Maqbool
Rating-8/10
A loose adaptation of Macbeth, this is one of the few arthouse films which are not arthouse because they have low entertainment value, but because of the realistic treatment and unusual storyline coupled with the slow pace with which the drama unfolds.

Synopsis:
Loosely based on Macbeth, the film tells the story of Maqbool (Irrfan Khan) who is the favoured lieutenant of Abbaji (Pankaj Kapoor), a Godfather like figure who runs the Mumbai underworld. Irrfan is very loyal to Pankaj, and even rebuffs the advances of Pankaj’s mistress and this movie’s Macbeth, Nimmi (Tabu). There is also a hint of a past that they have, but Irrfan is not ready to go against his boss whom he considers a father figure. That is, until two police officers Pandit (Om Puri) and Purohit (Naserruddin Shah) who replace Macbeth’s witches, and also provide a few good laughs. They predict that Irrfan will soon take over the reins from Pankaj Kapoor.
Now starts a game of power, as with the prophecy hovering in his mind, Irrfan begins resenting his decision to be in the gang, especially when Pankaj makes some decisions that he does not like.
When a lower rung gangster gets engaged to Pankaj’s daughter, and seems to be the next heir to Pankaj’s throne, Irrfan decides to take matters into his own hands.
Motivated by his newfound ambition, and the support of Tabu, Irrfan goes ahead and kills Pankaj and takes over as the leader of their gang. Everyone suspects him of being the killer, but no one dares to point fingers at him.
He starts seeing obstacles in his way of supremacy and starts killing people whom he considers detrimental to his progress.
Meanwhile, the police and politicians are determined to get rid of him.
At the same time, Tabu is pregnant and is suffering from guilt pangs due to the bloodbath initiated by her. She loses her mental equilibrium.
At this stage of life, Irrfan finds himself surrounded by enemies, but starts losing the will to fight off his opponents.

Analysis:
Pankaj Kapoor is one of the most underrated actors of Bollywood, and he gets his due here. His mannerisms, the Marlon Brando like charm he possesses, his walk; everything makes his character an unforgettable one. Irrfan Khan is a revelation too. He handles his character’s moral ground, the conflicting loyalties and turmoil in a convincing manner. Tabu delivers a superlative performance once again after “Chandni Bar”. Her emotional state when she gets to know about her pregnancy and starts getting pangs of regret about her actions is one of the best scenes in the movie. Om Puri and Naseerudin Shah give the movie its few amusing moments, and have very good dialogues to go with it.

Technique:
Vishal Bharadwaj has done an absolutely mind-blowing job with this movie. He has transported Shakespeare’s Macbeth to the present era with such aplomb, that we can justly say that it is an inspiration, and not a mere adaptation of the old story. The screenplay by Vishal Bharadwaj and Abbas Tyrewala is extremely tight and has no breathing space. Editing by Aarif Sheikh is good too. The cinematography of the movie by Hemant Chaturvedi is in keeping with the mood of the movie.
The music is classical and might not find favour with everyone, but the songs are placed so as to make the movie progress, and do not come as roadblocks to the narrative.

Sidelights
1. Prior to finalizing on Irrfan Khan, Vishal Bharadwaj tried to interest Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and Akshaye Khanna, but he could not get any of them to agree to do the title role in this film.
2. The next film that Vishal is planning to produce and direct is called “Timbaktu” (which might star Aishwarya Rai and Vivek Oberoi). This film is based on Australian writer I A R Wylie's “Pas De Quatre”.
3. Vishal is also doing a film for Shekhar Kapoor, called “Mantra”, which might star Preity Zinta.
4. Shekhar Kapoor met Vishal at the Marrakech film festival, where they hit it off instantly, and roamed the streets throughout the night. At one point, Shekhar offered him a film to direct, which Vishal immediately accepted. Shekhar Kapoor emptied his pockets, and gave Vishal the few dirhams he had as a signing amount.
5. The co-writer of this movie Abbas Tyrewala has also given dialogues to films like “Asoka” and “Munnabhai MBBS” and lyrics for films like “Dum” and “Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega” and “Munnabhai MBBS”.

Verdict:
A definite see for the arthouse freak. For the others too, it is a very good movie if you can watch dark movies with ease. With this week’s other option being “Paap” I would recommend this movie to everyone. This kind of cinema is very rare in Bollywood and it needs patronage to make it grow big.

Credits:
Cast: Pankaj Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Naseerudin Shah, Om Puri, Masumi, Piyush Mishra
Director: Vishal Bharadwaj
Screenplay: Abbas Tyrewala, Vishal Bharadwaj
Producer: Bobby Bedi
Cinematography: Hermant Chaturvedi
Production designer: Jayant Deshmukh
Music: Vishal Bharadwaj
Costume designer: Payal Salujaq
Editor: Aarif Sheikh

Paap
My review of Paap can be viewed here.

Aetbaar
My review of Aetbaar can be viewed here.

Khakee
My review of Khakee can be viewed here.

Ek Hasina Thi
My review of Ek Hasina Thi can be viewed here.

Chameli
My review of Chameli can be viewed here.

Plan
My review of Plan can be viewed here.