War Chod Na Yaar

It is not easy to think about making a 'War Comedy', particularly in our part of the world and that too between India and Pakistan, who are still fighting with the haunting memories of their painful partition. So from that angle, director Faraz Haider rightly deserves the praises regarding the novel choice of this risky theme, which has never been tried before in such a focused way in Hindi Cinema. But sadly on the other hand, we don't find the same matured outlook in his execution which more or less remains an interesting yet unconvincing comic take on an important subject of War.

It seems the writer and his director, have taken their basic idea from one of the most famous War Comedies of the West directed by Stanley Kubrick titled DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB(1964). And one gets this idea, the moment he sees Dalip Tahil playing various characters of an Indian, Pakistani, American and Chinese official in the film, just like Peter Sellers played 3 different persons in the Oscar nominated classic released in 1964.

Beginning on an interesting and engaging note, WCNY offers some good entertaining sequences at regular intervals, which actually lose their individual grip or charm due to the other amateurish and unconvincing sequences coming one after another. The basic purpose or motive of the fresh concept remains unclear to the viewer even after 40 minutes into the film and the songs further put some relevant questions on the vision of its makers quite strongly. Moreover absurd insertions like 'Antakshri' at the border and very irresponsible kind of reporting by the lead character of Soha Ali Khan strictly ruin the initial excitement of watching the First War Comedy of Hindi Cinema and the film truly disappoints towards the end. Though post intermission, the entertainment factor returns with some fine comic sequences happening in the war front itself enacted by few talented actors. But the tacky handling of the subject soon makes a comeback, turning the film into an amateurish mediocre product failing to make any kind of favorable impression on the viewers despite the novel subject.

Adding songs in a 'War Comedy' itself is a clear indication of the confused vision of its makers and the tracks further prove the same making no contribution at all in the overall proceedings. Cinematography tries its best to keep the viewer engaged but the weak writing and too many night sequences in its second hour don't let it happen convincingly. The same can be said about both Sharman Joshi and Javed Jaafri who act well but don't get the much required support of the writers. Soha Ali Khan is just OK as the journalist but Sanjay Mishra and Manoj Pahwa are superb in their comic portrayal. Dalip Tahil in his different get ups is not able to put up any exceptional show whereas Mukul Dev acts fine in his funny side track of a silly intruder.

To give you a precise idea, no doubt WAR CHHOD NA YAAR says all the right things about the futility of war in the present times, revealing the secret mean games played by those powerful countries working behind the curtains. But it's the way of depicting the idea which doesn't work here in totality and the film just remains a weak attempt made with some noble intentions.

However, coming to the major point which doesn't allow me to give any better ratings to the film bringing forward a crucial issue, WAR CHHOD NA YAAR in reality is a flawed War Comedy because it wrongly tackles the subject in a partial manner. Putting it differently, if you are making a War Comedy then you have to make fun of both the countries equally irrespective of your own origin or country. Whereas here, the makes are more interested in making fun of the opponent country Pakistan only in all their major comedy sequences and India is shown in a much respected manner comparatively, following a purely imbalanced pattern, which is not how it should be done.

Hence due to this biased and unacceptable partial vision of conceiving a War Comedy(making fun of only the opponent), the film loses another star from its ratings and you can easily skip it this weekend to catch up later on a TV channel in the coming months.

Defense Minister of India (Dalip Tahil), wants a media attention and visits the India-Pakistan Border with a channel's reporter Ruth Dutta (Soha Ali Khan). She meets Indian Army Captain Raj (Sharman Joshi) who shares a friendly gesticulation with General M. Qureshi (Javed Jaffrey) belonging Pakistani army, , convoyed by their soldiers. Then there is an involvement of dirty politics and politicians from both the country who make them fight with each other and the sole reason is political gain.

Faraz Haider did a commendable work here in his directorial debut with 'War Chhod Na Yaar'. The concept & script bring a fresh breeze amongst the mindless movies these days. What work here are the intention and some perfect satirical context. The narrative gives us an awareness of the atrocities of war and we can feel the compulsion of soldiers. It clearly indicates that nobody wants war but there are some catalysts that aggravate the reaction.

We witness many elements which are real amusements such as "antakshari" among the soldiers from both sides, playing cards at the border surreptitiously, commander talking about girlfriends some trespassers are being looted every time they appear on the screen by same man.

Most part of the film has been shot beautifully in Rajasthan. The murky desert looks fantastic with the use of torch lights, most of the scene have been shot at night which gives an eccentric feel.

Sharman Joshi does a wonderful work here and looked really authentic. Javed Jaffery delivers a perfect performance with natural comic timing as always. Sanjay Mishra is always a treat to watch with his delightful portrayal and perfectly delivered punches in his peculiar style. Dalip Tahil steals the show playing multiple roles of Indian Defense Minister, Pakistani Minister, Chinese General and as an American Senator with perfect US accent.

'War Chhod Na Yaar' manages to delivers what it desires. It works as a surprise and leaves strong impact that war is always pointless.

Bollywood tries its hand at a war comedy, of course borrowing heavily from other film industries, but fails abruptly because the intended humor, slapstick or whatever foolishness they carve out of the plot bangs on the audience's faces and disappears.

The dialogs, a strong point used to induce humor here, not only does causes boredom but also makes no sense at all. I like the idea of the witty remarks at the media & politics, but I didn't find any reason to laugh at their off-blown jokes. Nation leaders playing games on their smart-phones is funny but the same leader taking a sh*t while in a conference with other leaders is not jocular. I see where the writers are inspired from, but Hollywood war-comedies are far better.

There is no logic in the story, but yeah, the characters are tad funny. Their performances are below average and I still cannot fathom what Soha Ali Khan was doing there. Songs looked like additive and over the 2- hours I might have chuckled 2 or 3 times.

BOTTOM LINE: A failed attempt at something that requires the makers to have a huge sense of humor, which evidently they haven't.

Skip!

Good movie good dialogues.. not good songs and perfect comedy scenes with a message excellent comedy actors. Javed Jeffery was mind blowing...mukul Dev at his best. The movie has sent a msg. if u are looking to get entertained this is the movie for you. Keep your brains at home and enjoy the movie. The goat and the grass guy was fantastic. The flow of the movie is good. You will enjoy every moment. This is a new concept altogether. This movie has to be one of the best comedy movies made in India. The director has done well. Its all about what happens if the army Len start thinking like humans. Its a breakthrough for Bollywood.

"War Chod Na Yaar" is a movie that will not appeal to the mass. It is a movie for the class. Amazing cinematography, sarcastic plot, sheer use of humor, good makeup and Dilip Taahil's excellent acting takes it to the top. The music is very average and fails to make an impression. The transparency of media and the role of politicians have been portrayed appropriately in the movie. It is not simply a movie, it is a message to mankind. Though extremely Utopian, the movie shows how love and friendship can topple war. The use of puns has been very accurate. Actors are at their best. However, the army of the neighboring country has been portrayed in a manner that is often insulting. It is indeed a huge discredit. But overall, the movie successfully impresses the viewers and makes a mark. Still it is not a movie for the mass, but for the class only.