The world was embroiled in socio-economic problems while trying to tackle the novel coronavirus, which eventually took a toll on everyone leaving a psychological impact on the masses. While it is important to address these issues with utmost urgency and accuracy, journalists and media content, during such pressing times, acts as a mirror for political leaders and the masses.
However, Vivek Rajan Agnihotri’s latest release seems to have lost its purpose while trying to discredit journalists who tried to question the government’s ways, especially in regard to India. ‘The Vaccine War’ crucifies the journalist Rohini Singh portraying her as the biggest villain against India and its war against Corona.
Written and directed by Vivek Rajan Agnihotri, the film is an outrageous attempt to martyr the ability to question in the backdrop of ICMR scientists’ great struggle to develop India’s very own indigenous and affordable COVID-19 vaccine – Covaxin. ALSO READ | Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri EXPOSES 'Bollywood Scam' And Its Impact On 'The Vaccine War'! Pens A Heartfelt Message: ‘This Is Your Film’
Sure, the film tries to recognize Indian scientists’ contribution and their sacrifices for the nation in the midst of concerning times, but at what cost? Based on Balram Bhargava’s book - Going Viral: Making of Covaxin, unlike the novel, the film is based on the story of the Indian Scientific Community’s achievement applauding Women’s Power, and showcasing the Indian Govt’s Aatm-Nirbhar approach, however, the director seems to have read a few lines out of context.
Nevertheless, just to add a bit of drama (if not, this film could have easily passed off as a mere documentary) the writer-director imposes the part that paints journalists as the terrorists of the democratic system. The film sets a retaliatory narrative as Rohini collaborates with foreign govt and big lobbies of pharma companies to spread fake news against the ICMR scientists.
The film feels pleasant and engaging until the first half. Although, Vivek spent more than half an hour introducing the unrequired track, even the complete climax sequence is on the so-called tool-kit gang. What’s surprising is that the Indian scientists seem to be much more bothered about strategizing their plan of action as per Rohini’s reports as if they sought her approval.
Let’s just say the story is fine, and at its foundation, The Vaccine War would have been more impacting as a documentary or a short film. Neither does this film involve any significant scientific language and process, for it could have been more complex for the audience.
Emotional at its core, the film barely does justice to the female scientists. It’s worth pondering upon, can’t a woman be professional and staunch, rather than always in tears? Well, the film features all the top women scientists literally weeping after DG scolds them.
While Nana Patekar looks phenomenal with her comeback, Anupam Kher portrays a leading figure, and Pallavi Joshi is brilliant as always. The trio and the rest of the actors have literally salvaged the sinking ship, and it’s unfortunate to see their talents go to waste. ALSO READ | The Vaccine War Trailer OUT! Vivek Agnihotri Is All Set To Administer A Dose Of Drama Featuring Challenges In Development Of COVID Jab-WATCH
In conclusion, what seems to be a politically orchestrated ideology, The Vaccine War is a snooze fest that merely holds no significance. While this could have been a great opportunity to applaud the ICMR scientists or the Indian Scientific Community’s achievements, Vivek Agnihotri has barely hit the target and missed a golden chance. Towards the end, the film gets preachy while attempting to humiliate a journalist on national television, leaving you with only one question; if this film was based on true events, how much of it is actually true?
RATINGS - 1/5 (*)
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