War Chhod Na Yaar

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do (?)

quick review:

A "war comedy" that doesn't engage or entertain. Instead preaches.

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Director: Faraz Haider
Running time: 120 minutes
Genres: Comedy, Satire, Social, War
More Movie Info

War films - whether they are between countries or gangs - invariably end up touching on the futility of war. War - Chhod Na Yaar wears it as a badge of honor. Even though, the route is different because they use satire and comedy, the theme is rubbed in way too hard.

True, the solution to something like the India-Pakistan war can be as simple as 'stop fighting'. If only, it were that simple though, right? Given that War Chhod Na Yaar is satire and doesn't claim to take anything seriously, it might be a tad unfair to hold its simple solutions against it. Even so, the film misses basic coherence.

Behind its satirical coat, War Chhod Na Yaar can get away with the implausibility of the plot. But then, the characters, situations, and dialogue were supposed to make you laugh or at least smirk, right? For example, the initial setup of an imminent war at the border, where our protagonists are stationed, doesn't move beyond until the film is well into the second half.

To keep the situations comic you have typical potshots at Pakistanis. I would like to think that even for those who find it funny, the jokes would get old within five minutes of the film. Other than that there is toilet humor and other inane one-liners. And generic references to facebook and chat do not a cool movie make. Maybe, there is an odd line here or there that could make you laugh; other than that you are just waiting for something to happen.

Sharman Joshi, Javed Jaffrey, and Sanjai Mishra do bring some energy to the film. However again, their characters get repetitive and thus predictable pretty soon. Soha Ali Khan is required to feel shy, flirt with her eyes and look determined every once in a while. She does that all right.

Then you have your regular dose of songs that have no business being in the film. I guess we should just be thankful that there aren't any choreographed and/or item numbers.

I am all for films that speak about the power of the common man. But, War Chhodo Na Yaar is more dissuading than empowering. It is highly unlikely that the makers didn't want to inspire the audience and make them feel like they can play a role. In that case, you can only think of it as an attempt that failed. Not to mention that an entire section of the population has been totally ignored. The section that does believe that the war should be fought. Maybe, that would be another film. Hopefully not.

- meeta, a part of the audience

29 reviewers(?) - 1 yays 14 so-so 14 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by neharika, India Entertainment : ... A feel good weekend watch... full review

So-So, by IANS, Bollywood Life : ...Warm and well-packaged with intelligent performances, War Chhod Na Yaar flounders when it abandons the human aspect to get into the nuclear zone. Then it’s time to groan.... full review

So-So, Daily Bhaskar : ... It gives a strong message with a twist of comedy. ... full review

So-So, by Aneela Zeb Babar, Desi Martini : ... Even though the movie descends to stringing along a series of punch lines and sit com gags, it doesn’t exasperate you... full review

So-So, by Simantini Dey , FirstPost : ...However, if you have the patience to endure that last bit, the other 100 minutes of the film are actually very enjoyable... full review

So-So, by Swayamsrestha Kar, fullhyd.com : ... We cannot overlook the lack-lustre dialogues, the half-hearted handling, the rampant stereotypes, and most of all, the fact that even after all these years, we make fun of the Punjabi language by articulating it with the holy mannerisms of Navjot Singh Sidhu. Not cool. Not cool at all. ... full review

So-So, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...t is not exceptional cinema but just for the concept and the funny take on a serious issue, I rate it three stars. It at least makes you ask a few questions to yourself. Worth a watch! ... full review

So-So, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...War Chhod Na Yaar succeeds in treating a grim subject with a light hand. Sharman Joshi and Javed Jaffrey are in good form, but the script loses steam well before the finish line... full review

So-So, by Faheem Ruhani, india today : ... War Chhod Na Yaar is not a ha ha fest but it makes you laugh at places and it has an important message. Had it made us laugh at many more points in the film we would have said picture zaroor dekhna yaar ... full review

So-So, by Mohar Basu, koimoi : ...War Chhod Na Yaar is a humorously enchanting film that will trap you interestingly!... full review

So-So, by Karan Anshuman, Mumbai Mirror : ...War Chhod Na Yaar would've been a considerably better film if it were more balanced. ... full review

So-So, by Subhash K. Jha, NDTV : ...The film has a vast cast of comic performers. But I must make special mention of Mukul Dev as an Afghani infiltrator, who gets it wrong each time. Mukul's accent and comic timing are fodder for the funny bones.... full review

So-So, by Nishi Tiwari, Rediff : ...The first half of War Chhod Na Yaar has the pitch-perfect tone of a war comedy with some real gems that bind the narrative... full review

So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ... It certainly is a film that makes you both laugh and think.... full review

So-So, by SUDHISH KAMATH, The Hindu : ...This silly, simplistic and conveniently resolved war comedy will make you smile a few times ... full review

Thumbs down, by Bobby Singh, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ... WAR CHHOD NA YAAR - A positive yet amateurish film, wandering between interesting, funny, absurd & unconvincing sequences... full review

Thumbs down, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, WAR CHHOD NA YAAR is an interesting idea, coupled with noble intentions, but is treated amateurishly. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...No noteworthy performance, except for Jaaved Jafferi trying to do his bit dutifully. Tacky in every way, this one’s headed straight to the home viewing rack.... full review

Thumbs down, by Suparna Sharma , Deccan Chronicle : ...War Chhod Na Yaar' is the second film in two weeks with Jaaved Jaaferi. I for one am thrilled to welcome him back on the big screen. Comedy comes naturally to him, and he can carry off nonsense better than most actors in Bollywood. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Mohit Patil, Desi Martini : ...Not so much a satire on war as broad farce meets tendencies to dispatch heavy-handed social messages. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Tushar Joshi , DNA : ...An earnest attempt, the film fails to sustain our interest in a weak second half.... full review

Thumbs down, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...Most of what is shown in the form of entertainment is tasteless and uncharitable to the valiant on both sides of the border... full review

Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...Two of Bollywood's better actors, Sharman Joshi and Jaaved Jaffrey, face off across a long stretch of barbed wire.... full review

Thumbs down, by Shakti Shetty, MiD DAY : ...In hindsight, the intention and the much-needed message behind this project is praiseworthy but the execution meanders way too much... full review

Thumbs down, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...This ‘war’ is totally avoidable...... full review

Thumbs down, by Aakash Barvalia, MoviezADDA : ...'War Chhod Na Yaar' had some potential to deliver a good light-heart entertaining movie, but alas, one would definitely say after watching it as, 'Film... Chhod Na Yaar'!... full review

Thumbs down, by Mansha Rastogi , Now Running.com : ...War Chhod Na Yaar is a highly unfunny war comedy and hence devoid of any reason... full review

Thumbs down, Star Blockbuster : ... A brave attempt on a grave subject loses its way in the desert sands like the trio of infiltrators and you end up feeling like a bakri or rather a bakra. Baaaaa! - See more at: http://starblockbuster.com/movie-review-war-chhod-na-yaar#sthash.VTGRYeJN.dpuf... full review

Thumbs down, by Renuka Vyavahare, Times of India : ...Sharman, Soha and Javed are perfectly understated, Dalip Tahil goes overboard with his various impersonations.... full review

32 tweeters(?) - 22 yays 2 so-so 8 nays

vishwalok: Watch 'NewClear Bomb' made in china in war chod na yaar....must watch :-)

TheThakkar: War Chhod Na Yaar is one excellent movie. Message well delivered in a satirical manner. 4/5

rohitroy500: War chod na yaar!!! Whatte fun! @TheSharmanJoshi superb n so is Javed.. Now pau bhaji at Amar juice centre!!! Bliss :-)

RJADITI: Three reason why you should watch War Chhod na yaar film : 1) chemistry between Sanjay Mishra and Jaaved... https://www.facebook.com/Gj935/posts/10151778732233439

prnvkadam: War chhod na yaar... Unexpected war comedy.. sarcasm @ its best.. @RDAmbekar @Jignasha_

prernasharma01: xx ... War Chod Na Yaar Awesome Movie "... !!! :D :P -<3-

kumar_shik: War Chhod Na Yaar a must watch mvi

IndiLeak: 'War Chhod Na Yaar' promises refreshing change - #IndiLeak http://tinyurl.com/kchaxfe

iHitendra: War Chhod Na Yaar- aur is movie ko bhi mat chorna yaar..go 4 it..!! :3 ¿Mr.007

iam_RaajG: Watchd War Chhod Na Yaar awsm film!!!!!!!!! Full on comic nd intellectual film!!!!!!!

dj_subu: War Chhod Na Yaar is an hilarious movie...better than Besharam and Grand Masti....please do watch....

deepak365: War Chhod Na Yaar . Good entertainer.

deepak_farmania: War chhod na yaar movie is a good watch for once. Though Javed jaffrey's talents cld hav been shown more

BwoodUncensored: War Chhod Na Yaar #Awesome #Treat_to_Watch #Family_entertainer #Avarice

bhavikksangghvi: WAR CHHOD NA YAAR * * * - It's all about 'Make Laugh, Not War'. You are (war)ned, don't miss this one !!! -Bhavikk Sangghvi, PlanetBollywood

BaniyaHarsh: War Chhod Na Yaar gets only 2 rating..but it is best movie to see

AuthintMail: 'War Chhod Na Yaar' brave concept, engaging war satire http://www.authintmail.com/node/13012 #News #AuthintMail

atul_bit: War chod na yaar kya movie hai...agar ye sachai me ho to maja hi aa jaye

aparnanadig1: Super 'good feeling' film War Chhod Na Yaar. Start to end total entertainment @naqvifh @jaavedjaaferi @sakpataudi Thanks for this film!

AligarhTips: Do watch... War Chod Na Yaar it is a movie made by an Alig.. Faraz Haider

ABHIandNOW: 'War...Chhod na yaar' is such a funny movie. Absolutely loved it. Though many might not understand the humor.

1743lucky: War chod na yaar :- comedy with beautiful messages.

PJdiploma: War chhod na yaar. A great attempt but done with little patience. Would've been much better with a little logic less heart

nss_087: "War Chhod na Yaar" is uncomplicated, enjoyble, has a message deep down to xplore. *Avoid Costly Tickets* 6.5/10

SristiKhanna: I just saw "War Chhod Na Yaar" with dad. What is happening to the hindi film industry? Even college kids can make better movies.

shantusharma: In other news- watched 'War Chhod Na Yaar'. Good concept, good intentions but from bad to very bad to very very bad execution.

princeshwar: On the home front War Chod na yaar was an unmitigated disaster.Why oh why do they make such bad movies when taking a new route in bollywood?

OldMonkji: War Chhod na yaar was atleast pleasing with the new "War comedy" concept, But doesn't seem realistic at all, Pakistan need to stop d shit

manujsharma18: War Chod na yaar will do a business of max 10 cr..# Flop

FaruKazi: Saw 'War Chhod Na Yaar.' To keep it short, let me just say that I didn't like it at all.

brijduggal: War ... Chhod na yaar.... 1 star .... Behad ghatiya film

akumsin: Spoiled mood after 'war chod na yaar' bettered with on the rocks..

3 readers - 0 yays 2 so-so 1 nays

So-So, by suraj singh

So-So, by YouthTimes : ‘War Chhod Na Yaar’ is a puerile satire!

Nay! Thumbs Down, by birdie fire

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Lots of gunfire.
  • Language: A few curse words.
  • Nudity & Sexual content: None. Though there is indication of sex being used as a trade.
  • Concept: India-Pakistan unity
  • General Look and Feel: Dusty deserts, brown.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

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War Chhod Na Yaar - Cast, crew, links

Official Sites:
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Running time:
120 minutes
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Comments (9)

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Anuj

@Meetu:Please list and review few of your favorite classics from the 50's,60's and 70's!

‘War Chhod Na Yaar‘ displays noble intentions, but lacks subtlety and insight. A clever idea used inefficiently and spent thoughtlessly. Avoidable!

@Anuj Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Anand to name a few. I am assuming you are asking for Hindi films. Then, in a different genre, I've also liked New Delhi Times and Kalyug.

Anuj

@Meetu : What about Guru Dutt,Dev Anand,Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar classics?

@Anuj I don't think of films in terms of the actors in them. It is the story for me. So, while I have liked films with these actors, they won't make it to my 'favorite' list.

@Suraj :)

Anuj

Am I to assume u rate Chupke Chupke ahead of Naya Daur and Madhumati? Wow!! That's a first.

@Anuj Oh, most certainly yes!

Anuj

Unusual as you always are :P For me Anand and Chupke Chupke are just moderately watchable,nowhere near as good as the likes of Madhumati,Naya Daur,Mother India,Mughal E Azam etc. And yes Deewaar is definitely better than Sholay :P

@Anuj we are two different people, aren't we? :D

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