Maqbool
Tags: tragedy, cult, comedy

Plot synopsis:
The film is based on William Shakespeare's Macbeth, with the Mumbai underworld as its backdrop. Maqbool (Irrfan Khan) is the right-hand man of Jahangir Khan (alias Abba Ji) (Pankaj Kapoor), a powerful underworld don. Maqbool is grateful and feels a close connection and personal indebtedness to Abba Ji. Seeing their close relationship, but also sensing Maqbool's ambition, two corrupt policemen (Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah) predict that Maqbool will soon take over the reins of the Mumbai Underworld from Abba Ji.
Nimmi (Tabu) is Abba Ji's mistress, but she and Maqbool are secretly on love. Nimmi encourages Maqbool's ambitions and persuades him to kill Abba Ji in order to take over as Don. Maqbool is torn between his love for Nimmi and his loyalty to Abba Ji, but he begins to prepare the ground for becoming a Don, by ensuring that others in the line of succession cannot interfere. Finally, Maqbool murders Abba Ji in cold blood while he is in bed at night, with Nimmi next to him. Maqbool gets away with the murder and takes over as Don, just as planned; but both he and Nimmi are haunted by guilt, seeing Abba Ji's ghost and unable to wash the blood from their hands. There is also suspicion, within the gang, of Maqbool's role in the death of Abba Ji, and eventually the lovers meet a tragic end.
In addition to the portrayals of the three tragic heroes, the film offers performances by supporting cast members, in particular Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah, who open the film in their roles as black comic relief corrupt police inspectors-cum-astrologers, who predict the fall of Abba Ji—who has them on his payroll—and the rise and fall of Maqbool. Contrary to the original play, the corrupt cops are not just passive soothsayers. In an effort to sustain what they refer as "balancing forces," they also actively involve in shaping events, like aiding in providing information to Abba Ji's enforcers to wipe out a rival gang, using subtle nuances in coercing Maqbool to shift loyalties, deliberately botching an "encounter" attempt on Riyaz Boti (Macduff) and subsequently setting up an alliance between a rival politician (to the incumbent one, backed by Abba Ji) and a fleeing Guddu (Fleance) and Riyaz Boti against Maqbool.

Review: A unique interpretation on Shakespeare's "Macbeth", "Maqbool" features Irrfan in one of the most brilliantly executed roles of modern cinema.
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).
The movie is based on Macbeth; and oh does it stay faithful to the story.
For setting, Vishal trades the Lord & Lady for 'Bhai' (Gangster) and Mistress in today's Mumbai underworld complete with corrupt cops, loads of handguns and conniving politicians.
The story follows Maqbool (Macbeth: Irfan Khan), the right-hand man of Abbaji (King Duncan: Pankaj Kapoor) - the most powerful and influential ganglord in Mumbai.
Abbaji's mistress Nimmi (Lady Macbeth: Tabu) falls in love with Maqbool & inspires him to kill Abbaji and take-over his empire.
The best 'character translation' of the play for me was morphing the three witches that haunt Macbeth into the two corrupt cops, as played by the brilliant-to-a-fault Naseeruddin Shah & Om Puri.
His Abbaji is the most captivating character in the movie, yet the most firmly rooted in reality.
I rate this film 4.5 of 5 ---- Trivia: - The first scene of the movie shows a minion with Naseer & Om Puri.
- Naseerudding Shah conducted a workshop for all actors in the movie for a few days before start of filming, to get everyone in character and for natural interactions.
A modern day adaptation of Macbeth, director Vishal Bharadwaj takes full advantage of his hugely talented cast, and full kudos to his direction.
Performance-wise, Om Puri and Nasseruddin Shah are good, Tabu is great, and Irfan Khan is mind-blowing.
Here is a movie that makes you sit up and take notice of a brilliant director, who entered the film stream as music director.
Vishal's progress as a director is astounding!The film is adapted from Shakeaspere's "Macbeth", using Mumbai underworld as the backdrop.
Charecterizations are brillaint, with the witches in Macbeth, being metamorphosed into two corrupt cops.The screenplay, cinematography, sound design are dialogues are brilliant.
West does meet East.I just came back after watching Maqbool directed by Vishal Bhardwaj (remember Makdee or the music director of Maachis?).And i am stunned.
In this brilliant film, Macbeth meets Mumbai with such ease that i didn't think it would be possible.It is an adaptation of Shakespeare's MACBETH.
Macbeth is Mian Maqbool (Irfan Khan).
And the kingdom is present-day Mumbai.Around them are India's best acting talents: Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, and Ajay Gehi.This film is slightly different from Macbeth though.
Maqbool is driven by his love for Nimmi.He murders Abbaji and declares himself the leader of the gang.
Maqbool then goes on to murder his close friend Kaka to gain absolute power.He is led (or misled) in his endeavour by two corrupt cops.
They essay the role of the three witches in Macbeth.The performances are of a high order.
Pankaj Kapur delivers his career-best performance.
The guilt pangs that Nimmi and Maqbool suffer after Abbaji's murder is one phase that takes the film to a different high altogether.In the end, all i can say is, Maqbool has the potential to be a landmark film in Bollywood.
that it is.The film came as a fresh breeze of air when Hindi cinema is experimenting with all sort of stuff.With probably one of the greatest star cast in the world ; the film is worth spending a premium.People who neglect the role of Hindi cinema in world entertainment or who don't like Hindi cinema at all should look at this film.The plot goes as follows Abbaji ( Pankaj Kapoor ) the underworld kingpin of Mumbai has two faithfuls helping him in his business Maqbool ( Irfan Khan )and Kaka ( Piyush Mishra ).Nimmi ( Tabu ) Abbaji's younger wife loves Maqbool and wants him to take the place of aging Abbaji.One day on Abbaji's daughter Sammera's ( Mausami ) wedding to Kaka's son Guddu ( Ajay Gehi ) Maqbool and Nimmi secretly kill Abbaji.The throne of Abbaji is open whom Maqbool is intent on occupying with hook or crook.The two inspectors Purohit ( Nasseruddin Shah ) and Pandit ( Om Puri ) serve as bribed workers to this family.
to Vishal Bhardwaj who won accolades from Karan Johar , Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan for this film..
Tabu, Pankaj Kapoor are excellent, as are Naseerudin and Om Puri, but when Maqbool (Irfan) is on screen, he overshadows all.
Oh that's right, "Indian public wants films like Black and KKKG" (actual quote by a BB basher).
His devotion to Abbaji and then to Allah (watch his movements first to the song being played at Eid and then when he is asked to consume alcohol) comes across very real.
A Hindi movie worthy of being screened at every internatinoal film festival, in fact it was screened at various festivals and was appreciated.The list of the talented starcast is huge, Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapur, Tabu & last but certainly not the least, Irrfan Khan(playing the title role of Maqbool).Story is about an underworld side kick who starts to have an inner conflict and where he has to make a decision and choose between loyalty and deceit, all because of a woman who is the mistress of the underworld gang leader Abbaji (played to perfection by Pankaj Kapur).Performances, lines, screenplay, background score and editing, cinematography are 1st rate..
This guy, has incredible screen presence but he is probabley overshadowed by Pankaj Kapoor, who is just superb as Abbaji.
Tabu, is good and the director has done a great job with some authentic scenes, albeit the editing suffers.
Shakespeare would be proudly smiling in his grave as Vishal Bhardwaj moves the greatest tragedy Macbeth to Mumbai's underworld.
Unlike other Bollywood movies Maqbool does not show people dancing around trees or snow clad mountains.
The confident screenplay keeps your attention right from the beginning not releasing you until the last reels have flashed.Bhardwaj conveys a tantalizing tale about an ageing don, Abbaji (Pankaj Kapur).
Maqbool (Irrfan Khan) is the trusted right hand man of Abbaji.
The two corrupt cops Pandit and Purohit (Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri) are shown as always predicting the future.
Nimmi (Tabu), Abbaji's young mistress has a dangerous secret liaison with Maqbool.
Nimmi urges Maqbool to murder Abbaji and take his position both in the hierarchy and her bed.
For love and power, Maqbool murders Abbaji not knowing that untold devastation lies ahead.
But, at the same time it also shows his love for his men and his much feared presence.Abbaji played by Pankaj Kapur is a symbol of power.
Irrfan Khan playing Maqbool takes us on an aesthetic ride, at times to the realms of reality.
Watch Irrfan in the last flashes of Maqbool breaking into moments of nothingness.
Tabu playing Abbaji's mistress coming from Lucknow is seen in a dark role for the first time.
Undoubtedly, Tabu is one of the finest actresses of her generation.Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri sparkle with a scintillating performance of two corrupt cops.
There have been man interesting yet unreal trials on the underworld on screen like Satya, Vaastav, Company but this movie goes beyond gangwars, corruption, dons, policemen, politicians.
For folks not familiar with the story of Macbeth (erm, me), this Bollywood adaptation most certainly make an interesting introduction.
That said, a well made film Maqbool is (or I would not feel the way I do now already)..
Intelligent and inventive updating of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" to the culture of the modern Indian underworld in Mumbai.
Indeed, you don't have to have any knowledge of "Macbeth" to appreciate "Maqbool" as a well above average gangland film, filled with interesting characters, and tons of politics, violence, alliances and deals made and broken.
Pankaj Kapur practically steals the film with his performance as Maqbool's boss, a savvy mob leader who has kept power not only through fear, but through inspiring loyalty and even love from not only those around him, but from 'the people' as well, by standing up for India's many minorities, who in turn elect officials inclined to look the other way at mob activitiesThe film is an interesting mix of old and new for Bollywood.
The film does wind down a bit towards the end, but so does (for me) Shakespeare's play – the most interesting thing being Macbeth's (or Maqbool's) seduction by and rise to power, more than the seemingly inevitable consequences.
This is well worth seeing for anyone interested in Shakespeare, or Indian cinema, or just a good tale of power struggles whether in the mob or in society at large.
This is one movie that has some of my all time fav actors like Pankaj Kapur.
Tabu.Irrfan Khan, Naseer and Om Puri....
watching Pankaj Kapur give the performance of a life time is sheer bliss.......
It took a while for the DVD to hit stores and the day i got and watched it...it just simply blew my socks off.......ever since I'm in complete awe of the powerful scenes that this movie has which have forever etched themselves in my memory....
It is a pity that Such Good movies don't receive recognition from people..Vishal is just someone who can blend things perfectly into Indian scenario!..
:)Naseer and Om Puri have short roles but they do full justice to the roles given and are the best of the lot !!Abbaji ( Pankaj Kapoor) does a godfather like Role !
now waiting to see their combo again in "THE NAMESAKE" Do watch this movie if u really like Cinematic EXCELLENCE.
The movie was really good .Vishal Bharadwaj has really made a masterpiece.on the acting front Pankaj kapur was brilliant as 'abbajaan' .even the small characters were etched out beautifully and the overall effect was really good.Irfan khan as Miya Maqbool is mind-blowing the chemistry he shares with his co-stars is good.it is really hard to believe that the movie is adapted from Shakespeare's Macbeth as the plot is set and picturised in mumbai and is really good.
I'm looking forward to watch 'Omkara' which has been adapted from Shakespeare's Othello..
Vishal Bharadwaj's direction is top-notch.Pankaj Kapur is brilliant as ever.
A very powerful presence.Irfan Khan is impressive.Tabu shines !
I wish the directors take more advantage of this explosive combination and create some masterpieces in coming years.Music: I cannot fall short of praise for Vishal Bharadwaj for his multi faceted persona, a producer-director-writer-musiccomposer : where do you see so much rolled into one?
A true gem in Bollywood.In Maqbool, Sultan Khan's voice has been used so beautifully.
Performances by everybody was epic and only Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri were a bit irritating...Direction at its best, and the dialogues are easy to understand that makes it unique from what Omkara was in terms of accent and set up...One time watch fare if u want to see performances and dialogues in place of execution...Recommended!!.
A masterpiece in every aspect.This is the first thought which came to me after watching Maqbool.First I have to give credit to the director for doing such an amazing job.
Pankaj Kapoor shines as Jahangir Khan.A job well done.I wish there were more Indian movies like this one to give the Indian cinema the good name it deserves..
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 is how Vishal Ji works, a great film adapted from the literature.With a line of very very good actors those have created a niche for themselves.
Pankaj Kapur Ji's work is like always above expectations.
Movie is right in its plot for crime in the Indian context.
The movie is must watch for phenomenal performances.The film is adapted from Shakeaspere's "Macbeth", using Mumbai underworld as the backdrop.
Charecterizations are brilliant, with the witches in Macbeth, being metamorphosed into two corrupt cops.The screenplay, cinematography, sound design are dialogues are brilliant.
The performances from all the 5 key players, Irrfan, Tabu, Pankaj Kapur, and the two cops, Naseer and Om Puri are out of the world.
The performances from all the 5 key players, Irrfan, Tabu, Pankaj Kapur, and the two cops, Naseer and Om Puri are out of the world.
Music is imaginative with captive visualizations.Credit for the entire movie should go to Vishal, for his outstanding conceptualization and execution.
Music is imaginative with captive visualizations.Credit for the entire movie should go to Vishal, for his outstanding conceptualization and execution.
This movie is one of the achievements of Indian cinema, and I consider that Vishal Bhardwaj is a master of adaptation.
I think Maqbool is his best movie, he cannot surpass what he created in Maqbool.
Though McBeth is one of the plays I dislike most and I don't watch more of this move for the very same reason that I wanted to have sympathy with McBeth but can't, wanted to have sympathy with Maqbool but can't.Several scenes in the movie executed flawlessly, each character surpassing the other.
I would not recommend this movie to SRK fans, but if you like a masterpiece irrespective of it's genre then watch it.That line of Tabu - "Thirteen moles are there on my body, would you see where they are?" left Maqbool helpless.
The witches act of Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah was brilliant.
An incredibly nuanced adapation of Macbeth, Vishal Bharadwaj's Maqbool is masterfully crafted and thoughtfully penned.
Pankaj Kapur, Tabu and Irfan Khan are stellar in their roles.
Pankaj Kapur, playing the underworld kingpin, gets dialogues that would be a dream for any actor and sinks his teeth in the delivery of those.
The film should be seen, focusing on the sheer intensity that Vishal Bharadwaj infuses in the plot and makes Macbeth relevant even in this day and age.
Vishal is the best director that India has today.
Best adaptation of Macbeth..
I think this movie is the best adaptation of Macbeth, even WS(or Francis bacon) would be proud to see this movie.I have watched the Movie "Throne of Blood" by Akira Kurosawa and the movie is brilliant.
The sense of Guilt this movie produces is unmatchable and Vishal has done a brilliant job of portraying it.Irfan Khan, Tabu, Naseerudin Shah and Om Puri have all done a brilliant job in portraying their characters, but one character that stands head and shoulder above the rest is "abba ji" a.k.a "Pankaj Kapur".
Maqbool, a milestone in Indian cinema.
After about coming across Maqbool on the posters and in stores, I finally got to see this epic movie in 2005.
This movie is an epitome of Indian cinema and not Bollywood as people conveniently believe.This movie is very special to me as I could empathize with the protagonist, Maqbool, and his own struggle in life to have an identity.
I never found any other movie that touched my emotions so much not because of it's story but because it was like my own life struggle to find an identity.
Maqbool is every man's struggle and not just a gangster movie.
Top Indian actors like Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah play cameos in this movie.
National School of Drama (NSD) has produced more actors like Irfan Khan(Maqbool) and Pankaj Kapur(.
And the fact that time and again Hindu actors are made Muslims in the movies is also an indication of how India functions today.
"Maqbool" is one of those rare films which I just didn't warm to in spite of its quality.
The writing is good, it's a solid, sometimes surprising adaptation of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" to modern day India.
Among the updated Shakespeare films it's definitely one of the best.
The acting is uniformly excellent, and Irfan Khan is great as Maqbool (Macbeth).Still, "Maqbool" just wasn't a film I enjoyed very much at all.
Too often "Maqbool" feels like a moderately well-written crime drama, losing the intensity of Shakespeare's text, which shouldn't have been too hard to translate.
The music is excellent as well, and helps set the mood, but "Maqbool" just never really gets going.
There's drama and all, but instead of brimming with fiery intensity like Shakespeare's text or my favorite adaptation of it, Akira Kurosawa's phenomenal "Throne of Blood", it's all surprisingly mundane.All in all this is a middle-of-the-road Shakespseare adaptation, interestingly done and if you want to see Naserrudin Shah play a witch this is the place to do so, but overall the film never really reaches its true potential, and remains just 'good' throughout.
Maqbool is Vishal Bharadwaj's adaptation of MacBeth by Shakespeare.
This movie features some of the best actors that are working in Bollywood.Irrfan Khan was cast as the leading character of Maqbool.
Apart from him, the talented cast also features seasoned actors like Tabu, Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapoor and Piyush Mishra.
A movie like Maqbool must be experienced by all cinema lovers due to the brilliance of its dialogs and the exquisite scenery that is shown throughout the film..
Maqbool is a brilliant film.
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 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.
Great acting in creepy adaptation of Macbeth.
Vishal Bharadwaj effectively marries Shakespeare with gangster movies to make a disturbing film.
Pankaj Kapoor is riveting as the aging gangster Abbaji with Irrfan Khan playing his trusted right hand man Maqbool.
Tabu has a complex role to play as Nimmi, Abbaji's moll.