Member-only story
The Tragedy of Kashmir Through Haider’s Eyes
Take revenge for me against my brother, who had flirted with your mother. Shoot a bullet between my brother’s eyes; taking revenge is what I want.
This line is from the movie Haider, which is an Indian film. The story is simple: a ghost tells a person named Haider that his own uncle is responsible for his father’s death.
Haider (2014) is a critically acclaimed Bollywood film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. This film is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, set against the socio-political backdrop of Kashmir in the mid-1990s.
Haider explores heavy themes of betrayal, revenge, and inner conflict while highlighting the impact of the insurgency in Kashmir. The film is praised for its poignant and sensitive portrayal of the political turmoil in the region, and Bhardwaj skillfully uses this context to reflect the psychological and emotional turmoil of its characters.
Direction and Cinematography:
Vishal Bhardwaj’s direction shines in Haider. He not only stays true to the essence of Hamlet but also roots it deeply within the socio-political fabric of Kashmir. The film’s cinematography by Pankaj Kumar
