In a recent interview, Vishal Bhardwaj, the creative force behind cinematic gems like ‘Maqbool,’ ‘Omkara,’ and ‘Haider,’ opens up about his artistic journey, grappling with Shakespearean influences, and his latest offering, ‘Khufiya,’ an espionage thriller.

Bhardwaj, known for translating Shakespearean tragedies into celluloid classics, admits to a Shakespearean “imprint” on his work and expresses his intention to take a 10-year break from the Bard’s adaptations.

‘Khufiya,’ a spy thriller on Netflix, intriguingly features a scene from Julius Caesar, albeit unintentionally. Bhardwaj explains that this nod to Shakespeare was a result of the character Brutus and the famous line ‘et tu Brutus,’ adding that he briefly considered naming the film ‘Khufiya: Operation Brutus.’

Reflecting on his filmmaking journey, Bhardwaj emphasizes the significance of the opening scene and shares how it almost didn’t make it into ‘Khufiya.’ Thanks to the persistence of his friends and former associates, directors Abhishek Chaubey and Honey Trehan, the scene, featuring a woman with a red umbrella in the rain, retained its dreamy charm and became a favorite.

‘Khufiya’ stars Tabu, a frequent collaborator of Bhardwaj’s, along with Ali Fazal and Wamiqa Gabbi. The film is inspired by Amar Bhushan’s book ‘Escape to Nowhere’ and centers on the hunt for a mole in India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) led by Tabu’s character, Krishna Mehra.

While Bhardwaj has made his mark with Shakespearean adaptations, he expresses a desire to shift toward comedies, contemplating a trilogy of humorous films, with ‘Twelfth Night’ being a potential inspiration.

For ‘Khufiya,’ Bhardwaj envisions creating a cinematic universe, possibly beginning with a franchise. The film’s music, always a vital component of his works, features songs like ‘Dil Dushman,’ ‘Mat Aana,’ and ‘Rang Na Rangaa,’ integrated into the storyline. Bhardwaj also introduces a unique character—a spiritual guru—setting him apart from past caricatures in Indian cinema.

‘Khufiya’ is now streaming on Netflix and marks a new chapter in Vishal Bhardwaj’s illustrious filmmaking career, blending espionage and his distinctive artistic flair.