Being a movie buff, I could not ignore the hype of a Pakistani movie rated 9/10 on imdb.com.
So, I bought this DVD of Waar as soon as I saw the poster of its
availability on a local shop. Cutting the chase, there was I watching it
while a similar Islamabad fiasco of Imran Khan was being unfolded on
13th August; Superb choice on Independence Day?
To my disappointment, the opening scene of the movie was so
substandard that a movie rated 3 on imdb would be better off. Two men in
an interrogation room were having the sacks removed from their heads.
And lo and behold it seemed like the guy just exited a saloon after a
perfect haircut, freshly trimmed beard and even whitening powder applied
on his face. The much-talked about ‘talented’ young director could do
better than that. Anyways, at last I was watching the most awaited
movie, which is, in fact, an epic amalgamation of official Pakistan
studies curriculum and popular conspiracy theories – surely what more
could be expected from an ISPR production.
Waar seemed to me more like a bad copy of Ghar Kab Aaoge (GKAG), a
Pakistani movie I had watched in my teenage. Apart from cheeky computer
effects of Pyaray Afzal being blown up (after another recent sad
demise), flashing toy guns, fake shot of helicopter blowing up (probably
also copied from GKAG), Shamoon Abbasi thinking himself Castor Troy but
actually copying Shafqat Cheema, absence of a substantial story, poor
cinematography, typical Lollywood drama, Shaan being Raymond Davis of
Pakistan, counter-terrorist squad of 3 people like Langley, and
loopholes in the story (like why are army generals running the police,
and why was Shaan’s family killed?), below are my major concerns about
the movie.
1. Pak Studies Discourse
After so much public debate on traditional and the new media,
everyone should be well aware of the controversies about our educational
curriculum. If you are still oblivious, please read K. K. Aziz’s Murder
of History. The movie reiterates the same narrative that the country
was made in the name of Islam and not for a Muslim minority feared to be
discriminated in united India, among others. The real champs of
morality are glorified, like always.
2. Popular Conspiracy Theories
Dushman (enemy) has instated agents and spy network inside the holy
land and is behind every mess in the country. RAW is behind every ill in
the country be it a “good” politician’s killing, Taliban phenomenon, or
even a toilet leakage.
3. Stereotyping
Taliban and extremists are basically Pathans who can kill their
fathers too for their vicious agendas funded by RAW. Yes, Baitullah,
Fazlullah and Sufi Mohammad were Pushtun but what about supporters of
Molvi Nazir group, Colonel Imam, Ilyas Kashmiri, Riaz Basra, Ludhianwi,
Malik Ishaq, Asmatullah Muawiya, Hafiz Saeed, Azam Tariq and Masood
Azhar?
4. Messiah Syndrome
Only a messiah like politician named Zahid “Khan” can save the day.
RAW is against messiahs too. The messiah is supposed to be aggressive
towards all other politicians who are all corrupt to the core, while the
cool innocent messiah himself can have extramarital affairs, live
lavishly, even drink alcohol, and still utter phrases like Islam kay
naam pe (In the name of Islam). He is also brilliant enough to collect
funds from poor people for the construction of a dam. Just off the
topic, does Bilal Lashari belong to PTI?
5. Objectification of Women
Messiahs who can have extramarital relationships are also lured by
promiscuous women who are in fact undercover agents of RAW. There is no
fault of the men at all, and when they dump the girl, they become
absolutely clean.
6. Self-Righteousness
A true patriot Pakistani is the one who parrots things like yakeene
muhkam (absolute faith) quite often, apart from that he can have
extramarital sexual affairs, can drink, and live as he wants. On the
other hand, madrassa students and Taliban are homosexual beardos who are
controlled by RAW.
7. Foreign Policy Guidelines
USA is responsible for everything in Pakistan and no dictation should
be accepted from them; a typical ‘Go Amreeka Go’ stance of the
rightwing parties who would never acknowledge the role of home grown
extremism, sectarianism, terrorism, feudalism, past military
dictatorships, and other factors responsible for country’s ills.
8. Kala Bagh Dam
The Kala Bagh dam is the only solution of energy crisis in the
country and any politician, political party or even province having
concerns about the dam is a traitor. There was a complete isolation of
Sindh and KPK’s respective stances on the dam and a pure glorification
of Punjabi elites’ dictatorial narrative.
The end of the movie was also quite typical. Shaan asks Shamoon (the
villain) to fight him with bare hands and the movie ends with a James
bond style pistol shot by Shaan. This was extremely gross and shows a
complete lack of creativity. However, it was more disappointing to see
that the movie represented the typical jingoist mindset; it reinforces
the already existing denial and lack of responsibility in the society.
The good cast worked well as a marketing attraction for urban youth. If
Pakistani cinema is to be revived by such dishonest propaganda movies,
then we are better off without a cinema.
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