Storyline
Vishal Bhardwaj's adaptation of William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Haider - a young man returns home to Kashmir on receiving news of his father's disappearance. Not only does he learn that security forces have detained his father for harboring militants, but that his mother is in a relationship with his very own uncle. Intense drama follows between mother and son as both struggle to come to terms with news of his father's death. Soon Haider learns that his uncle is responsible for the gruesome murder, what follows is his journey to avenge his father's death.what a movie of the year 2014 , It's really a masterpiece when we consider the fact that it's based on Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet'.Being a Kashmiri I have always felt that movies based on Kashmir are totally biased but this movie is somewhat nearer to the ground reality of Kashmir during the 90's.The Yiddish word 'chutzpah' has been comically used to describe the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which has become a nuisance for the people of Kashmir. It also shows that after a failure in the implementation of Hearts and Minds Strategy employed by India the Indian Army is forced to use Guerrilla Warfare tactics via the use of the ruthless pro-government militia(Ikhwanis) in Kashmir,composed of surrendered militants paid and supported by Indian security agencies. In Haider shahid who is playing major role in the movie proved that he is really a son of pankaj kapoor , tremendous acting and dialogue delivery by shahid kapoor The cinematography is just great and does a fine job in displaying the natural,architectural and cultural beauty of Kashmir.The soundtrack of the movie is great and helps in creating an almost surrealistic atmosphere I was surprised to hear bits of Moby's Extreme Ways(Bourne's Ultimatum) playing in background which really intensified the action sequences.The climax is action packed so be ready for an awesome gunfight along with some blood and gore.Watch out for some really nice yet subtle comedy by Salman & Salman.In the end I'll conclude by saying that this movie will be an eye opener for people who have been fed false information about the situation in Kashmir through the media.
Some Facts About the movie
Both director vishal bhardwaj and lead actor shahid kapoor did not charge any money for the film as they dont want to overstretch the budget nor compromise the quality
The film was given U/A certificate after 41 cuts by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which included a corpse loaded truck, wire being inserted inside a naked man, bloody dead body, abusive language, etc. Other scenes were considered offensive too.
The word 'Chutzpah' used by Haider several times is actually A Hebrew word which means "certain audacity to get away with outrageous conduct".
Shahid Kapoor learnt a six-page monologue for the climatic scene where his character ''Haider'' turns mad. He put forth the delivery of that monologue in front of a crowd of 5000 listening. For filming the scene, which was done in 3-4 hours, Shahid Kapoor was made completely bald.
Vishal Bhardwaj, the director of Haider, has himself composed the film score and original songs.
Latest collaboration between director Vishal Bhardwaj and actor Shahid Kapoor after their 2009 blockbuster Kaminey.
Irrfan Khan who have previously worked with Bharadwaj in Maqbool And 7 Khoon Maaf makes a cameo as Roohdaar.
The song 'Jhelum' is sung by Vishal Bhardwaj himself.
Initially Manoj Vajpayee had to play Khurram, which was eventually played by Kay Kay menon..
During the Lal Chowk scene, The Ghanta Ghar shown is the old Ghant Ghar, which was same as of 1995.
Awesome Dialogue
Haider: Chutzpah Monologue Hello? Hello? Mic testing 1,2,3... Hello...? Awaz aa rahi hai aap laog ko? Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello? UN council resolution no. 47 of 1948, Article 2 of the Geneva convention, and Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. Bas ek sawaal uthata hai, sirf ek. Hum hai, ya ham nahi. Hum hai to kahan hain , aur nahi hain to kahan gaye ? Hum hain to kisliye aur kahan to kab? Janaaaaab... Hum thay bi, ya hum thay hi nahi? CHUTZPAH ho gaya hamare sath! Chutzpah jante hain aap log? aik baar aik bank k andar Dacoity hoi... Dacoit nay cashier k sir pay pistol rakhi or bola paise day warna maut lay! Cashier ne jhat say oota kar saare paise dacoit ko dey diye Dacoit wohi paise lay kar ugle counter per gaya . *Whistles innocently* Excuse me, ek form dijye mujhay account kholna hay... Yeh hota hai CHUTZPAH! CHUTZPAH!
