Maqbool (2003)

For folks not familiar with the story of Macbeth (erm, me), this Bollywood adaptation most certainly make an interesting introduction. Questions abound for well-read folks or Shakespeare nuts; Was the film faithful to its source? Or was it bursting with invention? Is it just me or does anyone agree that the spiralling descent of this story gave off some pretty foul and nasty vibes?

Maqbool's eerie, unnerving, frustrating and extremely feel bad elements all seem to crescendo into an oppressing tumult of feelings. There's also a foreboding sense of omnipresent evil in this flick's universe. An evil which takes corporeal form (instigating bitches), or not (Maqbool's own weakness of mind). An evil which plants seeds of doubts in our main man, fans his darkest desires and ultimately, pushing him towards his inevitable fall from grace. Gosh, negative energies premeate every inch of this doom enshrouded yarn....its very suffocating.

That said, a well made film Maqbool is (or I would not feel the way I do now already).

Fmovies: Irfan Khan made his presence felt in a little known movie called "Haasil". This guy, has incredible screen presence but he is probabley overshadowed by Pankaj Kapoor, who is just superb as Abbaji. He reminds me of Brando in "Godfather" albeit, he is not smothering a kitten! The two stelwarts, Puri and Shah, have plain fun working together, I wouldn't be surprised if they just improvised as they went along. The guy to watch is Abbas Tyrewala who is making great strides in script-writing. He has flair for comedy that very few have in the Industry. The problem with Irfan Khan is that he is better in good speaking part as in "Haasil". Here he is let down. Tabu, is good and the director has done a great job with some authentic scenes, albeit the editing suffers. Altogehter this is a movie that exemplies the fact that with the right mix of talent, a good movie can be made irrespective of the budget restraints and constraints.

I saw this movie a long time ago and I saw it again recently, cant get enough of how amazing this movie is. A Hindi movie worthy of being screened at every internatinoal film festival, in fact it was screened at various festivals and was appreciated.

The list of the talented starcast is huge, Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapur, Tabu & last but certainly not the least, Irrfan Khan(playing the title role of Maqbool).

Story is about an underworld side kick who starts to have an inner conflict and where he has to make a decision and choose between loyalty and deceit, all because of a woman who is the mistress of the underworld gang leader Abbaji (played to perfection by Pankaj Kapur).

Performances, lines, screenplay, background score and editing, cinematography are 1st rate.

Maqbool fmovies. Fascinating movie. A perfect adaptation. Since I saw the Indian adaptation before the Scottish original; it actually made me appreciate how seamlessly the story has been adapted. Pankaj Kapur as Abbaji is sensational. Note his expression when he is stopped and told that the cops are waiting for him after his arrest warrant is issued. He controls his anger and sense of injustice with humor. A classic moment. Also his revenge in the police station is well written. Full marks to Vishal for the screenplay. The casting is superb and the best example of getting a consolidated cast absolutely right. Irfaan as Mia gives a steady performance but this helps the surrounding cast to shine. Tabu is first rate. So is Om Puri. And watch for the characterization of Abbaji's silent right hand man. His devotion to Abbaji and then to Allah (watch his movements first to the song being played at Eid and then when he is asked to consume alcohol) comes across very real. As real as it gets . I am a big fan of this movie and VB to me is a sensational directorial find.

Irfan shines and shines. Tabu, Pankaj Kapoor are excellent, as are Naseerudin and Om Puri, but when Maqbool (Irfan) is on screen, he overshadows all. Yes even Pankaj (one of the finest actors of India). Vishal Bharadwaj has made an excellent adaptation. Why, oh why doesn't someone drag Sanjay Leela Bhansali to see this film. Anyone who has seen Irfan in 'The Warrior" or Haasil will certify that Irfan's utterly unconventional looks acts as a force multiplier, rather than a drag. He is a great talent, and Indian filmmakers would do well to use him much more than he is being used. Another victory for Bobby Bedi, one wonders why everyone in the industry seems to hate the man. He has already given us Bandit Queen and Maqbool. What more does a man have to do? Oh that's right, "Indian public wants films like Black and KKKG" (actual quote by a BB basher). Another word on Tabu, why don't more filmmakers give her real roles. But not Bhandarkar please. Page 3 has destroyed all faith in him.

Yes!yes! that it is.The film came as a fresh breeze of air when Hindi cinema is experimenting with all sort of stuff.With probably one of the greatest star cast in the world ; the film is worth spending a premium.People who neglect the role of Hindi cinema in world entertainment or who don't like Hindi cinema at all should look at this film.The plot goes as follows Abbaji ( Pankaj Kapoor ) the underworld kingpin of Mumbai has two faithfuls helping him in his business Maqbool ( Irfan Khan )and Kaka ( Piyush Mishra ).Nimmi ( Tabu ) Abbaji's younger wife loves Maqbool and wants him to take the place of aging Abbaji.One day on Abbaji's daughter Sammera's ( Mausami ) wedding to Kaka's son Guddu ( Ajay Gehi ) Maqbool and Nimmi secretly kill Abbaji.The throne of Abbaji is open whom Maqbool is intent on occupying with hook or crook.The two inspectors Purohit ( Nasseruddin Shah ) and Pandit ( Om Puri ) serve as bribed workers to this family. All an all a powerful five star.Hats up ! to Vishal Bhardwaj who won accolades from Karan Johar , Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan for this film.