Intelligent and inventive updating of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" to the culture of the modern Indian underworld in Mumbai. Director Vishal Bhardwaj and screenwriter Abbas Tryewala walk the tightrope between fidelity to the original and inventiveness rarely making a misstep. Indeed, you don't have to have any knowledge of "Macbeth" to appreciate "Maqbool" as a well above average gangland film, filled with interesting characters, and tons of politics, violence, alliances and deals made and broken. The acting is generally excellent. Pankaj Kapur practically steals the film with his performance as Maqbool's boss, a savvy mob leader who has kept power not only through fear, but through inspiring loyalty and even love from not only those around him, but from 'the people' as well, by standing up for India's many minorities, who in turn elect officials inclined to look the other way at mob activitiesThe film is an interesting mix of old and new for Bollywood. The style and tone is naturalistic, the performances unforced. There are echoes of "The Godfather". And while there are songs, there are only a few, and generally within a context where someone bursting into song actually makes sense – a wedding celebration for instance. The film does wind down a bit towards the end, but so does (for me) Shakespeare's play – the most interesting thing being Macbeth's (or Maqbool's) seduction by and rise to power, more than the seemingly inevitable consequences. This is well worth seeing for anyone interested in Shakespeare, or Indian cinema, or just a good tale of power struggles whether in the mob or in society at large. One frustrating note. The image quality on the blu-ray I bought from Amazon.uk is far from what the film deserves, looking more VHS than HD at times.

An incredibly nuanced adapation of Macbeth, Vishal Bharadwaj's Maqbool is masterfully crafted and thoughtfully penned. It portrays a deep understanding of the psychology of the original piece. The lead performances are as good as they get and beyond that. Pankaj Kapur, Tabu and Irfan Khan are stellar in their roles. Tabu especially oozes the right amount of understated sensuality and is completely irresistible as she attempts to seduce the 'loyal' lieutenant. Her probing dialogue and eye contact is a viewer's delight. Stunning! Irfan with his smouldering appearance sets the screen ablaze. Charismatic to the core, he plays his role with a deep understanding and a slow burning fire in his belly. He is as impeccable as he tries to fend off Tabu's advances as he is while romancing her. As the guilt kicks in, both Tabu and Irfan get into the skin of the character and the audience just sits back and gasps in admiration. You feel empathy for the characters despite the hideous nature of their deed. Thoroughly engaging! Pankaj Kapur, playing the underworld kingpin, gets dialogues that would be a dream for any actor and sinks his teeth in the delivery of those. A performance and an actor par excellence returns and how! The film should be seen, focusing on the sheer intensity that Vishal Bharadwaj infuses in the plot and makes Macbeth relevant even in this day and age. One of the best adaptations of a book I have ever seen. Simply exquisite! Vishal is the best director that India has today. He is an even better writer. He has a great understanding of real life in India. Of life in the metros as well as the rural areas. His attention to the subtext and underlying psychology and emotion of each story is what makes him such a good storyteller. He has shown that to us through his films, through his music and dialogues. His screenplays are matchless as far as Hindi Film Industry is concerned. Looking forward to your next, Vishal!

This film is, in short, a masterpiece. A unique interpretation on Shakespeare's "Macbeth", "Maqbool" features Irrfan in one of the most brilliantly executed roles of modern cinema. He remarkably inhabits the skin of a character who is muddled, murderous, and maniacal. Pankaj Kapoor, as the invincible Abbaji, is astonishing in his portrayal of the Muslim Mob Boss. Truly an incomparable performance. As for Tabu, she is PERFECTION. This is not Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth- she is equally fierce, but given a softer and more shadowy countenance. Tabu is officially a text book of acting (take note, screen queens Rani, Preity, Aish, Madhuri, and the rest- this is what a REAL actress can do). Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri give expert portrayals. Kudos to Bhardwaj for creating a film which is not only unconventional, but eerily radiant. Ram Gopal Verma and Mani Ratnam now have company as India's most innovative filmmakers.

The movie was really good .Vishal Bharadwaj has really made a masterpiece.on the acting front Pankaj kapur was brilliant as 'abbajaan' .even the small characters were etched out beautifully and the overall effect was really good.Irfan khan as Miya Maqbool is mind-blowing the chemistry he shares with his co-stars is good.it is really hard to believe that the movie is adapted from Shakespeare's Macbeth as the plot is set and picturised in mumbai and is really good. om puri and naseeruddin shah as the two cops are good and they share a good chemistry between them. I'm looking forward to watch 'Omkara' which has been adapted from Shakespeare's Othello.