In ’Maqbool’, Vishal Bharadwaj brings to the screen Shakespeare’s ’’Macbeth’’
Macbeth is the last of Shakespeare’s four great tragedies,
the others being Hamlet, King Lear and Othello.
I hope somebody takes a stab at doing Othello
The adaptation changes the kingdom of Scotland is changed to the underworld of Bombay.
King Duncan becomes Abbaji aka Jahangir Khan, his kinsman Macbeth becomes Miyan Maqbool, Abbaji’s right hand.
Lady Macbeth becomes Abbaji’s mistress Nimmi and Banquo becomes Abbaji’s other hand Kaka while the witches are replaced by a pair of dopey cops, Pandit & Purohit.
Alls well in Abbaji’s rule till Kaka’s son Guddu falls in love with Abbaji’s daughter Samira and Abbaji gives his blessing to the union.
Maqbool afraid of losing what he thinks is his as being second in command of the mafia family and also teased, taunted and tempted by Nimmi murders Abbaji.
Thereafter, he assumes leadership of the gang. It is a uneasy reign He tries to bump off Kaka and Guddu suceeding to kill only the father leaving Guddu to seek revenge. This act in itself starts the disintegration of the gang and leads to Maqbools downfall.
Maqbool and Nimmi have not peace. They are haunted by images of Abbaji’s death and the guilt drives them to become mentally unstable.
For Maqbool, his world keeps going into a downward spiral till his death in the finale.
This film has two plus points, a powerful screenplay and a magnificient performance by a stellar star cast.
Beginning with Pankaj Kapoor as the raspy voice, kohl lined eyes Abbaji is terrific.
As are Om Puru and Naseerudding Shah as Pandit and Purohit.
Tabu is perfect for the role of Nimmi. Irfan Khan as Maqbool is at times controlled to a fault. But still he is magnificient.
Bharadwaj scores wonderful music and as a director keeps the mood of the film consistently dark.
Abbas Tyrewalla’s screenplay is to die for.
Hemant Chaturvedi’s photography is consistent.
Will not recommend this to all but it is worth at least one look.