Is Haider Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Haider is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 150 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Haider Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2014, Haider emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A young man returns to Kashmir after his father's disappearance to confront his uncle - the man he suspects to have a role in his father's fate. Unlike standard genre fare, Haider attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Haider features a noteworthy lineup led by Shahid Kapoor . Supported by the likes of Tabu and Kay Kay Menon , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Haider (2014) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Haider Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Haider is a Crime, Drama film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Haider Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Haider resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Haider reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Haider Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Haider incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Haider adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Haider?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Haider Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $7.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $11.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Haider Budget
The estimated production budget for Haider is $7.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Haider
- Shahid Kapoor – Haider Meer
- Tabu – Ghazala Meer
- Kay Kay Menon – Khurram Meer
- Shraddha Kapoor – Arshia Lone
- Narendra Jha – Dr. Hilal Meer
Top Highlights
Shahid KapoorHaider Meer
TabuGhazala Meer
Kay Kay MenonKhurram Meer
Shraddha KapoorArshia Lone
Narendra JhaDr. Hilal Meer
Irrfan KhanRoohdaar
Kulbhushan KharbandaHussain Meer
Lalit ParimooPervez Lone
Aamir BashirLiyaqat Lone
Sumit KaulSalman 1
Where to Watch Haider Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Zee5Parents Guide & Age Rating
Haider is rated UA. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, Haider stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2014 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haider movie hit or flop?
Haider is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Drama movies.
Is Haider worth watching?
Yes, Haider is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Haider online?
Haider is currently available for streaming on Zee5. You can also check for it on platforms like Zee5 depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Haider
As a Shakespearean actor, I can tell you this film is the BEST adaptation of one of his plays I have ever seen. It is in the same class as Kurasawa's RAN. It is a brilliantly written screenplay, and both directed and performed at the very highest level. Bhardwaj has taken quite a bit of liberty with the sequence and story line, but not so much that it is unrecognizable from the Bard's work. Even the name of the mysterious revolutionary, Roohdaar means "spirit" in Hindi - or ghost. Much more importantly, Bhardwaj has used the play as a tool to relate and comment on a dark period in the history of the animosity between India and Pakistan. And like Kurasawa, he blatantly rails against revenge and war.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
