The Vaccine War (2023) User Reviews

THE VACCINE WAR:-a good film stopped short due to some childish writing

[puranjanbasak · 7/10 · 25 November 2023]

The vaccine war is a drama thriller film directed by vivek agnihotri.

This film has many positive points. First being the performances, you cannot find fault in anyone's performance. Nana patekar again plays the quintessential leader of the group with thorough determination. Pallavi joshi brings a warmth into the film, so does girija oak and nivedita bhattacharya. The women cast did wonders in this film.

The film celebrates india's health workers and the medical wonders india pulled during covid-19. The medical terms and scientific learnings are not oversimplified for the sake of audience. The film treats its audience smart and knowledgeable. The dialogues are also praiseworthy.

But, the film fails to differentiate between its health officials and the government. It treats the victory of health workers as the victory of the government, papering over all cracks that were visible during the days in medical facilities, transportation and the dire situation that the people were in. It is like america making a film on atom bomb and not even mentioning the state of japan. It seems ignorant.

The background music is on tricky spaces. The parts in the drama portion work but during the trials, the use of heavy breathing sound did not serve the purpose. It seemed haphazardly engineered and sounded out of place. The cinematography is good.

The film completely villainizes the media, showing them in a negative light. I guess, it needed some good writing to go the grey line. Instead of negative, the characters could have been grey and human.

A well made movie!

[KshitijNishan · 8/10 · 29 September 2023]

Exposes the hypocrisy of many so called "journalists" and applauds the scientists who dedicated there lives in the tough times of Covid to serve humanity, many even losing their lives for the cause. The film was well made and the actors and actresses all performed well, but specially Nana and Pallavi. The specified timelines were also in narration as it was based on the book "Going Viral: Making of Covaxin" by Dr Balram Bhargava. I can for sure say that many people will now know that being in the field of medical research is not as easy we all thought of.

The only problem I felt was the lack of subtitles, specially of the regional languages, when it comes to the dialogues being delivered in english.

Right topic, well tackled

[ragingbull_2005 · 6/10 · 27 November 2023]

It is very tough to make a coherent and engaging film on an esoteric, yet relevant topic, such as making vivid vaccination. Kudos to Vivek Agnihotri for getting it executed well, for the most part.

Based on the book Going Viral by Dr Balaram Bhargava, the head of ICMR, Vaccine War (VW) shows the challenges to culmination in a chronological manner, of the drive to produce an indigenous vaccine for the dreaded Corona.

It could have done well with better editing. This is my only sore issue with the film.

There are interweaving shots of family and professional lives, of the scientists. After a point, they feel forced and take you away from the central theme.

There are several shots, several times, which show people just nodding heads during meetings.

The politicking bit, with a journalist going after the vaccination to show the government of the day in poor light showcases Agnihotri's established political leanings. This bit is acted well by Raima Sen, who vamps impressively.

Nana Patekar is at the top of the game in most bits.

I liked it. Recommended for the intellectually curious.

Best movie

[navneet-49579 · 10/10 · 28 September 2023]

The vaccine war is excellant movie. You will not bored I feel the pain of scientist who worked really hard in COVID times. In this movie you get to know how internal people want to do propoganda for to buy phyzier vaccine. They forced Indian government but Indian government didn't buy and create first ever indian vaccine whose effiency is far better than moderna and phyzier vaccine. If you haven't watched this movie pls go and watch best movie best screenplay full of emotions starcast awesome. Everybody played their role very well. I loved this movie family movie go with you family friends and children.

Jai ho!

[jdpvnk · 9/10 · 27 September 2023]

Jai ho! Indian science. Must watch. Film show dedication of indian women and Indian character for science and technology. Reminder of grime time of humanity and how some people used it as opportunities and shame humanity at same time some beautiful minds were at work. Directions, story narration are wonderful. Nana and others were fabulous. High level of research is required for science film and director and his team did it in the it's required. It show reality of 4th pillar of democracy and self appointed guardians and their agenda. Its bog slap to ideological media and their agenda. Must watch! Jai Ho!

Watch with family.

Stick to the vaccine please!

[nadkarnisumeet · 7/10 · 8 October 2023]

The Vaccine War review :

Based on the book 'Going Viral' by Prof. Balram Bhargava of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), The Vaccine War narrates the intriguing development of India's indigenous vaccine called Covaxin with all the internal as well as external challenges encountered during its making...

Publicised as India's first bioscience film, producer- director Vivek Agnihotri and team deserve a huge applause for putting the spotlight on our unsung heroes - the scientists at ICMR and National Institute of Virology (NIV), who toiled day and night for months to combat the formidable enemy called Corona. The fact that majority of these scientists were women also makes it a pertinent subject of women power. The film is a must see only for that...

Vivek Agnihotri's political leanings are well known and no surprises, he layers his script with an elaborate sub-plot of an almost evil journalist (Raima Sen) plotting against the desi vaccine on orders of the foreign pharma conglomerates hell bent on arm twisting India. While a particular obscure media portal has indeed been indicted of spreading fake news, there were ten other major media channels promoting the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative at that time. The Vaccine War forgets this and instead paints the whole media as anti-establishment. In the climax, they are actually equated to terrorists, which is seriously not done!!

Assuredly, the casting is perfect and Nana Patekar and Pallavi Joshi, appearing together after three decades since Trishagni (1989), are truly outstanding. Girija Oak and Sapthami Gowda pitch in sincere performances. It is interesting as well as ironic to watch the extremely pretty Raima Sen in such a vicious role and boy, does she nail it. Kudos!!

The Vaccine War soars and roars till the time it stays true to its source content of how Covaxin was developed in record time and ended up saving countless lives across the globe. The minute it switches gears to the toolkit narrative, it somehow withers and dithers...

Nevertheless, this is a relevant film of our time which leaves us with a positive message that India CAN do it. Covaxin, Chandrayaan, G20... we have seen it happen in last few years. Three cheers to that!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

It's a tool

[rudror · 2/10 · 29 September 2023]

Nothing really factual in the movie...

1. It tried to give icmr all the credit , though the vaccine was completely developed by a private company.

2. It shows the world was against India... which was not true ..the world still looks at india whenever they need vaccine in mass . There were some questions on bharat biotec for sure just like hindenberg had questions for adani..some how this one changes that into every one was against India and trying diffrent vaccine.kinda funny.

3. Did nt really show anything about the grim realities of those time.

And ofcourse it's Vivek Agnihotri so don't expect to see any failure from the state side ..though lakhs of people died in these time

Watch it for Nana patekar.. that's it.nothing else really remarkable or educative or informative in this project..🙏

THANK YOU VIVEK JI

[preeternity-76456 · 10/10 · 28 September 2023]

Going to theater after more than a year , when it's a Vivek Agnihotri film you just have to! After watching this film I just want to say thank you to Vivek ji! Only you have the guts to make something like this.

Brings out the most unique subjects with the best execution. He is just getting better and better with each film.

The film keeps you on the edge through out, you just get no time to think in the first half! The film just grips you and takes you on a roller coaster of emotions.

The actors are institution in themselves, Nana ji and Pallavi ji just amazing and Vivek ji succeeds in getting the best out of the newcomers too. If there was anything left the last 5 minutes will completely blow whatever was left of your brain! Just amazing!

Aapke nahi Bharat ke scientists hai they will underpromise but overdeliver........

[S_Kulkarni · 6/10 · 30 September 2023]

Interesting concept chosen for making a film. Movie seems to be on a small scale production but hits the emotions of audiences pretty well. Nana patekars acting is awesome with all his little additions to the role along with the likes of others like pallavi joshi who seemed to be completely into the character. Dialogue writing was also good with some unique dialogues.some flaws do exist in the movie 2 nd half is too slow and i would have really liked it better if it would have been 2 hr 10 min and not 2 hr 40 min and 2nd half gets political in contrast to the first half that was completely scientifically based . Also they didnt expand much on china conspiracy theory which would have added more excitement to the movie but overall speaking this is a movie that all Indians shd definitely watch even though it has some flaws afterall nothing is perfect so well done to the team for making a movie on such a different and difficult to make topic......

Watch it if you're a proud Indian! Nana and Raima killed it!😍ma

[suzi-manh · 10/10 · 30 September 2023]

Don't miss. It's not a film it's reality. It helps you get awareness on false narrative and info war. Very entertaining and keeps you connected throughout. Everyone has done a great job. It was amazing to see Nana on screen after long time. OMG..Raima Sen! She has killed it. Vivek has taken a very safe path and tried his best to stay away from controversies. Lot more political aspects could have been shown. A small glimpse of Modi ji would have added more power to the film. But still 💯 times better than nepowood masala film. Very well researched and big thank you to all medical and science fraternity for helping the world during COVID.

Must watch

[navsingh1 · 10/10 · 28 September 2023]

This is must must watch movie for every Indians. In fact this should be distributed to global audiences too. First no drama science non-fiction movie, showcasing the triumph of Indian scientists who work so hard and achieved something which no one in the world believed. This is sheer determination and perseverance to fly high with success. Movie is balanced and editing and cinematography is amazing. It's a marvel piece. It is going to inspire many many Indians especially the women and girls to choose scientific research as their career. This movie has the power to inspire generations to feel proud of their Bahrtiyta 🙏

Truth prevails.

[realtorharen · 10/10 · 29 September 2023]

"The Vaccine War" is an incredibly thought-provoking and timely movie that sheds light on the complex and crucial issue of vaccine hesitancy. The film does an excellent job of presenting diverse perspectives, allowing viewers to understand the various factors contributing to India's own vaccine development initiative .

The movie highlighted significant role that Indian scientists, researchers (especially women) and pharmaceutical companies have played in the global effort to combat diseases through vaccination. India's contributions to vaccine development and distribution have not only saved countless lives in the country but have also made a major impact on a global scale.

The storytelling is compelling, and the filmmakers have succeeded in creating a balanced and informative narrative that encourages meaningful dialogue.

Kudos to the entire team behind this eye-opening movie. It's a must watch with family.

A must Watch to every Indian

[Ankit-Kumar-Gami · 10/10 · 28 September 2023]

It's a great movie showcasing the struggles of our scientist who was not only fighting against Pandemic but also against the forces who were trying to stop them I still can't get over the fact that how good this movie looks with just a mere budget of 10cr if you add promotion then 12cr.

The research behind the movie is outstanding vivek and his team left no stone unturned in their investigation and it reflects on the screen.

Last but not the least the BGM, Nasadiya sukta was perfect, It soothes your mind and gives you a sense of hope.

Kudos to Vivek Agnihotri, And Thankyou to all the scientist who fought for the country.

Recommended 👍🏼 by Hit Ya Flop - Movie World

[nitsvirusboyz · 7/10 · 28 September 2023]

Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, the man who made a name with his outstanding films like The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files, once again delivered an important film. The Vaccine War is not as powerful and hard-hitting as his previous two films but he manages to give his audience a significant movie that celebrates the sacrifice and achievements of Indian scientists and our healthcare professionals.

The story is divided into 12 chapters that are based on the book by former Director General of The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr. Balram Bharghav titled 'Going Viral'. The first half of the film brilliantly explores the step-by-step making of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and showcases the challenges that scientists at ICMR & NIV had faced and how they managed to overcome them to bring India's first indigenous vaccine in a record time of seven months.

The screenplay in the second half is less engaging than the first half but it does make you emotional in certain parts. But the pace of the film in the second half becomes too slow and the narrative isn't able to keep you hooked till the climax. The background score of the film could have been better and the runtime of 2 hours 41 minutes feels stretched, the editing could have been tighter here.

The star cast of the film was a powerhouse of talent. Nana Patekar and Pallavi Joshi have delivered an excellent performance. Raima Sen gave a good performance too and her antagonist character will surely make you hate her. Girija Oak and Nivedita Bhattacharya were great in their roles. Kantara's actress Sapthami Gowa gave an impressive act in her limited role. Anupam Kher got less screen time but he managed to give a decent performance.

Direction 3.5/5 Acting 4/5 Dialogues 3/5 Story 4/5 Screenplay 3/5.

Cartoonish and Mediocre

[amrock15494 · 2/10 · 28 September 2023]

The vaccine war is not a very good film. It obviously had a big budget, and the visuals are quite polished and slick. But the film itself is cartoonish and uninvolving. The screenplay lacks credibility, and the movie's use of science, as a whole, is laughable. Comic books make up better science than this movie.

The characters are also lacking. The only character of note is the Dr Balram Bhargava, played by Nana patekar, who sadly goes missing for much of the movie. The lead is not very sympathetic, and most of the characters who play "doctors" (or interns) look more like a high school clique rather than people who have graduated from medical school.

They made a mockery rather than serious movie.

A must watch movie for all Indians

[jaydeepmharma · 10/10 · 28 September 2023]

Guys i got opportunity to watch this movie. Totally satisfied with the performance & contents provided in this film . Lots of things happened in the past , the conspiracy the dual standard of media houses and politicians who never supposed to accept the fact the we have invented the most secure most trusted vaccine. I repeat a must watch movie. This movies will open ur eyes in understanding the efforts of scientists beyond the availability of vaccine and how women play a big role in this whole process of making home made vaccine. I can only appeal , if u r free if u have some savings then just go to the threater and enjoy a fantastic movie this weekend . Jai hind.

Solid movie on unique subject, Inspiring

[talktoashish · 7/10 · 1 October 2023]

For a scientific movie, this is very well done. Story is limited but kept taut and emotions weaved beautifully through background music. No side plot, no political angle, no religious commentary, no love story, no songs, and even no humour track, but just pure storytelling. It does the job well given the subject but given above strict adherence to story, after taste of the movie is minimal though watching experience is good. Does the job well of exposing agenda of foreign vaccines and toolkit journalists. Good educational movie and inspirational to show behind the scene efforts of researchers. I will put Mangalyaan a notch higher because that remains scientific while also entertaining, but a solid movie on unique subject.

Pathetic direction

[amandhanrajgir-45620 · 1/10 · 28 September 2023]

The movie direction is very stupid and done illogically. The movie has such a serious story but then the director managed to spoil it by putting cringy comedy.

The movie is has such a good story but lack of logic and bad screenplay made the movie unwatchable. It is a nightmare for talented actors and actresses in the movie.

Do I really need to say why I rated it 1?

Hopefully it doesn't have any negative rating otherwise I would have gone for that..... the worst number that I could give. -99.

Its such a shame on the director and the producers for stooping low to make cash outta an epic tale and destroying its essence in every possible way for the next generation and the cult fan groups supporting it just to make their hero's film a hit.

"Bharat can do it" the Inspiring movie

[somayajulavs · 10/10 · 28 September 2023]

This movie is the tribute to Success of Bharat which needs to be celebrated by each and every bharateya by watching this movie. Very well narrated the hard work, sacrifice and dedication of our scientists. Very inspirational that "Bharat can do it", especially to the new generations. Every individual actor has lived in their roles, could see the character rather than the actors playing. Every individual will connect with the characters and can correlate to the pain and agony faced during the pandemic. Go watch the movie with family and spread the message to all your friends and families to watch the movie. Vivek Agnihotri continues to bring good movies to us.

Amazing and Inspiring Movie

[amitkray · 10/10 · 28 September 2023]

India can do it.

Thats the entire motto of the movie that till now Indians were made to believe that you are inferior and cannot make your own vaccine but our scientists proved it wrong. See the film to know how our medical fraternity were working on a war footing during COVID. They sacrifised their health, family and worked for the betterment of society as a whole. India did not patent the technology but for humanity sake and to save billion people they gave the vaccine technology free to the world and supplied billions of vaccine to rest of the world for free. I appreciate acting of everyone including the small child giving flower to the doctor, the Bahudur, all the female doctors, and not to forget Nana Patekar a versatile actor. Loved this movie which is so much awe indpiring. Vivek Agnihotri is a Director whose level no one can reach. Students go and watch it.

Triumph of Science A true Masterpiece of Indian history and first Bio-science film

[jaychaubey · 10/10 · 28 September 2023]

Hardcore Masterpiece- Incredibly made casting, direction, production value, visuals, and most importantly it's story really are heartwarming, heartwinning, it's specially focused on women's sacrifice their intelligence and their love for the country the film is truly based on women empowerment no could have shown women's power more than it's director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri he's gem of Bharat and we need more people like him.

Vivek has brought another masterpiece for Global he has Bigger guts to bring true stories of India's and it's achivement which I don't think any other filmmakers will dare to bring such stories which glorifies achievement, hard work and what Indian has been through how India's own people tries to destroy India in the name of so called liberalism, communism and freedom.

Must watch for all Indians !

[snxrq · 10/10 · 28 September 2023]

Watched the Movie "The Vaccine War". Must watch for all Indians to know the war that the scientists fought against vested interests and anti- india forces and finally won it in the end..a common man will never get to know of the various struggles that the scientists had to go through especially media trials and the race against time to save billions of people from the deadly virus that was killing the mankind like never before. Such movies should be shown to all Indians so that they feel proud of being an Indian and can have self belief that Yes we can do it.. India can do it ! Only Science can win this war and the Indian scientists proved it right...

100% scientifically, factually accurate movie first time in Indian movie Industry!

[inprasarseva · 10/10 · 29 September 2023]

Vaccine War directed by National Award Winner and well-acclaimed director Vivek Agnihotri, is the best science movie ever made in Indian movie Industry.

It is a much-needed refresher and I would request everybody to watch it at least once. Unlike the other Bollywood movies, which are unwatchable due to vulgar content added just for mass appeal or shows women in scantily clad clothes and dancing numbers put somewhere in the movie (which are unnecessary) just to titillate the audiences.

It shows Indian women as they are, intelligent, hardworking, and going the extra mile in any area they are allotted tasks and completing them successfully.

I believe it will help restore the lost pride in Indians who are mentally enslaved due to Colonial education.

This movie will help Indians realize how the paid media fools people. It is unlike other Bollywood movies which keep portraying the West as the best and inspire the younger generation to imitate the negativity of the West.

It motivates and will be an inspiration for future generations. It will help instill National Pride in them which is very much needed in the current age and time.

This one comes at the right time too as India just achieved an amazing feat by completing their third mission successfully.

This movie reminds us of how the outside media tried to play down the mission but how eventually India was successful and how the women scientists' role helped in achieving it.

The acting and direction are top-notch. Pallavi Joshi and Nana Patekar deliver stellar performances as usual and other actors also did an amazing job. Go watch the movie for their performances.

See Media as Villain

[sanjeevanwar · 7/10 · 24 November 2023]

Anwar Says: I am going to review this Disney Hotstar release not politically but scientifically.

ATMANIRBHAR has been broadcasted all over but the movie had the baisakhi of one and only Nana Patekar. Pallavi Joshi has tried to assuage too many people of her wrong doings by producing it but her tribute to scientists of ICMR is commendable.

The movie would be remembered for the female cast line and their performance . Indigenous vaccines was the need of the hour and COVAXIN invention was the result. Vivek Agnihotri presented it as a statement and that is where it lacks a bit. Media has been always a villain and shown as sold but the angle has made the movie a featured one rather than a documentary . Raima Sen played it beautifully .

I would request everyone to watch this and comment honestly . Thanks to OTT for acknowledging our scientists .

#disneyhotstar #anwarsays #Covaxin #coronavirus #atmanirbhar #NanaPatekar #PallaviJoshi #VaccineWar #VivekAgnihotri #icmr #NIV #isolationofvirus #recordtime.

Boring, forced emotional scenes, incomplete movie

[johntreffordson · 3/10 · 25 November 2023]

When I heard the name I thought this would cover all the issues faced by the country during the covid interval. The vaccine, the pandemic, the job losses, the lockdown , the migrants facing challenges to go back, the police, doctors working 24x7 buuuuuuuut noo. This movie only covered how we created covaxin with some really unnecessary emotional and patriotic scenes. Very boring, people might have rated this good since it has shown how the west was trying to supress covaxin but as a movie it doesn't have that oomph.

In the middle of the movie they have some dialogues for our PM as well. Where they have praised him for his actions.