Maqbool (2003)

You won't be disappointed!

The Worst Film Ever

Sorry, this movie sucks

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

One cannot ask for a better cast of best actors in Mumbai. Naseer, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapoor, Tabu, Irfan, Vishal Bharadwaj gets credit for brilliant film with high caliber in fields.Every character is built strongly and it is difficult to decide to like or be against any character.Minor roles played by Om Puri and Naseer play a very critical role in telling the story strongly. Their agreeing to play minor roles talks greatly about their dedication towards the art of acting.Pankaj Kapoor's portrayal of Mumbai don with grounding in reality is almost impossible to match.

This film is, in short, a masterpiece. A unique interpretation on Shakespeare's "Macbeth", "Maqbool" features Irrfan in one of the most brilliantly executed roles of modern cinema. He remarkably inhabits the skin of a character who is muddled, murderous, and maniacal. Pankaj Kapoor, as the invincible Abbaji, is astonishing in his portrayal of the Muslim Mob Boss. Truly an incomparable performance. As for Tabu, she is PERFECTION. This is not Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth- she is equally fierce, but given a softer and more shadowy countenance. Tabu is officially a text book of acting (take note, screen queens Rani, Preity, Aish, Madhuri, and the rest- this is what a REAL actress can do). Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri give expert portrayals. Kudos to Bhardwaj for creating a film which is not only unconventional, but eerily radiant. Ram Gopal Verma and Mani Ratnam now have company as India's most innovative filmmakers.

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.

This is one amazing movie. I did not believe that this story would fit so perfectly into Bombay but it has surprised me very much.Actually I am doing a research project on Shakespearean adaptations and that is how i came to watch this movie. I read a previous user comment asking whether it sticks closely to the original story or not. Well i must say it sticks very closely to the original story (a lot more than many other modern adaptations of Shakespearean plays) and it overcomes cultural barriers to keep the story as well flowing and as enthralling with all its evil and dark atmosphere. The important themes of blood and evil are kept very intact. From the very beginning of the movie, when the corrupt cops shoot the lad and blood splatters over the part that signifies Bombay on the diagram drawn by Pandit, showing that Bombay is going to be covered in blood, the theme is made evident. I feel that this movie is one of kind in our film industry and is a must watch, especially if you appreciated the original Shakespearean play. You won't be disappointed.