Showing posts with label Hamlet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hamlet. Show all posts
Film Review - Haider
Once in a decade (or maybe more, if you are lucky), there comes along a film that not only leaves you speechless, but also makes you think. Such a film creates a lasting impact and helps you understand that there is a lot more to history than what has been penned down in our textbooks. The impact is so strong, that even as the credits roll, you are unable to get up from your seat, thinking, shedding a tear or two (if you are an emotional bee, like me) and trying to sink in everything that you have just witnessed on the big screen. It makes you realise that there is a lot more to cinema than the regular entertaining fare dished out. The kind of stuff that may enter the 100 crore club, but will fail to educate the next generation or be even remembered 10 years down the line.
Yes, Haider did that to me!
There I was, waiting for the magical story to unfold and be told in a way that only Vishal Bhardwaj could do justice to. The central protagonist's emotional journey suddenly became my own. I could feel his pain, the melancholy, the love. That's the power of Bhardwaj's storytelling and presentation. Being a student of literature in the past, I have been exposed to several works of Shakespeare. The Tragedy of Hamlet, from where the film has been adapted, is one such play. I won't shy away from sharing the fact that I took some time to understand the character's complexities. But when I did, I realised that this is hands down of the most powerful plays ever written by Shakespeare.
Now, despite the fact that the basic plot of this film is similar to Hamlet, Haider is much more than just a story of Inteqaam. It delves into a spine chilling reality. A reality that often returns to haunt the people of Kashmir, every now and then. It shows us how the pure white snow clad mountains of Kashmir have been often stained with blood all around. Haider dares to look at Kashmir beyond the usual 'running behind the tree' and 'honeymoon moments'. Bhardwaj sets this tragic play in Kashmir of 1995, where political unrest and cries of families who have lost their dear ones, envelopes the otherwise calm air in the valley. Here, Haider Meer (Shahid Kapoor) returns to Kashmir, only to know that his father is 'missing', but doesn't fail to notice how in the middle of such bad times, his mother Ghazala (Tabu) and uncle Khurram (Kay Kay Menon) are merrily laughing in one corner of the house.
What follows is sheer cinematic brilliance, as you watch the characters get embroiled in different complex situations. Haider loves his mother, but is swayed by the 'hints' given by a certain Roohdaar (Irrfan) to take revenge against his uncle. He finds solace and love in the arms of Arshia (Shraddha Kapoor), but doesn't know what awaits him next, and finally, he knows that death is the final destination for every individual, but still goes all out for the ultimate revenge. Bhardwaj loves dealing with complex relationships, just like Shakespeare. He nailed it in Maqbool and Omkara, but with Haider, he goes a notch above. Using the right emotions, I love how Bhardwaj has wonderfully handled the relationship between Ghazala and Haider, as well as Haider's Oedipus Complex in a subtle way.
It is marvelous how Bhardwaj and writer Basharat Peer have managed to blend everything together, with the perfect detailing, while staying true to the theme of
Kashmir insurgency. Spine chilling visuals of devastation all around the valley
will leave you numb, but the sight of snow and young love (Haider - Arshia) blooming under it will also make you smile. Kudos to Pankaj Kumar for the excellent
cinematography. The background score by Bhardwaj is top notch and compliments the theme well. A special word for the excellent casting, done by Mukesh Chhabra. Narendra Jha as Haider's father is a great find. Oh, and how can I forget the song that gave me goosebumps - Bismil! You just cannot miss watching this brilliantly choreographed masterpiece on the big screen. Choreographer Suresh Adhana has shown us how folk dance can still grab eyeballs. Wow!
The editing is crisp and dialogues are perfectly penned, with the actors even taking an effort to ace the dialect.
I have always been a big fan of Bhardwaj's music and the Haider album is a unique package, that ranges from soft rock to ghazals, romantic tunes to a kashmiri folk number. Each song is perfectly placed in the film and the delightful lyrics penned by Gulzar adds a cherry on the cake. Please do yourselves a favour by not getting up from your seat (as is the unfortunate norm in India) during the end credits. Let Rekha Bhardwaj's wonderful rendition of Aaj ke naam mesmerise you. Allow it to stay with you before heading out. Trust me, you will be compelled to buy the song and hear it on loop.
Finally, coming down to performances. I'll use points to describe each of them.
Tabu - One of the few female actors in the industry who never fails to impress me with her performance. Chandni Bar, Maqbool and now, Haider; Tabu always manages to ace and how! In the center of all the turmoil stands her character, Ghazala, who is perpetually torn between the relationships. Not once does Tabu allow us to feel that she is essaying a 'role'. This natural actor steps into the shoes of Ghazala and becomes one with her. She does not need dialogues to deliver an award worthy performance. Her eyes are enough to do the trick. Bravo Tabu!
Kay Kay Menon - Definitely one of the most under-rated actors of our times. If a director has the ability to tap Kay Kay's potential, then the actor sure knows how to hold your attention with his flawless performance. He doesn't need those traditional cunning expressions or a villainy look to become Khurram. His body language and the ease with which he adds his own charm to Bhardwaj's
Claudius is a treat to watch.
Shraddha Kapoor - She does justice to her role, without going too over-board. Shraddha portrays the role of a Kashmiri journalist perfectly. She is bold, yet a little naive and her broken English adds the 'cute' factor.
Irrfan - As mysterious as Roohdaar can get, Irrfan excels in his brief but integral appearance in the film. He changes the film's track with his suspicious moves and behaviour. He fits into this role like a dream.
The Additional Cast comprising of Narendra Jha, the two Salman Khan fanatics, Khulbushan Kharbanda, Lalit Parimoo among others do a superb job in their respective parts. We also see Peer doing a cameo.
and last but not the least,
Shahid Kapoor - I have never questioned his potential an actor and never will. With each film, Shahid has only proved that there is a lot more to him than what most directors have made him do till date (except Kaminey, Jab We Met and a few other films, of course). His performance in Haider can seal all those lips who have only pooh-poohed at his choice of films or performances. I really can't think of any other actor today who can essay Haider Meer, the way Shahid has. What an impeccable performance! Watch the scene where Haider is seen mourning near his father's grave. Any actor can laugh or cry, but touching an audience member's heart and making them cry with you is no mean task. You can see and feel the innocence, passion and fury in his eyes. You connect with his complexities and strike a chord with the emotional journey he has been through. In a few scenes, you also notice how Shahid's dialogue delivery sounds a lot like his father, Pankaj Kapur. Haider presents a never before seen side of the immensely gifted actor (and a special mention of Bhardwaj for extracting this performance from him). This film tells you why the actor is undoubtedly one of the best from his generation. Take a bow, Shahid!
And finally, the man himself - Vishal Bhardwaj! Even a shower full of praises and accolades are not enough for this genius. The day he announced an adaptation of Hamlet, we all knew that the film is in good hands. We knew that it won't be a clichéd, boring adaptation. Bhardwaj always dares to experiment, takes a risk and thinks the way no one can. I don't think there can be a better tribute and end to the tragic trilogy of Shakespeare's works. I am sure if the legendary playwright and poet was alive, he would have hugged Bhardwaj and said,
"Be not afraid of greatness.
Some are born great, some achieve greatness,
and some have greatness thrust upon 'em."
Yes, Mr. Vishal Bhardwaj! The almighty has bestowed immense greatness upon you.
And I don't think anyone can really give fixed ratings to this film,
because it is far more superior than the regular 'star' race. Full marks from my side, because it takes great 'Chutzpah' to make a valuable film like this. So, head to the theatres and enjoy what very few films can offer you - earnest performances and a flawless presentation.
Haider is pure poetry in motion. Sheer magic!
Risk is a part and parcel of leading the life of an actor - Shahid Kapoor | Exclusive Interview
Each actor brings with him their own aura. When you meet Shahid Kapoor, you can't help but notice his no-nonsense, chilled out vibe; a facet that you rarely get to see in celebrities these days. His casual yet extremely stylish appearance, the delightful smile on his face (which he rarely sheds), his penchant for EDM (blasting through his headphones or the iPod dock) and the crazy fan following makes him stand out in an industry full of fake smiles and red carpet ready personalities. Oh, and did I mention a word about his memory? He will remember every word mentioned by you in a previous interview. Again, another rare characteristic.
It would sound cliché if I said that Shahid has come a long way. Indeed, he has, and over the years, we have seen the conviction with which he has essayed each role and his versatility as an actor. A few films starring him may have failed to set the cash registers ringing, but instead of sulking, the Kapoor boy has risen out of every situation like a bright flame, that is ever burning and striving hard to take things a notch higher in the very next move. For someone who is passionate about his profession, Shahid has always earned accolades for his compelling performances. Be it breaking his boy-next-door image for an outstanding performance in Kaminey, creating an impact as the calm and composed Aditya Kashyap in Jab We Met or getting into the Prabhu Dheva mode and adapting a new style of dancing in R... Rajkumar, Shahid has always taken things to the next level with his sincerity and an in-depth analysis of his character.
This time, almost after a year since his last release in December 2013, all eyes are on Kapoor yet again, as he presents a different side of his talent in Vishal Bhardwaj's Hindi adaptation of Hamlet, Haider. Of course, the actor doesn't shy away from stating that this has been the most challenging roles of his career. From sporting four different hairstyles (and shaving all his hair off) to mouthing dialogues in -10 degrees (and below) climate and even performing a monologue with a skull in his hand, Shahid has done it all for Haider. While we can't wait to catch one of the most anticipated films of 2014 this week, here's presenting an excerpt from a rendezvous with the extremely talented, Shahid Kapoor.
All of us here in this industry are taking risks. It’s a part and parcel of leading the life of an actor. Unpredictability, experiments are all a part of this game
How difficult was it to get into the skin of a character like Haider, whose complexities can actually affect one's psyche?
- It's a good question to ask at a time when I have actually experienced something similar. You know, one feels like that after every film. I like doing films that makes you feel like they have brought out a certain part of your personality, that you didn't know existed or was probably passive. It is only during the course of the film that you recognize it more. It's a process of self - discovery, where you understand yourself a little better. Sometimes for your character or the situation surrounding it, you need to probe how you or a person would respond if it happens for real. You need to draw a parallel to be able to portray it correctly, for which you have to delve inside and be honest about how you would actually feel in a situation like that. The feeling can be good, bad or you might have to go through both and you need to be honest enough to express that. One thing that I discovered while reading about actors who have performed Hamlet before, is that it is probably the one role that makes you feel the most inadequate as an actor. Throughout the film, I would constantly feel that I was not able to bring out every possible emotion that the character was going through, especially the layers of complexities and different things that he is dealing with. Eventually, you only get to perform certain scenes where you can emote and the story needs to move forward. I would always ask Vishal sir if he thinks I am able to bring out everything that needs to come out and that's not something that I have felt very often. I consistently felt like I need to somehow do much more while playing the role and I would always feel like I am falling short of giving the character what it needed. Well, all these are some of the things that I have heard most actors (who have played Hamlet) have also gone through. You feel like you are not good enough for this role and that's how I felt throughout the film.
Did you try to internalize the character?
I used to spend a lot of time on my own. Although, we were shooting round the clock and thanks to the weather, we would get extremely tired and pass out as soon as we would reach our respective hotel rooms, whatever time I had to myself did go a lot into thinking about the film and my character.
You have been one of the few actors, who has experimented with different roles. Do you like venturing into the risky zone often?
Absolutely! All of us here in this industry are taking risks. It’s a part and parcel of leading the life of an actor. Unpredictability, experiments are all a part of this game. Working all day long on the sets and trying something new with every project is what keeps us going.
Throughout the film, I would constantly feel that I was not able to bring out every possible emotion that the character was going through, especially the layers of complexities and different things that he is dealing with
 |
| Photo credit: Shahid Kapoor for Hello! Magazine |
You have always been a keen observer of different kinds of films. Is there any unconventional film that you have liked in the recent years?
- Barfi! and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag were really nice. I also enjoyed watching the first Gangs of Wasseypur and thought it was simply killer. I liked the first Ishqiya, more than Dedh Ishqiya. Unfortunately, I haven't seen Ship of Theseus, but I have heard amazing things about the film. The Lunchbox is amazing. I thought it was an absolutely phenomenal film and everybody in the film was unreal. Nawaz (Nawazzudin Siddiqui) performed his part so convincingly that his character actually came across as that of an annoying guy. Like when he comes and says 'Sir, sir', sitting on my couch, I actually felt like, 'Dude, what's wrong with this guy?' At one point, I actually wanted Irrfan to slap him. I was like, just slap this guy, it's so annoying. 'Sir sir' I am eating food, 'Sir', I reading a letter, 'Sir', it was just frustrating. So I thought, everybody in the film were absolutely fantastic. Also, The Lunchbox has done amazingly well internationally. There are a lot of other films as well, but it is difficult to remember.
Several actors are taking to the telly tube. Would you like to host a show anytime soon, maybe something like a Bigg Boss?
I can't see beyond Salman in that show! For me, he is the show (laughs). Just the way he stands and asks, 'Toh kya ho raha hain aaj ghar ke andar?' He just has that amazing vibe which makes you want to watch what this guy is going to say next. I can't really draw that parallel, but I think there must be something that might excite me, but Bigg Boss for me is Salman Khan. He is just too awesome. I think when you do something and do it well, people can't see beyond you on that.
Last time, you told me that you are not turning a full fledged producer anytime soon. What about direction?
No no! That's a very difficult thing boss. I haven't thought about it. When you are not in the driver's seat na, everybody wants to drive. It's like when you watch cricket, you keep saying - Arey! Aisa Sachin ne square cut kyun maara? But when you are there, only Sachin Tendulkar knows what he wants to do. So I think a lot of people who are not directors and are just in and around directors might feel that it is easy to direct. But over time, I have understood that it is a very, very difficult job. To make a film, the first thing that you need to have as a film-maker is a story to tell. And it's not about finding a story and making a film. It's about having a story to tell. What you want to say and present on the screen. I think the greatest film-makers have always been people who have had their own way of telling a story. You can take the same story, give it to five different film-makers and all of them will present it differently. That's what makes them great, because it's their voice and language. Cinema has its own vocabulary, you see. They have a language and it's the way they speak. Quintin Tarantino has his own language. That's what is also amazing about Vishal sir. He has his own language. Sometimes, he makes amazing films and sometimes, people don't understand his films. But he has that craft! The kind of music that he creates, visuals that he brings out and complexities of the characters that he brings out is just unreal. A Vishal Bhardwaj film is a Vishal Bhardwaj film. So, I don't know if I have that ability. Just because I have that position or opportunity, doesn't mean I have the ability and that's a very different journey to take. I am still figuring out my abilities as an actor. These are not small decisions you know. These are life altering decisions. It's difficult enough to get one thing right, so you need to spend a lot of time with yourself to get one thing right.
I am still figuring out my abilities as an actor. These (turning full fledged producer) are not small decisions you know. These are life altering decisions
 |
| Shahid Kapoor in a photo shoot for Stardust Magazine |
You had earlier mentioned that you have seen yourself grow from a boy to man. Does Spirituality have a role to play in this transition?
Yeah, of course! It's a big part of my life and I don't really talk about it much. But it centres me a lot and gives me a lot of focus. I think anything that takes you back to the basics is very crucial, especially for people like us, for the kind of field we are in. It's like being in a stock market, one day you are up, one day you are down. Someday they will say you are amazing and someday you are just like shit. So, you have to deal with that every day. A few darts are always pointed at you. Regardless of the fact that all these people might be a part of something that you did, they will be like - You messed up, you are not looking good today, you have shit choices, you don't know how to act, your body is so bad. It's always like that! And then, there are days when people come up with - you are so amazing, you are the best thing in the world, nobody looks better than you, you are the most desirable. It's totally insane! You need to kind of stay connected with the very basics of life. Family and spirituality are the things that you always seek and you go back to. They make you feel normal. They make you feel like - Alright! I am just another dude. This is just another day, just another job. As difficult, big or strong as it might seem, you know that this is gonna move away and things will come back to normal. Either way, when you get too much appreciation also, it's very scary. You feel like, dude people are expecting too much from you. I am not really that good also, calm down. You feel like telling people that, because you know you might not be able to live up to it. Or when you are really bad, it might turn out that you want to tell people, I just did a bad film and I am not so bad. That's how you personally feel. So yes, family and spirituality are a big part of who I am.
Theater visits have become extremely common, So, while watching a film with the audience, what are funniest things that you have heard?
It's very scary to watch a film that's not funny with the audience. You never know! If it's a funny film and they go Ha ha ha, you know you have got it right. When there is a mystery or something, they go like (makes a shocked face with his mouth open). So it's like, I don't know if this guy is liking it or not. One needs to choose the right film that you want to go and watch with the audience. There are some films where you must go. Like for R... Rajkumar, I was like dude, let's go to Chandan, watch it with people, who are whistling, clapping. Fortunately, all that actually happened! So, it was the first the time I experienced all of that. I hadn't seen anything like that before. Now, it can't be like that for every film. Like for Haider, if I go all out and be like (snaps fingers and makes a happy face), there will be dead silence and I will be like – Okay! How am I supposed to feel about this now? Whether they are liking it or not. But yeah, I do go to the theaters once in a while and see films. Whenever I feel like there is a film that I can go for and understand what the audience is feeling, I go for it. If you are standing outside the door and even if they think the film is shit, they won't tell you or else, they will throw slippers and you don't want to be there. Or they will probably be nice to you and will say all good things, so you won't be able to view what they feel. It's mostly when you go online and see people's reactions, be it fans or the media, which gives you some perspective. And largely, it's driven by your family, friends and people around you, who view these films and will be honest about what they feel about your work. That's the best way to understand it. Otherwise, it is very difficult!
I think anything that takes you back to the basics is very crucial, especially for people like us, for the kind of field we are in. It's like being in a stock market, one day you are up, one day you are down
So, what will keep you busy post Haider?
There is Shaandaar opposite Alia Bhatt, which is being directed by Vikas Bahl (of Queen fame). There is also Farzi with Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K, which we should start by the end of this year. But right now, all my energies are focused on Haider, which I feel is the one of the most important films of my career.
-- By Priya Adivarekar --
