Abhishek Bachchan to star in desi Hamlet?

After Omkara, Maqbool and The Last Lear, another Shakespearean play, Hamlet, has entered Bollywood. While Tigmanshu Dhulia will direct the adaptation, the film is likely to star Abhishek Bachchan in the lead role.

Remember Omkara (2006), Maqbool (2004) and The Last Lear (2008)? All the three films had one thing in common — they were all based on William Shakespeare’s works —Othello, Macbeth and King Lear respectively.

Now, another Shakespearean play, Hamlet, has entered Bollywood. While Tigmanshu Dhulia will direct the adaptation, Goldie Behl and Shrishti Arya will produce the film under their Rose Movies banner. Interestingly, Tigmanshu had thought of this story in 2001, when he was working on the dialogue for Goldie’s Abhishek Bachchan-starrer Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai.

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The desi Hamlet is likely to star Abhishek Bachchan (AFP Photo)

Now over a decade later, Goldie confirms, “When Tigmanshu narrated the idea, I was hooked. At that time, we couldn’t work on the project. Now that Tigmanshu has become a sought-after director, it’s an opportune moment to go ahead.”Although Goldie feels it’s too early to comment on cast, it’s believed that friend Abhishek is in the running for the lead role.

“I can’t say anything right now since we are yet to start the casting process.Tigmanshu is still wrapping up the final draft and is also busy with Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster 2,” says Goldie.Talking abour this adaptation, he adds: “It’s a fantastic and gripping revenge drama. I am really looking forward to the film because I am sure it would make for an entertaining watch.”

Interestingly, Tigmanshu’s last hit Paan Singh Tomar (2010) and Goldie’s London Paris New York released on the same day. “I was impressed with Paan Singh Tomar. At Rose Movies, we thought it’s an opportune time to make a big-budget film. And what better than a version of Hamlet,” he says.

Bard in bollywood

* Macbeth: Vishal Bhardwaj’s Maqbool faithfully follows its plot, though with Mumbai underworld as its backdrop.

* Othello: Bhardwaj adapted the play for the Ajay Devgn-Saif Ali Khan-starrer, Omkara.

* King Lear: Rituparno Ghosh’s The Last Lear wasn’t directly based on it, but traces of King Lear could be seen through this Amitabh Bachchan-starrer.