A Justification of Assimilation and Segregation of The Tragedy of Macbeth to its Modern Indian Cinematic Adaptation Maqbool (2004)

Abstract

Abstract: The paper explores the set tradition of adapting Shakespearean themes, converting the genre of drama into a film.

Movie and television writers/directors modify Shakespeare’s themes not only in regards of genre but also introduce several changers such as modern-day events and accessories so that the adaptation may suit to the specific audience of certain societies, so the viewers may not encounter the alien feeling that may arise with the original Shakespeare’s theme which of course is from a remote setting, culture, region, culture and time. Vishal Bharadwaj’s film Maqbool, is part of this set tradition. Vishal Bharadwaj is a renowned filmmaker, director and writer of Hindi cinema (Bollywood) who penned down his name in the annals of history by making the three remarkable movies Maqbool, Omkara and Hamlet on Shakespearean themes.

Time has proven that Shakespeare’s themes are for all ages and for all humanity. The Tragedy of Macbeth is no doubt a Shakespearean masterpiece that Bharadwaj thought adapted to Indian cinema, and undoubtedly he did so, without any sense of alienation. The paper focuses attention on Maqbool, as a modern adaptation of a masterpiece Macbeth the medieval classic by Shakespeare. Moreover, Maqbool will also be judged as a brilliant transformation that justifies the changes in the themes and also not deviating from the original.