"Bawaal," directed by Nitesh Tiwari, attempts to blend the horrors of World War II with a failing marriage, starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor. Unfortunately, this ambitious endeavor falls flat due to its insensitivity and lack of empathy towards historical atrocities.
The movie begins in present-day Lucknow, introducing us to the protagonist, Ajay ‘Ajju’ Dixit (Varun Dhawan), a man overly conscious of his public image. He works as a history teacher, but his job remains shrouded in mystery. Ajju is married to Nisha (Janhvi Kapoor), an intelligent woman who suffers from epileptic fits. However, Ajju is ashamed of her condition and isolates her from the outside world to preserve his reputation.
The turning point in the story occurs when Ajju slaps a student in class, and due to the student's influential political connections, Ajju faces temporary suspension. In a baffling move, he decides to take his students on a trip to European locations affected by World War II to teach them about the tragedy. His parents willingly fund this trip, hoping it will bring the couple closer together, despite the absurdity of the plan.
As the story progresses, Bawaal shifts its focus from the historical tragedies of war to Ajju's coming-of-age as a male chauvinist. His insensitive behavior towards Nisha is difficult to watch as he mocks her language and mannerisms. The film's attempt to intertwine history with the couple's romance feels forced and lacks emotional depth.
The visit to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam becomes an excuse for philosophical discussions between Ajju and Nisha, leading to a cringe-worthy romantic development. The chemistry between Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor falls flat, and their characters lack authenticity and depth.
The most appalling aspect of Bawaal comes towards the end when the couple visits the Auschwitz concentration camp. The film shamelessly depicts the characters imagining themselves inside gas chambers, using the Holocaust as a narrative scapegoat to confront their own fears and save their failing marriage. This insensitivity towards one of humanity's greatest tragedies is deeply disturbing and disrespectful.
Bawaal's attempt to intertwine historical horrors with a modern-day love story not only fails but also trivializes the suffering of countless victims of the Holocaust. Instead of offering an empathetic perspective, the film exploits historical trauma for narcissistic purposes, leaving the audience uncomfortable and appalled.
Cinema has the power to tell untold stories and bring empathy to historical events, but Bawaal misses the mark entirely. It is a deeply flawed and tone-deaf film that no audience should have to endure. Historical tragedies deserve to be approached with respect and sensitivity, and "Bawaal" fails miserably in delivering this important message.
Bawaal (2023) - info
- Release date: July 21, 2023
- Genre: Drama, Action
- Director: Nitesh Tiwari
- Writers: Piyush Gupta, Shreyas Jain, Nikhil Mehrotra
- Stars: Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Parth Siddhpura