War Review: Hrithik Roshan-Tiger Shroff is all flamboyance, no story

Siddharth Anand directorial film starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff follows the story of an Indian soldier (Khalid) who is assigned to eliminate his former mentor (Kabir), who had gone rogue. The film put in simple words is: Two good looking men with impressive biceps doing well-choreographed action scenes. With some dancing and slow-motion cliche hero entry-walks (not once but multiple times) --- 'WAR' is nothing but all style and stunning locations! Where was the story? As Tiger Shroff in the film asks, "Kyu?", couldn't help but wonder, "Why?" was this film so flat with no story line, no solid characterisation. Looks like Siddharth Anand crafted indivudal scenes rather than telling a single unified story.

Director: Siddharth Anand
Cast: Tiger Shroff, Hrithik Roshan, Vaani Kapoor, Anupriya Goenka, Ashutosh Rana, Anil George, Soni Razdan, Jessey Lever.
Genre: Action-spy
Date Released: October 2, 2019
IBFC rating: U/A
Duration: 2 hours 36 minutes

Reviewer Rating: 2/5

Setting the scene

'Kabir (played by Hrithik Roshan) has gone rogue' - that's how the movie begins after Colonel Luthra (played by Ashutosh Rana) informs his team and the government that India's best agent instead of killing a terrorist has shot a senior analyst of Indian Govt. What's the next order? Kill Kabir. And here enters Khalid (played by Tiger Shroff) who is on a personal mission of getting back his mother the respect she lost (no spoiler) and making the nation proud. And what follows after this is set to be a visual spectacle for quintessential action cinema lovers as they would witness Hrithik and Tiger pull off some jaw-dropping action sequences trying to beat each other.

Plot

A Muslim agent (Khalid Rahmani) who needs to prove that he is not a 'Gaddar ka beta' to his Hindu mentor (Kabir) who has gone rogue and is now himself a 'Gaddar' : Story put in simple words. While the screenplay is scratchy and full of loopholes, the story revolves around the two trying to get at each other. 'Hell' sure plays an important role in the film - from start till end. (no spoilers). Being shot in stunning locations of India, Malta, Iraq, Morocco, Italy, and Australia - the movie jumps between flashbacks and present day, showing some thrilling motorcycle chase, Salman Khan-like-shirt tearing scene and a lot of flamboyance in terms of style and colorful songs.

Verdict

With well-convincing (but also just a bit predictable) twists, Siddharth Anand sure delivers a glamourous action entertainer. There is no doubt that the action scenes are good, but Bollywood has seen some better and thrilling action sequences in the past. With some stunning locations and fashionable outfits, Tiger Shroff and Hrithik Roshan sure bring in the glamour and style to the film but it lacked story and showed some unbelievale Bollywood cliches.

What works

The twist sure works! Second half surprises just to an extent but it only looked forced and not seamless. And, the full on swag and style by Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. Shout out to Ashutosh Rana for playing Colonel Luthra and Anupriya Goenka for terrific acting. A special appearance by Alia Bhatt's mother Soni Razdan (who plays Tiger Shroff's mother) was heartwarming in the film. Not to forget, Johnny Lever's son Jessey Lever also has a small role in the film.

And finally, the background score and music by Vishal-Shekhar, which keeps you on the edge-of-the-seat throughout.

What doesn't work

Huge let down was Vaani Kapoor's screen time. Anupriya Goenka had a better and bigger role than Vaani in 'War'. With hardly 10 minutes of a role, wish there was more to Vaani Kapoor's role in the film.