HarperCollins will release a box-set of Omkara and Maqbool and Haider-screenplays of Vishal Bhardwajs film adaptations of Shakespearean plays. Of all the plays penned by William Shakespeare, one that seems especially relevant to our times is Macbeth. In Vishal Bhardwajs scintillating adaptation Maqbool, the Mumbai mafia provides the backdrop for the action. This unforgettable film not only portrays human emotions but also serves as a morality tale discriminating wisely between the right and the good and the wrong and the evil. In what is Shakespeares Othello transplanted to the badlands of Uttar Pradesh, Omkara is a timeless tale of love, betrayal and jealousy. A jealous Langda Tyagi (Saif Ali Khan) betrays Omkara (Ajay Devgan) and sets off a chain of events that end in savage tragedy.

 

The film has unforgettable performances from the cast and memorable music, including the all-time hit item number Beedi jalai le, penned by the one and only Gulzar and set to music by Vishal Bhardwaj. Based on Hamlet, Haider is the third film in the Shakespearean trilogy written and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Shot in Kashmir, the film faced protests from the locals but was able to complete its schedule. The film stars Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Shraddha Kapoor, Kay Kay Menon and Irrfan Khan. Shahid Kapoor is co-producing Haider along with Bhardwaj and UTV.

 

About the Author

 

Vishal Bhardwaj is an internationally acclaimed film director, writer, screenwriter, producer, music composer and playback singer. He has directed a trilogy of films based on Shakespeares plays - Maqbool (based on Macbeth), Omkara (based on Othello) and the forthcoming Haider (based on Hamlet). His other notable films as a director include Makdee, Kaminey and Matru Ki BijIi Ka Mandola.