'Haider' stands magnificently in between as the king of the Shakespearean trilogy of Vishal Bharadwaj. 'Maqbool' is undeniably the wisest of them all, sitting atop as the igh priest of VB filmography. 'Maqbool' wasn't all suitable, a film existing to provide it's lip service to Saif Ali Khan, flair in writing and execution, but not much else. But this one lies in the world in between: it's way better than 'Omkara', even when it doesn't match the opulence of 'Maqbool'.

This is the best mounted film by Vishal, in his whole career. The astounding cinematography, entertaining undertones, grim period and aesthetic of performances is what makes this a winsome. Shahid Kapoor is masterful and unflinching, transcending Irrfan's vulnerability and Saif's artfulness. He is faultless, graceful and effective. He's just like Tabu, the beautiful, sultry mother and her believable, uncomfortable equation with her son that goes from absurd to unpredictable. Kay Kay Menon and Irrfan Khan deliver wholeheartedly the short bits with awesome grip.

'Haider' is politically correct and absolute. But the film has a radically unsmooth start, it's first act is not entirely convincing to the viewer in spite of the visual mountings of the Shikara and ailing people. The change-of-climax of the original 'Hamlet' is not too workable. As it is, it is an entertaining, carefree thing to watch, brimming with texture and handsomely written. And that's an achievement
3.5/5.

I Guess I Need To Watch It Again To Understand It Better But I Really Liked It While Watching It 1st Time, Vishal Is A Genius Filmmaker, Shahid Finally Show's His Exceptional Acting Skills, Screenplay Is Gripping. Tabu & Kay Kay Were Too Good In Their Roles.But All In All It's Vishal's Vision & Shahid's Dominance Which Makes It A Brilliant Movie.

'Haider' may turn the tide for Shahid Kapoor, much like 'Omkara' had for Saif Ali Khan. He has long deserved to play a role like this one and he genuinely exceeds our expectations. I don't remember when was the last time I was mesmerized by a song and dance number in Hindi cinema, as I was by 'Bismil'. How refreshing to see a male star do that, in folk costume and tribal make-up. For once, the choreography is so powerful that I wasn't even paying attention to the lyrics.
Situating Hamlet in the Kashmir situation is a pretty clever idea and Vishal Bhardwaj manages to stay faithful to the original play to a very large extent. The dark ominous undertones are present from the first frame to the last, so it doesn't make for a light-hearted family outing at all. The editing is patchy and abrupt at times, but it can all be excused for the powerhouse acting by Tabu, Kay Kay Menon and Irrfan. Shraddha Kapoor is also perfectly cast. The mother-son chemistry between Tabu and Shahid is so strong and arresting - not at all like the superficial 'ma-beta' stereotypes that we are used to.

Haider. After Maqbool and Omkara, Vishal once again seeks inspiration from Shakespeare and this time he picks Hamlet and gives us one poignant and beautiful piece of revenge drama set in the backdrop of struggling Kashmir.

The strength of Haider lies in powerful performances of its actors and above all Tabu. Tabu embraces her character so well and makes it so mysterious that you are confused whether to sympathize or not with her. Shahid as Haider, Kay Kay Menon as his evil uncle, Irrfan Khan as mysterious helper and Shraddha as Haider's love interest, all give their best. Surprisingly, the movie is laced with dark humour. You won't be able to forget the die hard Salman fans named Salman and Salman and a bunch of aged grave diggers singing "Aao Na, So Jao Na"

But Haider is a beauty with flaws. Vishal looses its grip in last half an hour and lets movie wander for extra 15-20 minutes before taking it to the grand finale. There are few unexplained sequences like what was the military mission all about?

I am going with strong 7 out of 10 for Haider. Watch it for Tabu, watch it for its emotional complexity and watch it for carefully done Oedipal undertones.

While watching this film I think Haider has done justice to each and every element that was depicted in the film. You get a feel not just for the film but also for the people of Kashmir. The thing that I loved most about the entire film was the attention to details, I loved the way the actors in the film used Kashmiri language in various parts just make it more real and natural. Simply Fantabulous.

best cinematic movie ever made in indian cinema....best film in Shakespeare trilogy(maqbool,omkara and haider) of vishal sir.

If there is one place that has taken more lives & larger than imagination space in our daily newspapers since 1947, it has to be Kashmir; for all the wrong reasons of course.

Shell out your hard earned money on this and you will be surprised with its returns. Comprises of an unperturbed Tabu act, a grown up Shahid Kapoor, a larger than life Irrfan Khan cameo and a charismatic yet selfish Kay Kay Menon role If that's not enough, then witness this epic & dramatic, slow yet gripping Masterpiece by Vishal for Kashmir ;pause; for India, and try to re-live a 'reel' life of the 'real' life of 'Kashmir-ki-Awaam'.

Actors director crew writers music set design just one word fr all of them BEAUTY

Haider is super movie and Shahid’s best performance but also that no one else could have done as much justice to the role as Shahid has done.