Thursday, 9 October 2014

Haider

Cast
:
Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Shraddha Kapoor, Kay Kay Menon
Director
:
Vishal Bhardwaj
Music
:
Vishal Bhardwaj
Producer
:
Vishal Bhardwaj, Siddharth Roy Kapur
Release Date
:
2 October 2014
Length
:
2 hours & 42 minutes

My Thoughts
Recently, no movie has disturbed me the way Haider did. I also don’t know what disturbed me more. Is it the sad condition of beautiful Jammu & Kashmir, or how circumstances changes protagonist’s, his mother’s and lady love’s life completely. Or is it the background score that haunts or the brilliant screenplay that is intricately woven. Whatever it is, I am finding it really tough to write this review.

Vishal Bharadwaj’s adaptation of William Shakespear’s Hamlet is flawless. It becomes more poignant because the story is set in Jammu & Kashmir. When I saw river Jhelum, Chinar trees, snow covered lanes and green roofs, I fell in love with the movie more. A big thanks for the director for presenting both sides of Kashmir and Kashmiris – One filled with well-educated people who don’t believe in non-violence and other with militant who believe in freedom through violence.

Shahid Kapoor as Haider deserves big applauds. His transformation from an innocent young boy in love to a betrayed man drenched with hatred is phenomenal.

Shraddha Kapoor as Arshi, the journalist is sweet, understanding and caring. Kay Kay Menon as Khurram, the lawyer is innocent by looks but, poisonous in thoughts and actions.

A special mention to Sumit Kaul as Salman1 and Rajat Bhagat as Salman 2. Especially, Salman 1 is laughter-evoking and very good!

When I saw Saaskhi Siva, I was happy for him. It could be a small role, kind of an extras, but he has truly come a long way! (If you have seen Sun TV serial Chellame, he portrayed the role of Vadamalai. And, if you are watching Mahabharatham in Sun TV now, he essays the role of Vidhuran).

But, the show-stealer is Tabu as Gazala Meer, Haider’s mother. Her silence speaks and her motherly affection can be felt. She comes across as a strict mother who tries to protect her son from being misguided and a vulnerable one who wishes only well-being of her son.

In short, I appreciate the director for tweaking Hamlet a bit and making a perfect Haider!

A brilliant movie, don’t miss it!


Rating
3.5/5

2 comments:

  1. I have heard a lot about Haider and I just loved how VB turned the iconic dialogue of Hamlet 'to be or not to be' beautifully as 'hum hain ki hum nahin'!!

    Will go and watch for I have not yet done so! lovel;y short and crisp review :)

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    Replies
    1. Hey! I didnt know that. I just remembered an overview of Hamlet which I had read as a child. Recently, read a gist to see what I could see in Haider.

      As you mentioned. VB has weaved wonders with Hamlet.

      And please watch it. This is a different experience.

      Thanks Ankita :)

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