My Take On HAIDER - 'Dark, Robust, Moving & Impactful, A Real Gem Of An Experience'

Vishal Bhardwaj makes movies that show reality of some serious issues like politics, terrorism which are related to human conflicts but ultimately spreads a very healthy message to his viewers. In Haider, the plot is based in Kashmir and the tragic reality of this beautiful heavenly place is shown quite finely. During mid 90s, what happened to most of the inhabitants of Kashmir. They were tagged as militants, faced torture and many were killed by our armed forces, some went disappear too. Now this subject is quite risky as some political parties and some section of Indian army may stand against the movie. But i don't wanna give any opinion on that as i believe a movie should be judged on how good or bad it is technically and no other factors should come out of it. And to be frank Haider doesn't insult or hurt anyone's sentiments not atleast deliberately. It just reflects the genuine picture of Kashmir on celluloid. However, its an adaptation of William Shakespeare's famous play Hamlet. Vishal Bhardwaj is a master in giving Indian touch to Shakespeare dramas and the best thing is that he creates them so effectively that they look effortlessly authentic. Earlier he gave us gems like Maqbool & Omkara and this time he has done full justice with Haider as expected. The marvelous content speaks for itself. And here so many things work big time. The narrative, the screenplay, the amazing dialogues, the superb ensemble acts, the stunning cinematography, the soulful music plus back ground score and above all, the terrific and twisting climax that is spellbinding! Like i said, all the actors are in brilliant form here. Shahid as Haider is magnificently unbelievable. He owns the part perfectly and delivers each line and scene with super panache. Watch out his terrific expressions in the heart wrenching climax or when he embarrasses K.K Menon in the excellent Bismil song or when he shares Chutzpah with the local inhabitants while expressing monologue. This is definitely his best act to date even surpassing his previous best in Kaminey. Take A Bow Shahid! You will surely win many awards for Haider. Tabu meanwhile, is another highpoint of the film. She is so awesome in her portrayal of Ghazala, Haider's mother, that you will stand up and applaud. She is a complete revelation. Shraddha has finally got an acting oriented role and she passes in pulling it off. K.K Menon shines as the evil Khurram. He displays cunningness with utmost perfection. Among other side performers, Narendra Jha impresses and so does Kulbhusan Kharbandha in brief parts, Two Salmans(Haider's friends who are die hard Salman Khan Fans) amuse. And of course, Irrfan Khan in a special appearance, proves why he is one of our finest actors. His entry is crackling and character even though small yet so much relevant. He rocks as always! Speaking of Bhardwaj's music, its spectacular and heart touching. Bismil is intense, Aao Na is powerful, Jhelum is painful while Gulo Mein Rang Bhare melts your heart. Credit to Gulzaar Saab for penning all this meaningful tracks and all the singers who have sung them so well. The only problem Haider has is that its a bit lengthy. It could have been chopped off by 10-15 mins but that hardly matters when the film itself is solid and significant.

Thus overall, Vishal Bhardwaj along with his co-writer Basharat Peer has made a strong revenge drama, narrated the Kashmir story with pure brilliance and rooted for peace eventually. And so Haider is a must watch artistic experience. Exceptionally enacted, wonderfully shot, it has all the elements to be tagged as one of the superlative cinemas of our times. Another Vishal Bhardwaj Cult Movie. Another Masterpiece!

My Rating - 4.5 / 5

Don't miss it at all. Its an unforgettable gem!!! Its stays and connects with you.