From Omkara to Haider: Bollywood Movies Adapted from Shakespeare's Plays

All the world’s a stage for Vishal Bhardwaj, when it comes to adapting Shakespeare’s plays into the Indian context.

  • Amit Diwan
  • Editorial
  • Updated - 2024-09-05, 10:01 IST
shakespeare plays bollywood movies

Renowned Indian filmmaker, Vishal Bhardwaj, has garnered acclaim for his unique adaptations of Shakespeare's plays in Bollywood – and they’re notable for their seamless blend of Indian socio-political contexts with the timeless themes of Shakespeare's works. His use of local dialects, cultural nuances, and contemporary issues makes these classic stories accessible and relevant, showcasing his genius in merging global literature with Indian cinema.

Vishal Bhardwaj, his adaptation of Shakespeare's stories reflects complex characters and emotions within an Indian context - highlighting both Shakespeare's universal relevance, and Bhardwaj's cinematic genius.

Bollywood Movies Adapted from Shakespeare's Plays

Maqbool x Macbeth

Maqqbool, based on Shakespeare's Macbeth, transports the story to Mumbai's underworld, where ambition and betrayal intertwine. The film follows Maqbool, a character-driven by ambition and forbidden love, who commits murder to ascend the ranks of a crime syndicate.

This adaptation presents Maqbool as a tragic figure rather than a mere villain, exploring themes of moral conflict and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The film's setting and characters resonate with Indian audiences, showcasing Bhardwaj's ability to blend crime drama with Shakespearean tragedy.

Omkara x Othello

In Omkara, Bhardwaj reinterprets Othello within the backdrop of rural Uttar Pradesh. The film centres around Langda Tyagi, a master manipulator whose deceit leads to the tragic downfall of Omkara, mirroring the original play's themes of jealousy and betrayal.

Bhardwaj's portrayal of Langda's villainy adds depth to the character, highlighting the complexities of human emotions. The film’s unique twist comes from Indu, Langda's wife, who ultimately seeks revenge, altering the original ending and providing a fresh perspective on the narrative.

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Haider x Hamlet

Haider, the final instalment of Bhardwaj's Shakespearean trilogy, adapts Hamlet to the tumultuous landscape of Kashmir. The film captures the protagonist's existential struggles against the backdrop of political unrest, parallelling Hamlet's internal conflicts with the socio-political turmoil of the region.

Bhardwaj delves into themes of revenge and identity, using Kashmir’s conflict to amplify the emotional weight of Haider's journey. The hauntingly beautiful cinematography and powerful performances, particularly by Shahid Kapoor, bring Shakespeare's timeless questions of existence to life in a contemporary setting.

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