Table of Contents
7: Haider
Release date: 2014
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Duration: 2hr 40m
Genre: Crime/Thriller
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Shraddha Kapoor
“Haider” is a 2014 Indian film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, based on William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.” The story is set in Kashmir during the 1990s amidst the insurgency and political turmoil. Haider, a young student, returns to his home in Kashmir to find his father missing and his mother in a relationship with his uncle. Haider is torn between his grief for his father, his anger towards his mother, and his growing suspicion that his uncle is involved in his father’s disappearance. As Haider searches for the truth, he becomes increasingly consumed by thoughts of revenge and justice, leading to a tragic and dramatic confrontation.
The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the impact of political conflict on personal lives. It portrays the complex and often harsh realities of life in Kashmir, weaving together personal and political narratives. Haider’s journey is one of emotional turmoil as he grapples with love, loss, and the desire for revenge, ultimately questioning his own sanity and the morality of his actions. The film received critical acclaim for its powerful performances, especially by Shahid Kapoor as Haider, and its bold adaptation of a classic Shakespearean tragedy to a contemporary and politically charged setting.
