Review of a Hindi Film Adaptation of Shakespearean Plays or Elizabethan Era

 This blog is part of a thinking activity of unit 1: History of English Literature:Chaucer to Shakespeare given by Dr. Dilip Barad sir. 

Subject: Review of a Hindi Film Adaptation of Shakespearean Plays or the Elizabethan Era.Write a blog post reviewing any Hindi film adaptation of Shakespearean plays or a film set in the Elizabethan era. Discuss how the adaptation retains the essence of the original play while infusing it with cultural and contextual elements relevant to Indian cinema.

 

In the realm of cinematic adaptations translating Shakespearean plays into different cultural context is a challenging but intriguing endeavor. 

One stand out example is vishal Bhardwaj's film Haider(2014) , a Hindi fi adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Set against the backdrop of the Kashmir conflict, Haidar skillfully marries the timeless themes of the Bard's tragedy with the socio-political turbulence of modern day India. 

At it's core, Haidar retains the fundamental elemeoof Hamlet-the story of a young prince seeking revenge for his father's murder, the complex dynamics of family and power, and the struggle with existential question. The film's protagonist, Haider Meer (played by shahid kapoor) mirrors Hamlet internal conflict and quest for justice. 

The iconic themes of madness, betrayal, and moral ambiguity are all present, resonating with the Shakespearean tragedy's original essence. 

Retention of Shakespeare's Essence. 

1 ) plot and themes

Haider closely follows the plot of Hamlet focusing on themes of revenge, madness, and moral corruption. 

2) Character Parallels:

• Haider(Shahid Kapoor) the central character inspired by Hamlet reflecting hamlet's existential nad psychological turmoil. 

•Ghazal (Tabu) playing a role similar to Gertrude, Haider's mother reflecting maternal conflict and betrayal. 

•Khurram (kay kay Menon) As the antagonist akin to Claudius, Khurram is a manipulative and ambitious figure. 

•Arshia ( Shraddha Kapoor) character parallel to Ophelia. 

Infusing Cultural Elements

Bhardwaj skillfully weaves in cultural and contextual elements that ground the narrative in Kashmir's unique landscape:

The film's setting amidst the Kashmir conflict adds a layer of complexity to the story, exploring the cost of political turmoil.

Noteworthy Adaptation

Haider's character is a poet, reflecting the rich literary tradition of Kashmir. 

The film's climax, set amidst a traditional Kashmir festival, is a masterful adaptation of the original's tragic conclusion. 

Conclusion "Haider " Is a gripping adaptation that not only remains the essence of Shakespeare's Hamlet but also infuses it with cultural and contextual elements that make it uniquely indian.