Movie Review: ‘Waar’

By Muhammad Salman Khalid 

Despite being a victim of suicide attacks and other brazen terrorist acts, which happen with such frequency that it is hard to keep a count, Pakistan has become a punching bag for the foreign media and also its regional detractors who accuse it of being the source and centre of terrorism. This narrative has been peddled so effectively that despite its denials and provision of evidence to prove its innocence the country has been pushed to the corner and has been condemned unheard.

‘Waar’ is an attempt at providing an antithesis, a Pakistani perspective on the menace of terrorism, which it would not be wrong to say, is not its creation, rather a result of global power politics. The movie primarily focuses on the element of foreign involvement in relation to the problem of terrorism Pakistan is facing. It shows how the country is itself a victim of terrorism, which being funded from across the border. Although no country has been named, the finger clearly points at our larger neighbour.

The movie has some very well executed and impressive action sequences involving terrorists and security forces. Written by Hassan Waqas Rana and directed by Bilal Lashari, it has an impressive cast comprising Shaan, Shamoon Abbasi, Ali Azmat, Ayesha Khan and Meesha Shafi. The director has pulled out all the stops to make it a worthy effort and get the message across. Shaan, as always, has given a very convincing performance with an impeccable dialogue delivery and accompanied some extremely convincing facial expressions. Shown as a victim of terrorism, he is on a mission to purge the country of the cancer of terrorism.

Equally remarkable is Shamoon Abbasi who, as the bad guy, has given his best and will make the audience hate his character. Other actors, too, are no less, with Meesha Shafi and Aisha Khan thoroughly engaged in character. The movie is partly in English, with Urdu subtitles, which gives the impression that it is not meant for local consumption only and the producer/director had the international audience in mind when they took the decision to have it bilingual.

Which brings us to the dialogues and dubbing. Although a few strong words have been used in some scenes, the dialogues are full of impact. The actors have pulled off a neat performance with regard to dialogue delivery in English. Since the movie deals with the issue of terrorism and counter-terrorism, it was sure to have fight scenes. The action scenes have been directed well. The way actors are at ease with the use of arms shows that some level of military support is there, which would not be surprising, given the fact that the armed forces at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and have taken a number of casualties, and have ever reason to present a counter-narrative.

The plot is fairly gripping and the audience will enjoy the movie, if not for any other reason, then for its foraying into a subject that has not been explored before. Overall, the movie is good and the audience should expect a good offering.