Priyal Dholakia (Assistant Editor)
Vivek Agnihotri is touted to be among the most fearless filmmakers we have seen in recent times. He is one of the few new-age directors who actually dares to dig out and uncover some dark truths about India’s past. His recent directorial venture, The Kashmir Files, saw a huge success at the box office last year. The film did a great job of exposing some hard-hitting realities of the 1990 Kashmiri exodus. It goes on to show the atrocities the Kashmiri Pandits had to go through and the aftermath that followed.
The Success of The Kashmir Files
The Kashmir Files left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. It brought to light the plight of a community that had suffered in silence for decades. The film went on to become a monumental success. And rightfully so, as the film filled a notable void and dared to unearth a painful chapter of history. A chapter that had largely been ignored and buried by mainstream media all this while. After the film, a lot of people got to know the gruesome suffering and struggles of the Kashmiri Pandits. The narrative offered a ray of hope for the victims, who had been long denied the attention they deserved.
How The Vaccine War Turns Out To Be A Huge Disappointment
After the success of The Kashmir Files, his latest offering, The Vaccine War, was much awaited. Naturally, audiences had high hopes and expectations for it. Many believed it would follow in the footsteps of its predecessor by exposing a hidden truth.
However, as the film has hit theatres, it has quickly become apparent that it is a massive failure. Instead of living up to its potential, the film has fallen short in several critical aspects. It leaves many questions unanswered while promoting a rather biased and skewed narrative. It is evident that the film was made to appease the interests of a certain section of society. And that it is marred by propaganda and lacks genuine investigative storytelling.
Overlooking Vaccine Testing and Trial Period
One of the key issues with The Vaccine War is its disregard for scientific rigour. It fails to take into consideration the due process of vaccine development. It is crucial to understand that to deploy any vaccine, we need a meticulous and thorough process. The vaccine has to typically undergo testing for a minimum trial period of 10 years. The expedited release of the COVID-19 vaccine, however, occurred without adequate long-term testing.
Ignoring The Possible Side-effects
Additionally, the film makes no mention of the vaccine’s potential adverse effects. This is a significant loophole, given the fact that the entire film is about creating a new vaccine. It also does not account for any unforeseen consequences that may manifest in the future.
Some might argue that the urgency of the COVID-19 situation demanded that the vaccine be out soon. But releasing a vaccine without a full trial of its long-term effects is more like a gamble on public health. This hasty approach leaves the whole population susceptible to major health risks. This film fails to take into consideration this critical factor.
Neglect of Alternative Approaches and Health Concerns
In addition, The Vaccine War seemingly dismisses alternative approaches to treating COVID-19. Which include home remedies, Ayurvedic practises, and immunity-boosting measures. These methods have been a part of our traditional medicine for ages. They are proven to be effective in managing ailments and building the immune system as well. But the film fails to acknowledge the importance of a holistic approach to health. We can see that it solely focuses on catering to the interests of big pharmaceutical brands.
A balanced narrative should have explored various approaches to combat COVID-19. It should have highlighted both traditional and modern medical practises. This would have encouraged a well-rounded understanding of the situation. It would even have led to informed decision-making regarding the choice of treatment. Unfortunately, the film seems inclined towards promoting only a single solution. And it neither acknowledges nor appreciates the diversity of other available approaches.
To sum up,
The Vaccine War falters in delivering a compelling and comprehensive narrative to viewers. It fails to bring the complexities of the entire vaccine development process to the fore. Also, the film does not acknowledge alternative health approaches and long-term testing concerns. By doing so, it presents to us a rather skewed and one-sided portrayal of the bigger picture. All of these factors have hugely contributed to the film’s perceived failure.
