Haider (film)

Haider is a 2014 Indian Hindi-language crime drama film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Basharat Peer. It stars Shahid Kapoor in the titular role, alongside Tabu, Kay Kay Menon, Shraddha Kapoor, and Irrfan Khan.

The film is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet and is set amidst the insurgency-hit Kashmir of 1995. It follows Haider Meer (Shahid Kapoor), a young man who returns home to Kashmir after learning of his father's alleged disappearance at the hands of the Indian army. He is confronted with conflicting reports about his father's fate and becomes entangled in the political turmoil of the region. His search for answers leads him down a path of revenge and self-discovery, mirroring the events of Shakespeare's play.

Haider is the third installment in Bhardwaj's Shakespearean trilogy, following Maqbool (2003), based on Macbeth, and Omkara (2006), based on Othello. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, performances (particularly those of Kapoor and Tabu), cinematography, and its sensitive portrayal of the conflict in Kashmir. It also won several awards, including five National Film Awards at the 62nd National Film Awards.

The film sparked controversy due to its portrayal of the Indian Army and its depiction of the political situation in Kashmir, with some accusing it of being anti-national. Despite the controversy, Haider was a commercial success and is considered a significant work of Indian cinema for its artistic merit and its exploration of complex social and political issues.