In a heartwarming gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri’s latest release, “The Vaccine War,” during a recent speech in Jodhpur. The film, which pays tribute to the unwavering dedication of Indian scientists in battling COVID-19, has garnered national attention and recognition.
Directed by Vivek Agnihotri, “The Vaccine War” boasts a stellar cast that includes Nana Patekar, Sapthami Gowda, Pallavi Joshi, Raima Sen, and Anupam Kher. The film’s storyline revolves around the relentless efforts of Indian scientists who worked tirelessly day and night to develop an affordable vaccine for India and the world.
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for the film’s portrayal of the scientists’ dedication. He remarked, “I have heard that a film called ‘The Vaccine War’ has been released, which depicts the relentless efforts of our country’s scientists who worked day and night, dedicating themselves to the cause of fighting COVID in their labs, like sages. Even our female scientists have worked so wonderfully. In this film, all these aspects have been portrayed. Indians are filled with pride after watching the film, knowing what our scientists have done.”
He further extended his congratulations to the filmmakers for shedding light on the crucial role of scientists and the importance of science itself. Vivek Agnihotri responded to the Prime Minister’s praise with gratitude, highlighting how women scientists were particularly moved by his acknowledgment, stating, “Women scientists called and got emotional ‘first time a PM praised Virologists’ they said. GRATITUDE.”
“The Vaccine War” is directed by Vivek Agnihotri, renowned for his previous work on “The Kashmir Files,” and produced by Pallavi Joshi and I Am Buddha. It was released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages on September 28, reaching audiences across the country.
The film is based on the true story of Indian scientists’ extraordinary fight against COVID-19, where they succeeded in developing an affordable vaccine for India and the global community. Despite its modest budget of ₹10 crore, the film has not performed as expected at the box office, with total collections reported at ₹8.15 crore.
Addressing the film’s box office performance, Vivek Agnihotri likened it to a scenario where two very different books, Playboy and Bhagavad Gita, are placed in a new bookstore. He emphasized that comparing their sales wouldn’t be a fair assessment of the value they offer.
Reviewing “The Vaccine War,” The Hindustan Times celebrated the film’s focus on the unsung heroes, frontline workers, and relentless scientists who played a pivotal role in creating India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin. The film sheds light on their struggles, determination, and ultimate success in producing a vaccine that India can call its own, reducing reliance on foreign organizations.
As “The Vaccine War” continues to inspire and educate audiences about the dedication of Indian scientists, it serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to public health and safety, earning admiration and recognition from the highest levels of government.
Sources By Agencies
