Haider was an adaptation of the famous Shakespeare play Hamlet. Vishal Bhardwaj is someone who for a long time has been adapting all the famous Shakespeare plays to movies. The range goes all the way from Omkara, Maqbool to Haider. Shahid Kapoor had portrayed a character he had never even borderly explored a character like this. One got to say his portrayal of an ethical sociopath who fought for what he thought was right was one of his best performances to date.
Haider starts with a Hamlet-like figure who continues in the tradition of the anti-social protagonist. When we first encounter Haider Meer, a college student returning to his village, we learn that this film's Hamlet is a poet who writes challenging verses and studies revolutionary poets. He insists on referring to his place, known as Anantnag by Hindu Indian authorities, by the alternate local name "I".She is a journalist who is initially bent on asking difficult questions of Indian officials, but she, like her Shakespearean ancestor, will ultimately recede under the influence of her colluding father and possessive brother, and be undone by a grief-induced mental breakdown.
Shahid Kapoor's (Hamlet's) characteristically watchful and compassionate expression was enticing in the first half of the film and pulled the audience into his character. However, his feigned insanity in the second half of the film, though superficially consistent with Hamlet's character it takes the path of mayhem and insanity.
Shahid brings every emotion live on to the screen & undoubtedly this is his career-best performance. He has portrayed every emotion with poise. Haider is a masterpiece not just for its captivating narrative, but also for Shahid's rise as an artist. It is a true thirst quencher for astute audiences. Please take a step back if you are a casual audience because it will put your tolerance to the test.