Watch Maqbool

Maqbool is an Indian crime drama film released in 2003, directed and co-written by Vishal Bhardwaj. The movie is based on Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth and is set in Mumbai's underworld. The story revolves around Maqbool (Irrfan Khan), a henchman of Jahangir Khan (Pankaj Kapur), who is the leader of the criminal organization. Gradually, Maqbool falls in love with Nimmi (Tabu), Jahangir's mistress, and collaborates with her to overthrow the leader and establish himself as the new don.

The movie opens with an introduction to the main characters, their relationships, and tensions among them. Maqbool is introduced as a loyal servant and right-hand man of Jahangir Khan, who trusts him with all his dealings. Meanwhile, Nimmi, Jahangir's mistress, longs to live a life free of his control and wants to escape with Maqbool. The story takes a turn when the corrupt police officer, Pandit (Naseeruddin Shah), plots to use Maqbool to eliminate Jahangir and take control of his criminal empire.

The movie beautifully portrays the complex relationships of the characters, their motives, and actions. The love affair between Maqbool and Nimmi is depicted with poignancy, and their chemistry is palpable on screen. The intense power struggle between the two crime lords, Jahangir, and Pandit, adds to the suspense and intrigue of the movie. The cinematography and background score complement the dark themes and motifs of the movie.

Irrfan Khan's portrayal of the titular character Maqbool is one of the highlights of the movie. He convincingly portrays the journey of his character from a loyal servant to a reluctant murderer to a manipulative don. His vulnerability and conflicted conscience make the audience empathize and root for him. Tabu, on the other hand, shines as Nimmi, a woman trapped in a loveless affair, and yearning for freedom. Her performance adds the necessary depth and nuance that the character requires.

Pankaj Kapur's performance as Jahangir Khan is commendable. He plays the villainous character with ease and commands the screen with his presence. His dialogues and mannerisms add to the menacing nature of the character. The supporting cast also delivers noteworthy performances, with Naseeruddin Shah's portrayal of the corrupt police officer impressing the audience.

The movie's strength lies in its ability to adapt Shakespeare's tragedy to an Indian crime-drama setting. The director masterfully weaves the themes of violence, betrayal, and ambition to create a compelling narrative. The movie juxtaposes the romantic and poetic scenes with the gritty and violent underworld scenes to create a contrasting atmosphere. The use of dialogues and symbolism from Shakespeare's play adds an element of literary appeal.

In conclusion, Maqbool is a well-executed crime drama that offers a fresh take on the classic tragic story. The strong performances by the cast, the director's ability to adapt the play to an Indian setting, and the beautiful cinematography make it a must-watch. The movie offers a nuanced look into the criminal underworld and the motives that drive its characters. It is definitely worth a watch for those who appreciate a good adaptation and a well-made movie.

Maqbool is a 2003 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.