Haider: One adaptation to rule them all

Hamlet essay #3: the finale

How I Came to Love Hamlet: A Journey Through Adaptations

In my last two essays, I explored how Hamlet addresses themes of conflict, power, and grief. However, I deliberately avoided discussing why Hamlet resonates so deeply with me. My journey into Shakespeare wasn’t sparked by the beauty of the writing, the compelling story, or a faithful adaptation. Instead, it began with an adaptation that didn’t even attempt to stay true to the original text—Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider.

For a long time, I believed I’d never understand Shakespeare. His work fascinated and terrified me in equal measure. I suspect many English-speaking readers can relate to this, though perhaps not to the extent I experienced it. I had to teach myself English, which was a barrier in itself. Shakespeare’s writing initially felt like gibberish. Even now, when I open a play I’m unfamiliar with, the unusual sentence structures baffle me. This changed when I watched Haider.

Watching Haider encouraged me to explore other adaptations, though I was still hesitant to read the play. I discovered Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet, the only version that incorporates every line of the text. While I appreciated its grandeur, I found it lacked the emotional weight of the tragedy.

Eventually, I mustered the courage to read the play in its entirety. Finishing it felt like a milestone in my journey as a literature student, and from that point on, I became a devoted fan of Hamlet.

Haider: A Masterclass in Adaptation

In my opinion, Haider exemplifies how to transform a beloved work of art without losing its essence. It’s far from a “faithful” adaptation, yet it captures the spirit of Hamlet more effectively than any other version I’ve encountered. The angst of Hamlet is mirrored in the frustrated protagonist Haider, while the tragic fate of Ophelia finds a counterpart in Arshia.

For those unfamiliar with Vishal Bhardwaj, think of him as the Kenneth Branagh of India—without casting himself as the lead in every film. Like Branagh, Bhardwaj has a deep fascination with Shakespeare and has adapted three of his plays into films: Maqbool (Macbeth), Omkara (Othello), and finally, Haider (Hamlet).

Faithfulness vs. Spirit

Branagh’s adaptation adheres strictly to the text but sacrifices the raw, gothic essence of Hamlet. Its polished aesthetic feels too perfect for a story rooted in tragedy and misfortune. On the other hand, Haider is stark and bleak, yet never bland. The film shocks with bursts of vivid color during its most tragic moments, heightening their emotional impact.

What sets Haider apart is its fearless reimagining of the source material. Bhardwaj makes deliberate changes that Shakespeare himself might have approved of. For instance, he relocates the story to Kashmir, using the region’s ongoing conflict to echo the themes of political decay and revenge in Hamlet.

In the play, Fortinbras represents the looming threat of war, though his presence is largely offstage. In Haider, Kashmir itself becomes Fortinbras—a pervasive force symbolizing impending doom. By integrating the conflict directly into the narrative, Bhardwaj underscores the play’s exploration of power and turmoil in a way that feels urgent and relevant.

Modernizing the Ghost and Soliloquies

The ghost in Haider is reimagined as a rebel spy who reveals dark secrets about his death, lending the character more weight and relatability. Similarly, the famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy is brilliantly adapted. In one scene, Haider recites a literal translation of the lines, causing Arshia to panic. Later, as he stands on a platform, the speech transforms into a reflection on the struggles of Kashmir’s people, asking whether to fight or continue enduring oppression.

This bold reinterpretation retains the spirit of Shakespeare’s words while connecting them to contemporary issues. It demonstrates how timeless themes can resonate within modern contexts.

Reinventing Characters

Bhardwaj also reimagines Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as two characters both named Salman—a playful nod to Bollywood actor Salman Khan. The adaptation even hints at the Oedipus complex, with Haider taunting his uncle and shaming his mother for remarrying. While Shakespeare’s Hamlet touches on incest in the context of Gertrude’s marriage, Haider takes it further, adding a layer of complexity that deepens Haider’s character.

The Madness of Hamlet and Haider

Branagh’s Hamlet portrays his descent into madness ambiguously, which aligns with the play’s themes but feels underwhelming in execution. In Haider, the protagonist’s madness is far more unnerving. He balances calculated insanity with moments of genuine danger, creating a portrayal that feels both authentic and terrifying.

Why Haider Stands Out

If you’re looking for a Shakespeare adaptation that breaks free from archaic language and rigid fidelity, I highly recommend Haider. It captures the heart of Hamlet while reimagining it in a way that feels fresh and relevant. From its powerful performances to its nuanced exploration of revenge, Haider will leave you appreciating the Bard’s work in ways you never expected.

I hope you give it a chance and that it sparks your own love for Shakespeare as it did for me.