Zulfiqar

Watch Zulfiqar

  • NR
  • 2018
  • 2 hr 17 min
  • 5.7  (1,444)

Zulfiqar is a dramatic action film that explores the complex relationships between Shakespeare's iconic characters Julius Caesar and Marc Antony through the lens of Bengali culture and history. Set in the bustling city of Kolkata, the film charts the rise of the eponymous gangster Zulfiqar (played by Prasenjit Chatterjee) as he seeks to consolidate his power and protect his territory from rival factions.

The film opens with a tense standoff between Zulfiqar and a group of thugs who are attempting to take over his turf. As he navigates this dangerous world of violence and intrigue, Zulfiqar's own ambitions start to collide with the larger political forces at play in the city. One of the film's most compelling themes is the idea of becoming a hero - Zulfiqar goes from a small-time crook to a larger-than-life figure revered by the people, but he also faces the consequences of his actions and must grapple with the question of whether the end justifies the means.

The cast of Zulfiqar is stacked with talent, including some of Bengali cinema's biggest names. Kaushik Sen plays Tony (Marc Antony), a powerful politician and Zulfiqar's friend-turned-enemy whose political ambitions are constantly at odds with Zulfiqar's criminal empire. Jisshu Sengupta plays Ketan (Octavius), the younger half-brother of Tony who is eager to prove himself and make a name for himself in the city's political scene. The film also features a standout performance from Dev as Markaz Ali (Brutus), a close confidant of Zulfiqar who struggles with his own conscience as he contemplates betraying his friend.

One of the most interesting aspects of Zulfiqar is how it incorporates the themes and characters of Shakespeare's play into the context of modern-day India. The film's director, Srijit Mukherji, has spoken about how he was drawn to the idea of exploring power dynamics and political intrigue through the lens of Shakespeare's work. In adapting the story for a Bengali audience, he also incorporates elements of the region's rich cultural history and mythology, weaving together a complex tapestry of folklore, politics, and contemporary issues.

From a technical standpoint, Zulfiqar is an impressive feat of filmmaking. The visuals are stunning, with the city of Kolkata serving as a vibrant and atmospheric backdrop for the action. The film's action sequences are also notable for their intensity and realism - while Zulfiqar is certainly a larger-than-life figure, he never feels invincible or untouchable. The final showdown, in particular, is a masterclass in tension-building and payoff.

Overall, Zulfiqar is an accomplished and ambitious film that is well worth watching for anyone interested in Bengali cinema, Shakespeare, or the intersection of politics and crime. While it is a lengthy film - clocking in at just over two and a half hours - it never feels bloated or overstuffed. Instead, the epic scope and rich character development make it a thoroughly engaging and satisfying experience.

Zulfiqar is a 2018 thriller with a runtime of 2 hours and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.

Zulfiqar
Description
Where to Watch Zulfiqar
Zulfiqar is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV and Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent Zulfiqar for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2018
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    2 hr 17 min
  • IMDB Rating
    5.7  (1,444)