Vishal Bhardwaj began his career in the entertainment industry as a music composer. However, the artist transitioned to directing with his debut film Makdee (2002), a children’s horror film that received positive reviews. Later, the filmmaker followed it with Maqbool (2003), which was highly acclaimed and solidified his reputation as a director with a unique vision. This marked the beginning of his successful career as a filmmaker, known for his distinctive storytelling and adaptations of literary works.
On the special occasion of the director’s birthday, let us go down memory lane to witness the magic of Vishal Bhardwaj’s films that define his cinematic craft.
7 Standout Movies of Vishal Bhardwaj’s Career
Here are the best Vishal Bhardwaj films that are pure cinematic gold.
1. Maqbool
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Based on Shakespeare’s tragedy novel Macbeth, the crime drama revolves around the journey of Maqbool, a loyal lieutenant to Mumbai’s powerful underworld don, Abbaji. However, driven by ambition and the manipulative urgings of Abbaji’s mistress, Maqbool murders Abbaji to take his place, leading to a downward spiral of guilt and paranoia. The crime thriller features Irrfan Khan, Pankaj Kapur, and Tabu in significant roles.
2. Omkara
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Vishal Bhardwaj’s crime thriller explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the destructive power of doubt. The film is set in the rural Indian heartland and follows the story of Omkara, a gang leader who works for a corrupt politician. Omkara appoints Kesu as his successor, overlooking his loyal but envious lieutenant. Fueled by jealousy, the latter schemes to ruin Omkara’s life by sowing seeds of suspicion about the fidelity of his beloved.
3. Kaminey
Platform: Netflix
The dark comedy thriller revolves around the lives of identical twins Guddu and Charlie, both played by Shahid Kapoor.
While Guddu is an honest man trying to make a decent living, Charlie works for a bookie and dreams of becoming rich through shortcuts. Their lives intertwine in a chaotic series of events involving a stash of drugs, corrupt politicians, gangsters, and the police, leading to an explosive climax where the brothers confront their enemies and reconcile with each other.
4. 7 Khoon Maaf
Platform: Netflix
The dark comedy thriller revolves around Priyanka Chopra’s character, Susanna Anna-Marie Johannes, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who marries seven different men over the course of her life. Each of her husbands meets an untimely and mysterious death, leading to a series of investigations.
Susanna’s quest for love and companionship is marred by her unfortunate choices, each marriage revealing a darker side of her partners and culminating in their demise.
5. Haider
Platform: Netflix
Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, set in the conflict-ridden region of Kashmir in the mid-90s.
The plot follows Haider Meer, a young poet who returns to his homeland after his father goes missing, presumed taken by the Indian military for allegedly harbouring militants. As Haider delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding his father’s disappearance, he becomes increasingly consumed by thoughts of revenge. The narrative builds up to a dramatic and tragic climax, where the protagonist confronts his uncle and comes to terms with the devastating impact of vengeance on his life.
6. Talvar
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
The gripping crime drama is based on the real-life 2008 Noida double murder case. The film presents a Rashomon-style narrative, offering multiple perspectives on the investigation into the murders of a teenage girl.
The plot follows investigating officer Ashwin Kumar, played by Irrfan Khan, as he delves into the case, encountering various contradictory accounts and biases. As the investigation progresses, Ashwin discovers flaws in the initial police work and explores alternative theories, including the involvement of outsiders.
The film critically examines the media sensationalism and the judicial process, highlighting the complexity and ambiguity of the case.
7. Pataakha
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
The comedy-drama centres around two feuding sisters, played by Radhika Madan and Sanya Malhotra. Their rivalry is intense and unrelenting, with both sisters constantly bickering and fighting over trivial matters, much to the frustration of their father. As the story progresses, both sisters dream of escaping their rural life and pursuing their ambitions. Despite their new relationship, their animosity continues, leading to a series of humorous and dramatic confrontations.
Vishal Bhardwaj has made significant contributions to Bollywood as a multifaceted artist, excelling as a director, music composer, screenwriter, and producer. The filmmaker’s work is celebrated for its artistic integrity, complex characters, and seamless blend of traditional and contemporary elements, making him a pivotal figure in modern Bollywood cinema.