It’s time for another Vivek Agnihotri movie (did anyone hear controversy?). Imagine a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from celebrating India’s scientific triumphs to cringing at a conspiracy theory-laden narrative. Welcome to “The Vaccine War,” a movie based on the book “Going Viral” by Dr. Balram Bhargava that attempts to chronicle the journey of creating Covaxin while evidently taking a controversial stance, portraying critics of the government and the vaccine development process in a negative light. While it starts off strong, it is the second half that spoils the taste for you.
Plot
Okay, how about scientists donned in lab coats, battling formidable microorganisms in high-stakes laboratories, all while juggling the uncertainties of life during a pandemic? That’s the heart-pumping first half of the movie. It’s all about the dedication, the urgency, and the remarkable scientific battles that played out behind the scenes. But ruko zara, sabar karo. In the second half, the focus shifts dramatically. Out of nowhere, we’re introduced to Rohini Singh Dhulia (Raima Sen), a science editor, jo marr jayegi par Covaxin ke credibility ko support nahi karegi. Why, you ask? Cuz she is backed up by foreign sponsors. Cue the eye-rolls and SMHs because this narrative twist feels like a deliberate attempt to turn government critics into cardboard villains. Ye kya matlab hua yaar, ughhh.
Performances
Nana Patekar, our trusty OG tough guy, steps into the shoes of Dr. Balram Bhargava and delivers his usual 10/10 performance. He embodies the character’s relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and love for the country, reminding of his good old days back in the 90s. Pallavi Joshi, as Dr. Priya Abraham, adds depth and emotional resonance to the film. Meanwhile, Girija Oak Godbole shines in her role as Dr. Nivedita Gupta. The cast’s collective effort ensures that the human drama remains at the forefront, despite the scientific complications of the whole plot. This mostly works, but science geeks might end up wanting more nerdy stuff from the movie. But as for the cast, with a lot of hits and a few misses, it does a commendable job.
Direction and Writing
Vivek Agnihotri is one skilled director, and we all know it. He takes us on a thrilling journey by masterfully blending the ‘bohot fatt rahi hai bhai’ with the ‘humein koi nahi rok sakta’ attitude within the scientific community. The challenges and limitations faced by Indian scientists are vividly portrayed, underscoring their extraordinary achievements. But (yes, there’s a “but”), the decision to vilify government critics through the character of Rohini Singh Dhulia raises eyebrows. It’s like adding an unnecessary subplot to an already captivating story.
The writing is a mixed bag. On one hand, it celebrates India’s scientific prowess, and on the other, it takes a confrontational stance against government critics. While it effectively conveys the dedication and courage of scientists, it occasionally dives into conspiracy theories and paints the media as the villain. This one-sided narrative distracts from the film’s overall impact. I can only imagine this movie without the political agenda, and its impact on people. It paints a completely different picture altogether.
Screenplay and Cinematography
The screenplay is a strength, portraying real characters and their daily struggles amidst a global crisis. It smartly captures the chaos, conflicts, and internal dynamics within the scientific community. Technically dekhe toh, the film is top-notch, and prolly even better than Agnihotri’s recent works. The cinematography employs creative low-angle shots, that injects drama into the storytelling. Laboratories and scientific endeavors are visually engaging, with moments of breathlessness adding emotional depth to the intensity of the movie. Seedhe shabon mein bolu toh ye movie aapko bore nahi karegi– you’ll always want to know more.
“The Vaccine War” is a film that starts strong, offering a poignant portrayal of India’s scientific community’s resilience during a global crisis. However, as the narrative shifts towards countering government critics and promoting a specific agenda, the film loses its objectivity and veers into controversial territory. While acknowledging India’s scientific achievements and the dedication of those behind Covaxin is important, the film’s polarizing stance and portrayal of dissenting voices as conspirators may leave you feeling alienated. Like literally iski koi zaroorat nahi thi. Movies should aim to capture reality’s nuances and encourage healthy dialogue, especially during crises. “The Vaccine War” succeeds in part but ultimately falls short of being a balanced and objective exploration of its subject matter.
