Wazir
wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)
A predictable thriller because of the way it is narrated. Good performances, though.
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The “edge-of-the-seat” bit of a thriller comes from you second guessing yourself on what you think might happen. If however, you know for sure what the turnout is going to be like the edge is taken off. Yet, a hopeless hopeful like me, waits for the unwrapping – the manner in which it will all play out. Wazir disappoints with that too.
Even if you didn't figure it out, Wazir's twists are unraveled through monologues that spell out the scheme – be it by the victim or the perpetrator. That kind of resolution is one of the worst kinds in a thriller. Just because the other characters in the film are awestruck, it takes a little more to surprise the audience. Wazir can get points for making it quick though. There isn't a long-winded explanation, just short, sweet and shut.
In that sense, the film is crisp and moves along pretty swiftly. It keeps you interested even though it might have meant to keep you glued. During the film for some reason, I was expecting it to break into a “khoya khoya chand”, a la Shaitan. Though I remember that one not fitting in the film and coming across as a gimmick in the context of the film. In that sense, Wazir lacks style. I know, I know, what is the poor director to do! Style comes across as gimmick when done and when missing, the viewer missed it.
However, I am positive I wouldn't have missed it one bit had it been for a strong story. The chess analogies seem lame. The breadcrumbs for the “twists” are too obvious. For instance, you know a certain dialogue is being overshadowed by another one because the former has a clue. And indeed, when the mystery unveils, the dialogue is repeated, just in case the audience needs to be spoonfed.
And this is despite an inscrutable performance by Amitabh Bachchan. Of course, I mean that in a good way. A quip-less Farhan Akhtar is a little hard to take in. While it is a good change for him as an actor, as the audience you are expecting him to break into a smart-Alec line any time. Sure, that cannot be held against him, it's just that the character makes him that guy with just one expression. Aditi Rao Hydari looks gorgeous and yet again, is just that. Interestingly, though each of her roles use her as just the necessary female lead, I have wondered what she would do with a really meaty role.
That leaves us with a thriller in which can tell two of the main twists from a mile away and are willing to forgive the writing because of the performances. Until the revelations come in the worst form possible. Even so, for those of us who couldn't guess the twist, Wazir might be well worth the watch.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Rima Bhatia, Bolly Spice : ...Closing remarks – Nambiar has done reasonably well with his third film. Wazir keeps your attention for the full hour and forty minute run time. Yes, the film has flaws. Every film has them it is just whether you can digest the number of flaws that are there. Would I recommend this film? Yes – but purely for the performances given by Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Madan Mohan Marwah, Desi Martini : ...Well written and directed, taut suspenseful engrossing film with good acting ... full review
Thumbs up, by Smita Vyas Kumar, Desi Martini : ...Master chess... full review
Thumbs up, Free Press Journal : ...Cinematographer Sanu John Varghese captures the visuals perfectly, whether it is the action sequences or emotional turmoil. The frames are pure visual delight. What adds to the aesthetics of the frames, is the lighting, which is deliberate. It succeeds in creating the fitting effect, albeit dramatic. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...If you are planning to watch WAZIR (I suggest you do), track every move, analyze every act on screen; it will help you decipher the Wazir: the winning move that wins the war! ... full review
Thumbs up, by Jyothi Venkatesh, Star Blockbuster : ...Last Word: Though the second half is not as taut as the first, the film is riveting. Its biggest minus point is that there is hardly any entertainment almost throughout the film which requires a lot of intelligence to digest it.... full review
So-So, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Still, Daanish’s quest for the Wazir makes for an interesting ride. The selling point of the film though, is the bonding between Daanish and Omkarnath, two grieving fathers, two husbands in pain. We need more of that from Bollywood. ... full review
So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Anyway in the present form, if you are ready to ignore some awfully bad loopholes just because it’s the only big release this Friday featuring two talented names, then the choice is all yours. But as per my opinion, WAZIR can only be seen if you are a die-hard fan of Amitabh alone, especially for his two specific sequences. One, when he plays the game of chess with Farhan presenting his ‘hugely famous’ drunkard act in the same incomparable mode as always, and two when he meets Aditi and her mother infusing new life into them, bringing tears in your eyes feeling the intense pain. ... full review
So-So, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, WAZIR, despite boasting of some of the great performances, reasonably fails to leave the desired impact because of its convoluted script. At the box office, the film may just about appeal to a handful of the multiplex audiences who would want to get a taste of Bollywood entertainment in absence of any new film releases since past three weeks. ... full review
So-So, by Sreeju Sudhakaran, Bollywood Life : ...Watch the film only for the impressive performances of Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar. However, if you are looking for a good thriller, you might go disappointed! ... full review
So-So, by Kusumita Das, Deccan Chronicle : ...A story that uses chess quite literally as a game and as a metaphor, we'd have loved to see it check-mate us. We'd have loved to lose to the storyteller and have all our guesses proved wrong by the time the end credits rolled. But sadly, this game leaves a lot to be desired. ... full review
So-So, by Krish Sripada, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - It is crisp and taut as a thriller but runs out of ideas in the latter half. ... full review
So-So, by Sethumadhavan Napan, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Wazir boasts of fine performances from Amitabh Bachchan & Farhan Akhtar but it isn't really the taut thriller that it could have been. ... full review
So-So, by Sidhant Shori , Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Intriguing, interesting, but odd decision making prevents Wazir from being a great movie. ... full review
So-So, by Ameet Bhuvan, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - A premise belied the film doesn't have anything to say or prove. ... full review
So-So, by Bryan Durham, DNA : ...What to do: Worth one visit for sure for AB Sr's superlative acting and some ceetee-worthy dialogue (why don't we write like this anymore?). As a thrilling drama, it has some bite, but as a suspenseful tale, it lacks teeth. ... full review
So-So, by Zehra Abbas , fullhyd.com : ...En fin, Wazir is a film of contradictions. It is clumsy and inept at handling its various plotlines but deft and sensitive in its treatment of the emotional core of the movie. The cast raises the finished product to a certain level, but the writing drags it down. These reasons will most likely prevent Wazir from becoming a "badshah" at the box-office. Our commiserations to the valiant cast. ... full review
So-So, by Sweta Kaushal, Hindustan Times : ...While Farhan and Amitabh are the clear winners, the supporting actors too showcase their skills. Neil Nitin Mukesh is convincing as the character edging with psychopath bend. Manav Kaul and John Abraham, too, perfectly fit into their characters and bring the narration alive. ... full review
So-So, by RAJEEV MASAND, IBN Live : ...In the end Wazir is moody and atmospheric, and gripping for a large part. What it needed was a tighter script with fewer holes. I’m going with two-and-half out of five. ... full review
So-So, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...Watch or Not?: If you were planning to watch Wazir as a thriller then no point! ... full review
So-So, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...Also, the director's habit of inserting a background song after almost every second scene might prove to be the film's undoing. Last but not the least, Pandit Omkar Nath explaining the entire sequence of events after the suspense unfolds, is frankly quite condescending to the viewer (as if we were too dumb to figure out how it happened once the suspense was out!) ... full review
So-So, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Wazir is at best a one-time watch, if only for the academic interest of viewing Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar in the same film. ... full review
So-So, by Srijana Mitra Das, Times of India : ...Consistent hard focus over sentimental soft-focus would have let these shatranj ke khiladi blow up that chess board. As it is, they complete their game - but don't check-mate smartly enough. ... full review
So-So, by Pallavi Patra, Zee News : ...Nambiar impresses us after 'Shaitan' and 'David' – although a few fight sequences could have been more unique and luscious to the eyes. The first movie of 2016 is here – watch if you like chess, Amitabh and Farhan – and ready to ignore the obvious, yet minor cinematic pitfalls. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...Here, it’s just flavouring – Dal Lake Tadka. The leads almost make us buy it all. Farhan Akhtar plays a more sombre variation of the guy-next-door-if-you-forget-he’s-from-a-film-family character he’s made his own, except that he may want to work on his drunken scenes – you almost hear the hic! As for Bachchan, he keeps mixing it up – one part gruff-hamminess (you feel, between chess games, he’s still teaching a visually impaired Rani Mukerji) and one part restraint (watch him gaze at nothing in particular and shed a tear for the past). These two could probably make you watch a movie in which they did nothing but… play chess.... full review
Thumbs down, by Suparna Sharma, Deccan Chronicle : ...My theory is simple. When people, actors are a little hungry, a bit starved and struggling, they try their best, they work hard. That holds true for all — you, me, Mr Bachchan, and especially Mr Vidhu Vinod Chopra. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Rakesh Reddy , Desi Martini : ...Verdict - It starts off well but gets less gripping post interval. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Angela Zeb Babar, Desi Martini : ...movie which promised you a wily cat and mouse mind game. Mr Bachchan manages to up his game as worst manipulator ever. Sorry ji. Bad bishops. Worse Pandit.... full review
Thumbs down, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ... Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar. And as is the case with anything that’s put together loosely, it all comes off with time. The second half nose dives with a vengeance. The only flashes in the dark are Bachchan’s and Akhtar’s performances. They make you stay.... full review
Thumbs down, by Gayatri Gauri, FirstPost : ...Treated like a game of chess, Wazir ends up as just that and no more. Nambiar’s direction and Farhan’s performance display their individual talents but do little for the film as a whole. Wazir boils down to nothing but an expensive gimmick. So that producer Chopra can say a smug, ‘checkmate’. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Suhani Singh, india today : ...The best moments are when Bachchan is involved, giving the otherwise sombre affair a little dose of humour and wisdom. Akhtar is affective in the part of a grieving parent and a dutiful officer who uses his eyes to convey his woes Hydari's Ruhana is reduced to the sidelines along with Seema Pahwa and John Abraham, whose appearance here is never quite justified. Neil Nitin Mukesh eager to make the most of his small screen time goes over the top. For a film centred on a game of mental fortitude and strategy, Wazir is short on ideas but more so surprises. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...It has competent moments, but is too generic to be memorable, and that's a shame for it could so easily have been a winner. As it stands, Wazir is the one thing a chess player can never afford to be: Obvious.... full review
Thumbs down, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...Bachchan is reliable as ever, particularly with grief written all over his broken face. Aditi is teary-eyed and vulnerable all the way through. Interesting actors like Prakash Belawade, Seema Pahwa and even a star like John, are turned more into background props than full fledged characters and the graph of Manav’s persona is too predictable for his energy and effort to be effective in any way. It’s Farhan of the first half, plunging the depths of emotions, who makes you take note of him as a dramatic performer. However, by the time we get to the end even he seems jaded and lacklustre. Like the film itself. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Karan Bali, Upper Stall : ...Director Bejoy Nambiar is unable to do much with a predictable and a heavily contrived screenplay (Abhijat Joshi, Vidhu Vinod Chopra) that sees the film badly derailing in the second half after an engrossing enough first half. in all, Wazir is a tepid thriller whose gambits end up checkmating itself. ... full review
yash2696: #Wazir great movie what a story, acting and direction @FarOutAkhtar @SrBachchan @aditiraohydari
Viv_menon1996: The chemistry between the duo overshadows the flaws clearly. Well shot well directed well acted well written movie 3/5 rating #Wazir
Vishesh31: #Wazir was great. Loved it. Go see it. Farhan, Aditi , Amitabh bachchan were all good. #bollywood... https://t.co/vRq0QcoWOP
varuntyagi619: #Wazir is an intelligent thriller. Could have been even better if panditji has started walking after saying chalne ka waqt aa gaya hai
VandanaGaonkar: Watched #Wazir truly stellar acting @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar what a punch luved it, @NeilNMukesh @aditiraohydari just fab
UzairKhaja: The film had some flaws but was good. Good performances. A realistic bollywood movie #Wazir
U_Chaturvedi: Just Watched @Official_Wazir Must say after so long time this kind of movie came in Bollywood. @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar #Wazir A must watch
twit_aru: Khel Khel mein #Wazir dekh liya. Good movie to start the new year with. :) I need one of those #Wazir Pen Drive...!!
thereviewmonk: #Wazir has an interesting plot & makes for a good one time watch, especially for strong performances of @SrBachchan. https://t.co/a0mh8RD6pg
TheNehaGupta: #wazir... Simply brilliant. Emotional, mature and intelligent cinema.
theabdulmajeed: Awesome! Brilliant! superb! block buster! @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar @TheJohnAbraham @NeilNMukesh @aditiraohydari @Official_Wazir #Wazir
tennysontea: #HappyBirthday to the amazing #FarhanAkhtar; it was great to watch #Wazir for this weekend: https://t.co/kWrKuu4YJO
tenforever: Sachin Tendulkar Watches Wazir, Calls it a “Must Watch” - The Quint https://t.co/1uKcVKBgIU
Suriya_TFC: Amazing Film By @SrBachchan & @FarOutAkhtar Do Watch it in Theatres Wazir - 4/5 [Super Hit] Congrats - #SuriyaFans https://t.co/YBw1ykPAQB
SuddenlySparrow: So #Wazir is awesome. Realise it! Such a decent film ! @nambiarbejoy you've nailed it. So much restraint & yet..! Gorgeous telling! Go forth
Subhank85912252: #wazir #best film ever
ssr99: Saw #Wazir yesterday .. AB is Simply Superb in the film .. Fantastic Film it is ☺
souvik_rt: Wazir ! What a movie !!!!!!!! Easily the best and always the best Big B
singh_drmanisha: #Wazir @FarOutAkhtar @SrBachchan Modern day Shatranj ke khiladi... .super knockout performance. .intense & riveting...Kudos !!!
sidsayshere: Also a review won't b cmplt without sayin about the brilliant music direction, score n lyrics of #Wazir . Standing Ovation 2 the whole team.
sid_effects: #Wazir is definitely worth a watch guys! With a watertight script and a good jolt in end, it's a good inception for 2016! @nambiarbejoy
shivam340: #wazir a must watch active .... Well done #AmitabhBachchan sir #FarhanAkhtar and other lead and supporting actors.
Saqibraja787: After Very Long time enjoyed Every moment of the Movie #Wazir . Likewise piece of acting by @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar Well done
rowsebiru: Guyz #WAZIR is great indeed..
RJVishnu: #Wazir is an intelligent film. Screenplay is the hero, Director painted emotions well, and 2 stellar actors. The film is a winner..8/10
ReianSpeaks: Nice beginning of 2016 for #Bollywood as far as good cinema is concerned. #Wazir is owned by grandmaster of Indian cinema @SrBachchan
RanjanSinha_: #Wazir @SrBachchan you are a inspiration for all generations from @Javedakhtarjadu to @FarOutAkhtar !Superb movie @nambiarbejoy congrats!
Rafique_IYC: #Wazir One of the best movies of @SrBachchan and @FarOutAkhtar. Real Hero @TheJohnAbraham was awesome. And nice act by @NeilNMukesh.. Thanks
pray_ag: When stories are greater than movies #Wazir Great acting as usual by @FarOutAkhtar
pratkkk: Hats off to #Wazir team :) Brilliant actors..Good Script.
pranavindian11: Dekha......maza aagaya........aap bhi dekhiye wazeer ki chal samjhenge https://t.co/E97lXrSull
pankaj2858: Wazir,an emotional thriller, after long time a really good movie to watch. It has 3 heroes, #AmitabhBachchan , #FarhanAkhtar and story
ovee84: #wazir is such a fantastic movie to watch and feel ! Great work and super music.. Loved it @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar #WazirIsHere #weekend
nitinfive: Wazir...D first film of #2016 is a #emotionl, intellignt n fast-paced roller coaster ride...a #gripping start n... https://t.co/FpBVIQivB3
NishitNj3012: A must watch just because of the brilliant acting by Amitabh Bachchan #Wazir
Nikilovesyou1D: Wazir.. what an amazing movie❤️ @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar loved every bit of the movie and it was worth every penny!❤️
NeeldesaiNd: WAZIR...must watch..@ViditDesai1 @Being_Afro @jimit1761995 @impatelharsh..khel khel me khel khel k khel khel na sikh jayenge
NavneetAnandSyd: Greetings from Sydney Australia. Watched Wazir and loved it @SrBachchan https://t.co/qEcNLRiQMv
Nashikfame1: Fantastic movie "Wazir" of brilliant actors Mr.Bachchan's, Farhan Akhtar and many more - https://t.co/TZ9DRRld7F https://t.co/O7P3CmYM14
mynameis765: What a Movie... #Wazir..Brilliantly directed by #BejoyNambiar..Awesome performance by @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar @aditiraohydari MUST WATCH..
Munayeem: Intense & intelligent #wazir #must watch @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar @Official_Wazir
MukeshboyBhagat: #Wazir awsm work by @SrBachchan and @FarOutAkhtar
MrVivekJoshi: The standout performances and chemistry of the lead pair @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar in #Wazir is a treat. Class and grace and so effortless
MOUSUMI_EF: Pandit ji the best !! #Wazir #Wazir #Wazir #Awesome #Spellbound movie !!! Must Watch https://t.co/7pLO5KkHd2… @SrBachchan
MoodyQuill: #Wazir is a well-made movie! @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar are phenomenal in the movie. And the way it all comes together in the end is super!
mona_kapoor: What a great start to the year. @Official_Wazir is brilliant.'Atrangi Yaari' is the icing on the cake.@FarOutAkhtar @amitabh_bigb sir.
mohanty_jajati: Love it wazir
mizaanali: #wazir is brilliant #movie superb direction & acting kept us in suspense right till the end... #Bollywood @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar superb!
Mihrimah_Irena: Watched @Official_Wazir omg great film!!!!!!
meenusharda: Watched Wazir Good Movie
MazharI11708900: Good movie wazir
manojmuntashir: To experience the magic of #TuMerePaas watch #Wazir in theatres this weekend. Love. https://t.co/6Wy7VJVsRt
mahendrakhorwa6: Wazir is very good movie
M_Ahmad07: #Wazir What a fine piece of movie @SrBachchan You just keep on getting better & better! Complete inspiration! You nailed your role!
Lvenky73: In a #Wazir frame of mind .. go watch guys ... and discover the movie .. layer by layer ..
Kpraj12378: #Wazir movie is best sir
kausmazum: #Wazir the film fantastic performances of a riveting story with taut direction! Kudos @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar @nambiarbejoy and others.
kaleidoscope19: Just came back from a viewing of @Wazir. Interesting movie, worth a watch for sure. Excellent performances by lead and supporting cast!
KabirDwivedi: Aaj vajeer movie daykh kar mazza as gay is film ko jaruur daykhnay jay mazza bhi aayga oor jeevan ki an nai seekh mil sakti hay
JoshiRahul25: "Omkar Nath special"....maza aa gaya...#wazir @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar
jkkansal1987: #yaariTeriYaari #AtrangiYaari #wazir must watchable! Thanks @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar for everything
ImVthirtha: If u are a fan of gr8 acting , story, intensity and finale's ..and also truly value friendship.. Be prepared to be MINDBLOWN! #Wazir
imPvyas: #WazirInCinemasNow @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar #Wazir excellent Movie #MustWatchWazir
imabrao: #Wazir is a class apart movie... truly amazing..
iamneerajj: A very happy birthday to @FarOutAkhtar.. Watched wazir yesterday.. Nice compelling one time watch..!
iamabhinavgoel: Best movie watched so far.. @Official_Wazir #WazirInCinemasNow salute you sir @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar
hotspot30: Just saw Wazir !! Amazing movie. Amitabh at its best!!
HardikSondani: Amazing movie...
gulamhaidr: Wazir was a damn good movie
GhoseGhose: Happy Birthday @FarOutAkhtar ☺Just watched #Wazir ..Brilliant script, acting .. Superb movie
Gau_geous: OMG, What a movie @SrBachchan & @FarOutAkhtar u just did fab #Wazir .. love it
ganeshrath1: #Wazir wht a wonderful movie.. Really superb... great direction, acting, story etc. Really loved it. @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar
facenfacts: Wazir: For Amitabh, Farhan, the film is definitely worth a watch: Bollywood has begun the year on a thrilling ... https://t.co/nucNulLjhu
enperurajiv: Every move/scene is for a reason, like in chess. Don't miss anything! #Wazir @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar
drpriyankar: #wazir gripping storyline. just loved #atrangiyaari @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar
dipanjan1982: #Wazir is a masterpiece, a hell of a movie . Kudos to @SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar @TheJohnAbraham
DashyMashy: #Wazir (Movie Review) <3 <3 <3 1/2 Wazir is a Fast paced Crime Thriller. Its not your regular #Bollywood movie... https://t.co/WuhSuDCX87
coranson: #Wazir is for brains. Radical intellectual. Performances
ChattyDeshkar: Yaara! Just saw #Wazir. It's a brilliant movie with mind blowing acting from @SrBachchan and @FarOutAkhtar! MUST WATCH!
chatanyabakshi: Watched #wazir great grip on the story a good direction and some really good performances by all actors even who... https://t.co/yKRJVlQHe0
bytesbybhavin: Alright so caught up with #Wazir. Decent movie. Liked it.
bhupi35681: a great performance in Wazir...love the way you have rock in the movie https://t.co/00uNNFmKK4
BeanManiac: Movies with good story is what matters to me and #Wazir had that..!
barman_sailen: Watched WAZIR. Nice Movie. .... Great Job Done by Farhan.....
BalochSami: #Wazir movie review: There’s enough to watch in the @SrBachchan, @FarOutAkhtar film despite its flaws https://t.co/18sKtE94jP via @sharethis
Awaneesh11: Wish you the faster recovery Sir!! Wazir is excellent, superb acting! Thanks a ton for entertaining us. Love you!! https://t.co/4ImYKrphAl
ashishseven: #wazir was enthralling thriller filed with emotion, anger and deceit. Loved your acting @SrBachchan sahab and @FarOutAkhtar.
Amna_ALOthman: Each scene in @Official_Wazir has its own strength, you'd live with @FarOutAkhtar's anger, @SrBachchan's patient & @aditiraohydari's tears
alokkumar_gupta: A simple "Piada" made "Hathi" to Kill "Badshah" and became "Wazir". A very nice suspense movie "Wazir".
aish24_c: What a movie
AdonUrban: #Wazir 10/10 what a film.Bejoy has done it again. Everything comes together at the end https://t.co/QLwkVE57k6 https://t.co/Gc4bcdxiEL
Admire_Urself: It's a Must watch! Excited for #WazirInCinemasNow @Official_Wazir
abhi541988: Khel khel me maine ek lajawab movie dekhli hai.Awesome #Wazir terrific,mindblowing.@SrBachchan @FarOutAkhtar @aditiraohydari @NeilNMukesh
Abhi_daga05: Class performance by Farhan Akhtar and Amitabh sir in Wazir. Must watch!
aaraw1: #mindblowing #brainstorming #mustwatch #actinglegends #superb #portrayal @VVCFilms @VVinodChopra #ContentIsKing #Wazir #WazirIsHere
2274709853734ef: Wazir must watch!
sidtap: Wazir - good concept - poor execution.
PieKapoor: Wazir was a pretty okay film, and honestly, I am surprised
MoneyByAnything: #Wazir 1st Half - liked it totally, Something new n thrill, Very good acting by farhan n AB, But slightly loose Screenplay,
KavitaAChhibber: Wazir..totally gripping first half. Neil Nitin Mukesh holding his own against Amitabh Bachchan. Farhan Akhtar... https://t.co/AfpyNMAtIS
IemSaahil: Last night watched #Wazir Ist Half Superb but 2nd Half ko kya kardiya.... Director sahab 2.5stars
GarvitNangia: Ham Om Kar Nath ke khel ko.. First half mein hi samjh gaye the.. Par @SrBachchan and #Farhan did a great job. Script cud hv been bttr #Wazir
entiremedia: Wazir is at best a one-time watch, if only for the academic interest of viewing Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar https://t.co/yg5jKtmLdq
CarsAutos: Wazir review: Great performances by Amitabh, Farhan, Aditi Rao Hydari but the film seems gimmicky https://t.co/HgsoCL4Umw #cars #autos
VishRathi1: Vidhu Vinod Chopra shud do movies with d director Raju Hirani #Wazir was terrible
surrealzakir: First Flop of the Year #Wazir Big Boost For #BajiraoMastani
sriks3: #Wazir Almost non existent or shoddily sketched characterization for such brilliant performers. Wasted opportunity. Feeling let down.
khalilabhyankar: Watched @Official_Wazir sorry team.Expected much more. Could have been much better. Great performances by @SrBachchan and @aditiraohydari
kanishka713: #Wazir Boring and doesn't make much sense. Epic acting by @SrBachchan though.
isagarpatel: I can see why #Wazir is not a success. First Day First Show. Somewhat disappointed. #cinema #motionpicture
iam_ally: Wazir movie is garbage movie , pl don't waste your money .
championswimmer: #Wazir could have been a really good film. Unfortunately let down by poor editing. Events happen too fast, without any buildup.
bhaumikshukla: Wazir - Movie Review (★½) - Very predictable, short story-line, poor script writing makes this movie not a... https://t.co/G93qgzdSht
Asthatiw: #Wazir was a little shy of disappointment. There is so much that @FarOutAkhtar and @SrBachchan could do with such a thin script
ArjunSuri: Wazir was rather uneventful!
AmanVer07327497: #Wazir had the potential to become a great movie but it was ruined by the director. #disappointed
abz67: #wazir is too predictable !!!
aageSeLeftLelo: #Wazir is pathetic! Amazing star cast but failed in editing! Don't waste your money on this crap!
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: Gun and fist fights
- Language: Clean
- Nudity & Sexual content: Clean
- Concept: A revenge saga
- General Look and Feel: Nothing out of the ordinary
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Comments (25)
All the trailers look awesome. So was the case for Eklavya.
Let's hope that this one lives up to hype. If it does then 2016 would be a rare year in Hindi films to start off with a bang already at the end of its first week.
Wazir, Airlift, Neerja and Jai Gangajal. That's 4 movies i'm looking forward to in the first quarter of 2016 before we move on to the biggies like Mohenjo Daro, Baahubali 2 and Shivaay.
You missed out your fav Raju Hirani's film? Biopic on Sanjay Dutt starring Ranbeer Kapoor.
Sanjay's biopic releases in 2017. Btw, Raju's behind Neeraj Pandey & Shoojit Sircar as far as favoritism goes :P
Phantom of January bugs Wazir. Very rarely we have a smashing hit in January from Hindi film industry, and the trend seems to continue if the review of bollywoodhungama is to be believed.
Too bad, for me at least. My tickets are booked for tomorrow - so pain or gain I will be sitting through it.
@Fan : Wazir is a movie catering to just 25% of the total movie watching audience in India. But as it happens with most Hindi films today, this one too would be over-priced and hence a successful box office run is out of question. However, like it happened with Baby & Drishyam last year (2 other films with relatively high costs despite catering to a limited audience), if Wazir does manage a positive word of mouth, it can go on to have a decent run in the multiplexes of Delhi-NCR/Bombay-Pune and Bangalore.
Here is the final box office analysis of 2015 :
http://bollywoodboxofficedata.blogspot.in/2015/12/box-office-2015-year-of-under.html
This is just an "also ran" film. Nothing much to cheer about.
Many well known producers and directors have their own exaggerated beliefs in their own skills. Vidhu Vinod Chopra is no exception. He has this notion that he is a great writer. That he is capable of writing some good thriller stories. It might be so but he's only good at writing short stories. Stories of about 30 to 40 pages. He has not yet proved that he could write taut thrillers of 500 to 600 pages. First Eklavya and now this. That is certainly a short film that could be enjoyable in max 60 minutes duration. This is not a film of two hours and above which will keep the audience glued to their seats.
Due to the story's "short" nature I got the feeling that the film is dragging, a bit like Lootera. As it doesn't have content to fill up the 90 minutes (yeah, you read it right) the pace is extremely lethargically excruciatingly slow, almost like in slow motion. Although it's a tad bit faster than Lootera.
As regards the suspense, it doesn't take a genius to figure out early in the show as to who is what. So not a good thriller at that.
I have my serious doubt that this film will leave any mark. If you don't get to watch it then there's nothing to regret about.
Wazir is predictable and has a loose script no doubt, yet I would recommend every Amitabh Bachchan fan whose idolized this genius over the decades to watch this one. He is in his angry element all over again, something that his die hard fans can never get enough of. From Zanjeer to Deewar to Sholay to Trishul to Laawaris to Shehanshah to Agneepath to Khakee to Sarkar and now to Wazir, the angry young man might not be young anymore, but his fire refuses to ceases. So does his on screen brilliance!
Thank God, I didn't believe on Meeta's review or her Rating (which she labels on every movie). Experience was great. I was fearing what is SO predictable as announced by our critic. But I couldn't predict it up to the end ( am I a dumb guy?). Nice crisp movie.
@raj - Dumbness HELPED me, too. Glad that I watched it on the big screen :). Thoroughly enjoyed it.
I watched Wazir on the big screen and loved it. I too didn't see the twist coming and it was a nice surprise. The movie moves along petty quick. It feels good to watch movies with kicker endings like this one and Drishyam. Way better than the mindless crap that Dilwale was.
All eyes now on Airlift. Let's hope that it is a content based film.
BTW: Bajirao is still going extremely strong despite Wazir. And Bollywood hungama has produced an interesting Amir Khan metric for the 100 cr+ films wherein Bajirao ranks number 3 in all time hits (after 3 idiots and TWMR) and ahead of PK, Dhoom3, etc. Just for the records, using the same metric, Dilwaale ranks 26th (behind Houseful 2, Grand Masti, Bol Bachhan, etc.)
@Anuj: you might like that metric because it claims to rank the film on the word to mouth success of the film rather than based on lifetime collection.
... and if the "at least 100 cr earning" is ignored, then 3 idiots is beaten by Queen and Dum Lagake Haisha.
I am so happy so many of you enjoyed the film! :D :D
@Fan : Comparing trending of 3i, PK and BB sort of films with the likes of Queen and Kahaani is futile. The biggies cater to a universal audience and generate 50% of their footfalls within the first week itself. However, films like Queen and Kahaani start slowly as there is little buzz and they cater to a very limited audience of just about 30-40%. Its only on the basis of strong word of mouth that they grow among their own "limited target audience". Hence in mathematical terms, the % drop for the biggies is bound to be a lot higher than the smaller one's. 3I, PK and BB are the best trending biggies in recent times as they cater to a universal target audience. The likes of Kahaani, Queen and Piku have done exceptionally well on word of mouth among their own limited target audience. A lot of this also has to do with competition, no. of open weeks, screen count etc. They've all done exceptionally well among their own target audience, big or small.
@Fan : The modern day multiplex era of rampant internet piracy & digital TV has taken away almost 50% of the audience off the theaters. The biggest blockbusters of today like 3Idiots, PK & Bajrangi Bhaijaan record just 3-3.5 cr theatrical footfall as opposed to 6cr+ recorded by HAHK & DDLJ two decades ago. In this scenario, bollywood films can largely be categorized into 3. The first kind are the one's made with mass sensibilities and for the entertainment of the masses. The likes of Dabangg, Singham, Rowdy Rathore & Dhoom 3 fall in this category. These movies have a huge audience among the B & C centers and among the tier 2 and tier 3 cities. These audiences mainly constitute over 60% of the total audience in terms of viewership. However, in terms of revenue, the B & C center audiences bring in just 40% of the revenue for a movie due to the disproportionate ticket prices between the multiplexes of smaller cities as compared to the metros. However, the important thing to be noted is that mass entertainers such as these also have a big enough audience in the A centers and metropolitan cities too. And hence i term these films to have "universal appeal". The next category of films are the one's that cater to only the A centers and metropolitan/semi metropolitan cities. These movies have a target audience which constitutes 40% of the total audience in terms of viewership. Majority of this target audience resides in cities like Delhi-NCR, Bombay, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and a few more. These movies include the likes of ZNMD, Kahaani, Piku, Queen and the likes. Unfortunately, unlike the "universal films" which also find an audience in the A centers, these movies have virtually zilch audience in the B & C centers and hence have to solely rely on metropolitan audiences to bring in the numbers. And therefore, these films unless if made on a shoestring budget (like Kahaani & Queen), usually end up with just a Semi-Hit or a Hit status at best. They never really become the blockbusters of the kind like Dabangg and Ghajini due to a lack of appeal among the tier 2 ad tier 3 cities. The third category of films are the one's that cater to an even smaller audience. They have a target audience of just 20% of the total audience and that's mainly due to their lack of appeal thanks to the style of film making (dark and broody undertone). Typical examples of such films are Madras Cafe, Haider, Talvar and now Wazir. Such movies, however well made they are have very little chance of box office survival unless they're made on a minuscule cost and carry an extremely positive buzz among their very limited 20% target audience (Paan Singh Tomar, Talvar etc).
@Anuj: internet piracy might certainly be one factor for decreasing footfalls. But it is also important to understand the reason for increasing piracy - if we could use the word piracy. In my opinion, the greedy actors + producers + distributors + multiplex owners are looting in the name of ticket prices. The prices honestly have gone up vertically over the past years. And that is driving commoners to resort to cheaper means to watch their favorite films. As in case of DVDs / VCDs, Shemaroo showed that the costing done by commercial houses is simply exaggerated and the selling price can be dropped significantly and still achieve good returns. Same for the films. Imagine the stars slashing their prices to reasonably correct levels, the various FX units charging the correct amount (or rather producers refusing to pay exorbitant margins for FX) etc. and then passing on those benefits to the audience with a lower ticket tag - automatically the footfalls will increase. Because there is simply no substitute to pure entertainment on the big screen - especially not some camera held copy of grainy quality and choppy sound.
So if film industry stops looting the paying public, the piracy will automatically go down.
@Fan : Yes absolutely. Another very good example of very good economics was seen in Bahubali which in spite of having high end VFX, had a final production and distribution cost that was much lower than some of the bollywood big budgeted films like PRDP and Dilwale. Even the ticket cost for Bahubali in Bangalore/Chennai and Hyderabad multiplexes was less than half that of many bollywood films. And so we saw Bahubali record theatrical footfalls that were almost at part with the biggest bollywood grossers like PK and Bajrangi in spite of being a non Hindi film.
The negativity by the trade regarding Wazir is appalling. The movie has been made on a cost of just under 40 cr and has netted 29.5 cr in week 1. With an open week 2, Wazir will most certainly recover its investment for everyone concerned. It might not be a box office success but its certainly not a major loser unlike the so-called "successful" films like Dilwale, Ra.1, Don 2, Jai Ho and Talaash. Biased and negative propaganda by sham sites like boxofficeindia and a few of the other trade analysts is disgraceful.
Direction: 1.5
Story: 0.5
Lead Actors: 2.5
Character Artists: 1
Dialogues: 2
Screenplay: 0.5
Music Director: 1
Lyrics: 0.5
Sankranti turn around. Just when all hopes were almost lost, there's a sudden turn around on Thursday and the numbers escalate by 40%. There's a strong chance of the movie hitting 40 cr lifetime number and going on to become an Average grosser now. And unlike the so-called fake successes like Dilwale & Ra.1, Wazir for sure is not making any losses for anyone concerned :P
Now that Blockbuster Mastani and 'Disaster'-wale have almost ended their run, here is the final box office report & verdicts for 2015 :
http://bollywoodboxofficedata.blogspot.in/2016/01/box-office-classifications-2015.html
WAZIR was a good movie because of the legend Amitabh Bachhan who glues you to the screen every minute. I had guessed the first twist quite easily but not the end. It was a thrilling movie.
Predictable fare, poor handling. One could easily pick the scenes and lines that were going to be repeated in the grand denouement. Disappointing!
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