His maiden venture, the children's film Makdee won critical appreciation, but director Vishal Bharadwaj feels his new film Maqbool will be more delightful.
He explains, "It is based on my favourite play Macbeth. I am very happy to be the first to direct this film based on William Shakespeare's play. I don't know why no one in Hindi film industry ever tried to make a film based on Macbeth's life. It is a story which will appeal all over the world. I am confident that everyone in India will love the film."
At a recent music launch of the film, Bharadwaj said, "If you read Macbeth, you will understand that it is a timeless story and relevant everywhere. That is why I made this film."
Set against Mumbai's mafia world, Maqbool is the story of Maqbool (Irfan Khan), the right hand man of mafia don Abbaji (Pankaj Kapoor). Abbaji has been ruling the crime world for ages and his most trusted lieutenant is Maqbool.
"I am ready to die for Abbaji, and can do anything for him. He orders and I execute it, no questions asked," says Irfan Khan about his role.
In actuality, the film is loosely based on the script of the Shakespearean drama Macbeth. Macbeth, the loyal general of King Duncan, turns against him and kills him to usurp as the King of Scotland.
In the film, when a love interest for Maqbool comes into the picture, the story takes a drastic turn.
Abbaji's mistress Nimmi (Tabu) falls in love with Maqbool. She is convinced Maqbool is the only person who can rescue her from her woes. Nimmi inspires Maqbool to kill Abbaji and the entire story takes a turn.
"I have to choose between loyalty and love," says Irfan Khan.
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Asked whether he has read Shakespeare's Macbeth before accepting the role, Irfan states, "I read it long ago. I did not read it before shooting for the film because the film is only an adaptation of that play."
The film also stars Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri, corrupt policemen who are working for Abbaji.
About Naseeruddin Shah's contribution, Irfan says, "He had conducted a workshop for all of us before shooting. This helped us understand each other understand and made it easier for us to shoot the film when actual shooting began."
The film was thus completed in four months, over a 50-day schedule in Mumbai and Bhopal.
Khan declares, "I never played a of role like this. It was fun to work with Vishal and Tabu, who gave me lot of space as an actor to do things. Tabu was very helpful and cooperative and the end product came out very well."
He continues, "Ten years ago, I used to land up at different producers home and ask for work. I realised that did not work. So I stopped approaching people. Luckily, my work speaks for me now. Now I get roles."
Aamir Khan, chief guest at the launch, said Maqbool was the best film he had seen in a long time: "I was lucky to see the film. Every actor has done a superb job."
Photo: Jewella C Miranda
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