War Chhod Na Yaar

Rating : 4/10
Release Date : 11th October, 2013
Time : 119 minutes
Director & Writer: Faraz Haider; Music : Aslam Keyi
Starring : Sharman Joshi, Jaaved Jaafri, Soha Ali Khan, Dalip Tahil, Manoj Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, Mukul Dev

Its about war, India vs Pakistan, lampoons everyone, including USA, China, our politicians, media and spares no one but the Indian army. The humour though varies from great (few moments) to being repetitive, juvenile, scatological (unnecessary scene of Manoj Pahwa on the pot) and downright ridiculous (Dilip Tahil as the Chinese Minister, amongst his many roles, dons a translation device that allows him to speak in Punjabi). The climax is too simplistic, and too long drawn to make much of an impact…so despite my desire to give this one high ratings due to good intentions, thoughts, it just doesn’t live up to its promise…

We have war-mongering ministers (Dalip Tahil in multiple roles) on either side, keen on illicit commissions from American arms deals, as well as some Chinese support for Pakistan. We have a reporter, Soha, who is invited by the Indian minister to tour the border with him, in anticipation of the war, and who decides to stay back. Only in part due to dashing Captain and Commanding Officer, Sharman Joshi. Who knows when to go for the jugular and when to try some behind the lines diplomacy with his equally wordly wise counterpart (rank wise), Jaaved Jaafri.

The Indian and Pakistan forces have slanging matches, play cards, Antakshari, cross over the border when it suits them, and both sides display an equal desire for peace. There are some terrorists trying to sneak in, led by Mukul Dev, who get foiled by the same wily person – its funny the first time but then gets repetitive. Manoj Pahwa is the Pakistani General, too busy playing video games, Sanjay Mishra is the Pakistani Commanding Officer, busy trying to save his life and stay out of trouble while others in the supporting cast, do their best to lend the movie some gravitas.

Soha seems strangely muted – not knowing whether to smile or frown – given a character that’s important but a bit in no man’s land. Sharman and Jaaved steal the show with their easy camaraderie and humour. The movie, though, despite having the right idea and intentions only ends up ‘stealing’ the ticket price from you…leaving you with a few laughs and not much else…