War Movie Review (2019): Bollywood’s Blockbuster Showdown

Synopsis

“War” (2019) immerses viewers in a high-octane world where the boundaries between loyalty and betrayal blur amidst explosive action and personal vendettas. The story revolves around Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), a once-devoted agent of Indian Intelligence who unexpectedly goes rogue, prompting his former protege Khalid (Tiger Shroff) to undertake a mission to apprehend him. As Khalid delves deeper into Kabir’s enigmatic motives, their intertwined past resurfaces, complicating Khalid’s quest and setting the stage for a dramatic showdown that promises to redefine their intertwined destinies.

Story

Directed with precision by Siddharth Anand, “War” balances present-day urgency with revealing flashbacks that unravel the complex dynamics between Kabir and Khalid. The narrative hinges on the espionage genre, blending high-stakes action with a story of personal redemption and betrayal. Kabir, once a trusted operative, becomes a renegade, forcing Khalid, who idolizes him, to confront his own beliefs and abilities. The flashbacks effectively build the backstory, showing how Khalid’s father’s betrayal tarnished his family’s name, fueling Khalid’s determination to prove his loyalty to the nation and to Kabir.

The present-day narrative is interspersed with these flashbacks, creating a non-linear storyline that keeps the audience engaged. The mission to hunt down Kabir takes Khalid across various international locations, offering a globe-trotting espionage thriller vibe. Despite the impressive action sequences and exotic settings, the plot occasionally stumbles with predictable twists. The motivations behind Kabir’s actions and the ultimate revelation of his master plan, while intriguing, could have been handled with more nuance to add depth to the story.

Review

Script Analysis

“War” grapples with a screenplay that leans heavily on style over substance. Abbas Tyrewala’s dialogues, while functional, lack the depth required to elevate pivotal moments beyond the visual spectacle. The narrative’s reliance on formulaic espionage tropes and predictable plot twists hampers its potential for profound storytelling, leaving character motivations and thematic exploration somewhat underdeveloped. The script tends to prioritize grandiose action sequences and stylish cinematography over intricate plotting and character development. This approach results in a film that is visually stunning but emotionally hollow.

Star Performances

Hrithik Roshan dominates the screen as Kabir, infusing the character with brooding intensity and magnetic charisma that captivate from start to finish. His portrayal is a testament to restrained power, compelling audiences with each enigmatic gesture and calculated move. Hrithik’s physical transformation and commitment to the role are evident in every frame, making Kabir a complex and intriguing character despite the script’s shortcomings.

Tiger Shroff, renowned for his physical prowess, seamlessly transitions from protege to protagonist as Khalid, delivering earnestness and agility in equal measure. His action sequences are a highlight, showcasing his martial arts skills and athleticism. Tiger’s portrayal of Khalid’s inner conflict—torn between loyalty to his mentor and duty to his country—adds a layer of emotional depth to the film. While their on-screen chemistry simmers with latent tension, the film’s primary focus on action sequences often limits opportunities for deeper character development.

Direction and Music

Siddharth Anand’s direction excels in crafting a visual spectacle that dazzles and mesmerizes. From exotic locales to meticulously choreographed action sequences, each frame showcases Anand’s flair for cinematic grandeur. Collaborating with action choreographers SeaYoung Oh, Parvez Shaikh, Franz Spilhaus, and Paul Jennings, “War” ascends to new heights of adrenaline-pumping excitement, reminiscent of Hollywood blockbusters. The action sequences are a blend of high-octane chases, hand-to-hand combat, and elaborate stunts, all executed with precision and flair.

The background score by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara complements the film’s energetic pace, enhancing the impact of action sequences with pulsating beats and atmospheric melodies. The music amplifies the tension and excitement of the action scenes, ensuring that each punch and explosion resonates with the audience. However, while the technical finesse is undeniable, the music occasionally overshadows moments that could benefit from subtlety and emotional resonance. The soundtrack, though catchy, sometimes detracts from the narrative, highlighting the film’s tendency to prioritize spectacle over substance.

Personal Opinion

As someone not typically drawn to action-packed films, “War” presents a compelling showcase of visual spectacle and star power. Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff deliver commendable performances, yet the film’s relentless focus on action sequences detracts from its potential for deeper storytelling and character exploration. Siddharth Anand’s direction excels in crafting thrilling moments, yet the screenplay’s predictable twists and lack of substantive dialogue leave much to be desired. While “War” caters admirably to audiences seeking adrenaline-fueled entertainment, those craving nuanced narratives and emotional depth may find the film somewhat lacking in lasting impact.

What’s Good

• Performances: Hrithik Roshan captivates with his brooding intensity as Kabir, complemented by Tiger Shroff’s agile portrayal of Khalid. Their on-screen chemistry and physicality elevate the film’s action sequences, showcasing their prowess in both dramatic and action-oriented scenes.
• Visual Spectacle: Siddharth Anand’s direction delivers breathtaking cinematography and meticulously choreographed action set pieces, setting a new benchmark for Bollywood action films. Each sequence is crafted with precision, blending explosive visuals with dynamic camerawork to immerse viewers in heart-pounding action.
• Music and Background Score: The Balhara brothers’ compositions enhance the film’s adrenaline-pumping moments, seamlessly integrating with the high-octane action sequences to heighten suspense and excitement. The soundtrack complements the visual spectacle, intensifying key scenes without overshadowing the narrative.
• Star Power: The magnetic presence of Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff ensures a compelling watch, anchoring the film amidst its narrative shortcomings. Their performances resonate with intensity and charisma, drawing audiences into the turbulent world of espionage and personal vendettas.

What’s Bad

• Narrative Coherence: Despite its technical brilliance, “War” struggles with a screenplay that prioritizes style over substance, resulting in predictable plot twists and underdeveloped character motivations. The narrative’s reliance on formulaic espionage tropes limits its ability to delve deeper into thematic complexities, reducing the impact of pivotal moments.
• Dialogue and Depth: Abbas Tyrewala’s dialogues, while functional, lack the depth to resonate beyond the immediate spectacle, often serving as conduits between action sequences rather than meaningful exchanges. The screenplay’s focus on action-packed spectacle occasionally detracts from opportunities to explore characters’ inner conflicts and emotional journeys.
• Character Development: Secondary characters, including supporting roles by Vaani Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana, are underutilized, limiting their impact on the overarching narrative. Their roles are overshadowed by the central conflict between Kabir and Khalid, detracting from potential subplots and character arcs that could enrich the storyline.

Rating

“War” emerges as a spectacle of visual flair and star power, anchored by Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff’s dynamic performances. Siddharth Anand’s direction excels in delivering high-octane action sequences and cinematic spectacle, though at the expense of narrative depth and thematic exploration. While it caters admirably to fans of adrenaline-fueled cinema, those seeking substance and character-driven storytelling may find “War” lacking in emotional resonance and thematic complexity.