Cast and Crew

Directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, "The Vaccine War" (2023) is a film that delves into India's efforts to create an indigenous vaccine against COVID-19. The movie stars Nana Patekar as Dr. Balram Bhargava, Pallavi Joshi as NIV director Priya Abraham, Raima Sen as Rohini Singh Dhulia, Anupam Kher as the cabinet secretary, and features Pragya Yadav, Nivedita Gupta, and Raman Gangakhedkar as real-life scientists.

Summary

"The Vaccine War" explores the journey of Dr. Balram Bhargava and his dedicated team of scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Virology as they work tirelessly to develop Covaxin, India's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine. The film also touches on various aspects, including questioning the source of the virus, the role of big pharma, and the challenges faced by Indian scientists.

What We Liked and Disliked

The film succeeds in creating a sense of urgency and self-belief within the scientific community, highlighting their battles with microorganisms and the sacrifices made during the crisis. Nana Patekar's portrayal of Dr. Bhargava is commendable, showcasing his love for the country and dedication to the task at hand. Pallavi Joshi adds a credible emotional layer to the film, ensuring that the human drama isn't lost amid scientific jargon.

However, the film's attempt to find an antagonist in the character of Rohini Singh Dhulia (Raima Sen) comes across as forced and one-dimensional. It leans heavily into conspiracy theories and paints her as a metaphorical punching bag, making the film seem like a government tool to silence critics. The screenplay also falters in the second half, feeling more like an official press release, and selectively cherry-picks headlines to create its narrative.

Verdict

"The Vaccine War" is a timely film that sheds light on India's fight against COVID-19 and the efforts of its scientists. While it excels in portraying the dedication and challenges faced by these scientists, it falls short in its portrayal of skeptics and critics, often leaning into a one-sided narrative. As the common man grapples with both the pandemic and the infodemic, the film feels like a missed opportunity to address the complexities of these issues.

In conclusion, "The Vaccine War" is a thought-provoking but controversial take on India's response to the pandemic. It's worth watching for its portrayal of scientific endeavors but should be viewed with a critical eye. I would rate it 3 out of 5 stars for its commendable performances and engaging first half, marred by its one-sided narrative and selective storytelling in the second half.