Maqbool | Movie Review

Maqbool - 2003

Directed by : Vishal Bhardwaj

Maqbool is a clever character study of a man's gradual descent from loyalty to betrayal; from respect to rage; from reason to madness; from life to eventual and tragic death. Vishal Bhardwaj's Maqbool is powerful adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth, which deals with themes of loyalty, betrayal, love, guilt and death. Set in underworld of Mumbai, Maqbool is realistic portrait of world of gangsters' and their psyche. It is oftentimes dark, serious, repressed and at unexpected times wickedly funny. 

Jahagir Khan aka Abba ji(Pankaj Kapoor with his Brando-esque mannerisms), is an aging don of Mumbai, who runs the crime world, with the help of his loyal lieutenant, Maqbool(Irrfan Khan) and Kaka, his loyal(underrated Piyush Mishra). Purohit and Pundit, are two utterly corrupt cops who help them fight their rivals(played charmingly by Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri respectively). They are film's charm and wit. They have extremely humorous chemistry, its great to see that actors of such huge calibre playing downright comedic role. But the main driving character of the film being Nimmy(Tabu), mistress of Abbaji, who is having a secret relationship with Maqbool. Both love each other while she is provocative, Maqbool is repressed and conflicted.

The film carries an unknown tension and dread throughout. There is always the terror of happening something inevitable. And that terror we see in the expressive eyes of Maqbool, in his secret glances, in his suppressed moves. He is always thinking. He is always conflicted between his desire for love and power; and his respect and loyalty for Abbaji. But he is being manipulated and influenced by people around him, but in his own heart he also seek for betrayal. When he get enough reasons for it, he does it. He slays Abbaji. What follows is not good. He hallucinate. Sees blood. Guilt is tearing his mind apart. Even though he got everything he wanted, he cant rest. Nimmy too, goes through similar misery. And their gradual descent is horrific to watch. 

Maqbool is powerful film. Bhardwaj has done a great job. Everyone involved seems mature enough to understand the their jobs well. Principal feature of the film being its cast and acting. While Pankaj Kapoor is near perfect in his role with his menacing eyes, dark, coarse voice; I couldn't help but think, what if it was given to Naseeruddin. It would have been gem to watch. And actually Vishal Bhardwaj did offer him the role at first, but Shah himself refused it saying that he had done such roles before and wanted to do something different. And his judgment was right, maybe he would have been better in the role of Abbaji, but Purohit's role had more charm and it pays off. Om Puri is brilliant, in his role of funny and corrupt cop, who is also an amateur astrologer. Piyush Mishra is good as always. But the film goes to Irrfan and Tabu. Their complex relationship is portrayed skillfully. They have certain nuances, their expressions not overdone, dialogues simple yet effective. This being my first from Bhardwaj's filmography, certainly makes me intrigued with his other works. Which are heavy, dense and powerful. 

Rating : ★★★★