Release Date: 8 January 2016
Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari, Neil Nitin Mukesh, John Abraham, Manav Kaul
Directed by: Bejoy Nambiar
Produced by: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Music by: Shantanu Moitra, Ankit Tiwari, Advaita (band), Prashant Pillai, Rochak Kohli, Gaurav Godkhindi
Written by: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Abhijat Joshi
Cinematography: Sanu Varghese
Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes (running time)
Genres: Thriller, Drama, Mystery
Censor Rating: U/A
About the Movie Wazir
The powerful and intriguing teasers and trailer of ‘Wazir’ definitely left a mark and an impression of being a promising release. It was expected to surely hit the Box Office with a bang in 2016. This emotional thriller directed by Bejoy Nambiar, who has given Bollywood films like Shaitaan and David, is written by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Abhijat Joshi. It was after the murder of badminton player Syed Modi in 1988 that Vidhu Vinod Chopra wanted to work on the script of Wazir, though the plot of movie has no connection with the incident.
With lots of ‘players’ and compelling actors like the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and versatile Farhan Akhtar in the lead, let’s find out how whether the movie ‘Wazir’ justifies the tag of being the first big release of 2016
The Plot:
Stories of two contrasting characters – a wheelchair bound chess grandmaster Pandit Omkarnath Dhar (Amitabh Bachchan) and a fearless Anti Terror Squad (ATS) officer Danish Ali (Farhan Akhtar), have been braided together as the plot of Wazir. These two men, both bitten by destiny and bonded by grief, are seen helping each other in regard of their unusual friendship, while the mysterious game of real-life-chess unfolds in an inscrutable way.
Performances in the film
Khel khel mein, khel khel ke, khel khel ye, aa jayega” – this monologue in voice of the remarkable Amitabh Bachchan not only goes well for the game of chess and with the story but even for inexplicable game of life where no move is reversible. The first film of 2016, ‘Wazir’ is undoubtedly another quality film in the kitty of Indian Cinema. It feels good to see how remarkably Bollywood is evolving and surprising its audience with enigmatic scripts and exceptional performances.
Though Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar have worked together as an actor and a director, respectively in Lakshya, but watching both of them sharing the screen as co-stars was noteworthy. Sir Amitabh Bachchan can certainly pull off any character with brevity. Even the character of Pandit Omkarnath Dhar, a man marred by animosities of fate, his both legs amputated, fighting the tragic loss of his wife and daughter, yet being able to help his guilt stricken friend Danish get back to his life; could only be played by an ace actor like Big B. You can feel his pain and be amused by his wisdom at the same time as he mesmerizes the viewers as Pandit ji.
Farhan Akhtar is surely a complete package when it comes to acting. Be it Rock On, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and now, Wazir, he has only evolved and amused us with every role he has played. Farhan as the intriguing and rebellious Danish Ali in the movie has given a praiseworthy performance.
Even though with her small role in Wazir, Aditi Rao Hydari did justice to her character as Ruhana Ali, Danish’s wife and had a good screen presence. Her innocence and chemistry with Farhan, especially in the song “Tere Bin”, was delightful to watch.
Neil Nitin Mukesh, though in a cameo, has done a brilliant job. He surely thrilled with his ‘evil’ entry. John Abraham also had a cameo to play but his character lacked detailing.
The climax of the film had content yet lacked narration. It unfolds in a dramatic way but could have been scripted well to be more gripping. Manav Kaul as the antagonist did well too.
The Music of Wazir:
‘Tere Bin’, the first track from the movie that was released, is a good hear and has a poetic feel to it. The ever so resonating and romantic voices of Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam adds a magical appeal to the appealing on-screen chemistry between Farhan Akhtar and Aditi Rao Hydari. ‘Khel Khel Mein’ is another wonderful song in the impeccable baritone of Amitabh Bachchan, composed by Advaita and lyricist Abhijeet Deshpande. It surely knits well into the mysterious element of the plot. In Javed Ali’s voice, ‘Maula’ is a treat for qawwali lovers and a heart touching retention. ‘Atrangi Yaari’, candidly performed and sung by Big B and Farhan Akhtar, is surely spelling its magic and winning hearts. This friendship anthem is definitely here to stay! All in all, the soundtrack and songs of the film go well with the storyline and that too in a very subtle way.
Details of songs in the movie:
1. “Tere Bin”
Singer: Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal
Duration: 04:05
2.“Tu Mere Paas”
Singer: Ankit Tiwari
Duration: 03:46
3. “Maula Mere Maula”
Singer: Javed Ali
Duration: 06:42
4. “Tere Liye”
Singers: Gagan Baderiya, Prashant Pillai
Duration: 02:58
5. “Khel Khel Mein”
Singers: Amitabh Bachchan
Duration: 03:59
6. “Atrangi Yaari”
Singers: Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar
Duration: 03:37
5. “Wazir Theme”
Instrumental Music by: Gaurav Godkhindi
Duration: 03:00
What’s good: Well defined character sketches and impeccable performances by the duo – Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar surely are the strengths of the film. A gripping story-line, quality background scores, less of drama and a smart cinematography keep you gripped to the movie.
What’s bad: Despite of a strong plot, somewhere the narration of the story could not do much of justice to the genre of being a thriller. Most of the mysterious ‘moves’ in this smart game were predictable and therefore, not thoroughly convincing. The thrilling enigma that could have left the audience amused and boggled was missing.
Verdict: Though it is not a weekend spoiler, but watch it for some exquisite performances and its unique plot without expecting much of a thrilling suspense.
Wazir Rating: ***
Trivia!
- It was in 1994 when Indian film director, producer and scriptwriter Vidhu Vinod Chopra met writer Abhijat Joshi to share his idea of working on a thriller, particularly around two chess players.
- Working title of ‘Wazir’ was ‘Do’ which was changed to the present title in October 2014. Before that many other titles like ‘Ek Aur Ek Do’, ‘Fifth Move’, ’64 Squares’ and ‘Chess’ were considered.
- The complete script of the movie took five odd years and was supposed to be Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s first Hollywood film.
- Both the scriptwriters Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Abhijat Joshi even consulted chess experts from America while working on Wazir.
- Farhan Akhar performed his own stunts in the film and has even put on a few kilos for his character in the movie.
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