Cast
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Shaan Shahid
as Mujtaba
Ayesha Khan
as Javeria Khattak
Hamza Ali Abbasi
as Ehtesham Khattak, O/C Field Operations CTG
Shamoon Abbasi
as Ramal
Uzma Khan
as Mujtaba`s Wife
Meesha Shafi
as Lakshmi (alias Zoya)
Ali Azmat
as Ejaz Khan
Batin Farooqi
as Militant
Kamran Lashari
as Head Of Security Wing
Hassan Rana
as Taha Ali
Bilal Lashari
as Ali
Nadeem Abbas
as Rana
Waseem Badami
as News Anchor
Naseer Afridi
as Cameo
Imran Khan
as Taliban Partner
Crew
Director
- Bilal Lashari
Writer
- Hassan Rana
Producer
- Hassan Waqas Rana
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Waar examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Bilal Lashari brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Waar took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 178 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Waar shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The King Is Alive, which focuses more on action than character development, Waar subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Allah Allah and The Last Temptation explore similar territory, Waar stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 16, 2013
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Budget: $2,000,000
