Promotions have begun for Vishal Bhardwaj's Haider - an adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet. The film is set to release on 2 October 2014.
The Haider trailer and first look posters reflect the dramatic nature of the Hamlet story - a dark tale of revenge. While there will be clear similarities between Haider and Hamlet, there will be significant differences. Just as in his previous Shakespeare adaptations Omkara (Othello) and Maqbool (Macbeth), Vishal Bhardwaj takes the core of the story and adapts it for the unique cultural landscape of India.
Set in the dark and cold climate of Kashmir in February, Shahid Kapoor will play the protagonist Haider (Hamlet), a melancholy, bitter, and cynical young man who is well educated but often impulsive. Tabu will be his stepmother (Gertrude). Just as in the original tale, they share a complicated relationship. Shraddha Kapoor plays a journalist named Arshia who may also serve as the minor but memorable Ophelia character. Irrfan Khan will haunt the grounds as Haider's dead father and Kay Kay Menon will fill the role of Haider's power-hungry uncle.
The trailer and posters are available below. You can also view a more extensive collection of tweets, photos, fan posters, and videos via Storify.
Here's to doing wat I love ...... To the highs and the lows .... To the hectic ness and the silences ... To b or not to b .......
— sHAhID kapooR (@shahidkapoor) January 25, 2014
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