Story

Set in the Kashmiri era of 1995, a time when the beautiful land of gods was suffering most with militancy, comes a story of a mother Ghazala (Tabu) and her son Haider (shahid), whom she fears would soon enter the dark world of militancy. Will her fears come true?

Review

Inspired from Shakespear’s Hamlet, Haider is perhaps one of the most sensitive political films made ever. And it comes from a director who is renowned for his sensitive narration and plots. The film talks of kashmiri militancy, how the youngsters there are ready to jump into something as grave as militancy only to take revenge for their loved ones.

The story is about Ghazala (Tabu) who is married to a poetic doctor, known for his humanitarian feelings. One night, he shelters a few wounded militants in his home and all hell breaks lose. Before you know it, the house is blown away by the militants and the doctor is missing. The son, Haider thinks it is a conspiracy plotted by his mother and cha-cha (Kay-Kay menon) and is desperate to seek revenge.

Vishal Bhardwaj is absolutely fantastic in his screenplay, narration, story and scripting. And as always, he has a chosen a team of actors who can deliver exactly what he is looking for. Tabu as Ghazala gives the best performance of her career… Shahid on the other hand, perfectly balances his role as a guy tied between his emotions for his loving mother and the darker side of him who only wants revenge for his abducted father.

Shraddha plays the role of Shahid’s love interest, Arshiya and is the fresh face in the entire film. In this huge political satire, it’s only Irrfan Khan who plays the role of a Roohdaar, the torchbearer for Haider and the man who listens to his soul.

The movie brings alive the emotions of passion, love, pain and revenge on the screen, making you feel every bit of it. And yes, the climax of the film is the surprise you had never expected.

So, wrapping it up, Haider is a beautiful film and a must watch. But yes, it is a serious film and something that is not enjoyed by the masses much. But for all who love passionate films, Haider is a must watch.