Maqbool

Director Vishal Bhardwaj's first foray into the world of Shakespeare is nothing short of astounding--Maqbool is one of the finest adaptations of 'Macbeth' ever produced. His interpretation, while faithful to the story, is no slave to it, and he spins an enthrallingly distinct version of the Scottish play. The elderly king here is an Indian mob boss called Abbaji, Macbeth is his underling Maqbool, and Lady Macbeth is Abbaji's wicked mistress Nimmi, who goads Maqbool into supplanting Abbaji and claiming her as the reward. And instead of three witches, there are two comical astrologers. Equal credit for this masterpiece goes to lead actors Irrfan Khan and Tabu, who dig deep into the warped psyches of Maqbool and Nimmi and flesh out these disturbed characters with original, mesmerizing portrayals. Nimmi's motivations are complex and myriad as she manipulates Macbool's insecurities, and his transformation from mild-mannered servant to monstrous leader is frightening. Bhardwaj even improves upon the play by adding a reason for the lady's otherwise inconsistent, guilt-induced descent into madness: the uncertain paternity of her unborn child.