's just too beautiful.

The story is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's Hamlet. Vishal Bhardwaj follows the crux of his inspiration with adept storytelling technique. The way he weaves the tale of deceit and revenge in the history of Kashmir is an effort worth saluting. The underlying conscience and a strong undercurrent of social critique isn't even the best part about this film. Its strength comes from its narrative and compelling characters. The setting of the Kashmiri upheaval makes for a compelling backdrop. The story of a son forced into militancy seeking to avenge his father is superlative. While the idea itself isn't new, the way it's woven into a Kashmiri family and their relationships are masterful. There's a reason why Haider is so close to the edge. There's a reason why his mother is such a mystery. There's a reason why Haider's uncle is on the right side of antagonism. If you like a well told story with layering and social relevance, you will enjoy this retelling of Hamlet to the hilt. Of course the trained mind will be able to point out a few loopholes, but none will rob the viewer of an engaging movie going experience. The writing team of Basharat Peer and Vishal Bhardwaj have even managed to make good use of the word chutzpah. Every reference to the exotic sounding word will have you in splits. Simply said, Haider is so well written it had to be well made.

 

And well-made it is. Whether it's the breathtaking photography capturing a bittersweet side of Kashmir or the magnificent production design, this film is captivating. Bhardwaj and his team have nailed it. They've used the old world solitude and the grey of snow to great effect. Couple that with Bhardwaj's music and you're guaranteed a haunting experience. When the guns come out, and the blood splatters all over the ice you have to hold on to the heart. Because it tries to sink deep, and it for sure leaves you with a chill down the spine.

Vishal Bhardwaj can thank his cast for their flawless execution of his own vision. Shahid Kapoor as Haider displays never-seen-before facets of his acting talent. His character fluctuates between madness and melancholy and acing that performance is no mean feat. Shraddha Kapoor is the perfect combination of porcelain beauty and pristine innocence. Her performance truly gives you hope and then breaks your heart. Then there are dexterous bouts of skill by Kay Kay Menon and Irrfan Khan. But the crown of brilliance goes to Tabu. She adds gravitas to every scene and frame of the movie. She shows you how effortless great acting can be.

Haider doesn’t have an ounce of the commercial thrills and spills that entertain the 100-crore masses. But it does have an undeniable dramatic punch. It is one of the best stories you’ll every watch on celluloid. Give this edgy film a chance to entertain you. Because it will do so with aplomb. It’s certainly better than the other chutzpah out there.