Review Overview
Performances
Screenplay and Direction
Technical Aspects and BGM
A Spiritless Film
Director GNR Kumaravelan has made a shoddy comeback in Wagah which is nothing but a spiritless jingoistic porn. The unsubtle subterfuge in the dialogues stands out like a sore thumb even before you ponder to weigh its relevancy to the overall proceedings. Over-the-top emotions, unlimited disparaging remarks on Pakistan Army and an utterly manipulative romance track are what Wagah is all about.
Cast: Vikram Prabhu, Ranya Rao, Tulasi, Karunas, Ajay Ratnam
Cinematography: SR Sathish Kumar
Music Director: D. Imman
Editing: Raja Mohammad
Producer: M. Balavishwanathan
Written & Directed by: GNR Kumaravelan
Release Date: 12-08-2016
Director GNR Kumaravelan, who delivered a sensible autism drama in his last outing Haridas, has made a shoddy comeback in Wagah which is nothing but a spiritless jingoistic porn. The unsubtle subterfuge in the dialogues stands out like a sore thumb even before you ponder to weigh its relevancy to the overall proceedings.
Throughout the film, we have been told, ad nauseam, that ‘Pakistan Army are incorrigible, inhuman and cold-blooded monsters’ and, ‘Indian Army are kind-hearted, sympathetic and merciful’. Wagah feels more like a government-sponsored agenda of flag-waving patriotism than a cross-border love story, which GNR Kumaravelan labors to make us think.
And, it is at times likes these we realize how legendary a filmmaker Mani Ratnam is while making a far-reaching conflict on the big screen. It is also so appalling to see this coming from GNR Kumaravelan whose Haridas was a finely made film. The emotions fall flat right from the start and newcomer Ranya Rao has rendered a forgettable performance, which is made even worse by her horrible lip sync.
Vikram Prabhu fits the bill as an uninterested BSF officer. But the incredible transformation of his character in the second half from being an impassive jawan to a patriotic guy is a baffling mystery. Over-the-top emotions, unlimited disparaging remarks on Pakistan Army and an utterly manipulative romance track are what Wagah is all about. D. Imman’s great effort at background score and re-recording is visible but the amateurish screenplay lets everything down.