Short Film: Verses of War

Cast: Vivek Oberoi, Rohit Roy, Shivaani Rai, Lokesh Mittal

Director: Prasad Kadam

OTT: YouTube

Rating: 3 Moons

Vivek Oberoi’s and Rohit Roy’s short film Verses of War inspired by Mehek Bassi Kapoor’s Jawaan (Story of a soldier) is an ode to an army man’s supreme sacrifice of laying down his life for his country. However, the short film breaks the stereotype of army men being rugged and not in touch with the aesthetics of life. The film shows the life and passion of a soldier beyond battlefield and warfare.

Verses of War sees Vivek Oberoi in the role of Major Sunil Bhatia who gets captured while leading his troops in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir in a mission. He is able to get his troops to safety but gets ambushed in the process by the Pakistani Forces. He comes face-to-face with Captain Nawaz Jehangir played by Rohit Roy who is the Pakistani commanding officer. The interrogation takes on an unexpected turn when both protagonists realize that they share two qualities with each other- a love for their motherland and a passion for writing poetry. The rest of the story deals with their conversations about poetry, war, patriotism and a realization of mutual respect.

RECOMMENDED READ: After 'Shootout at Lokhandwala', Vivek Oberoi and Rohit Roy share screen space for Prasad Kadam's short film 'Verses of War'

Vivek as the poetic soldier has given an impeccable performance. The poems recited by him in his clear voice bring a sense of romance to the film. On the other hand, Rohit also gives a measured performance, trying to play a man who must shatter the cool confidence of his captive but can’t hide the fact that he is certainly impressed by him.

However, the film’s dialogues seem a bit superficial and the narrative fails to establish the fact that why a Pakistani officer gets taken with an Indian army man. The direction could have been more taut and editing crisp. The action sequences lack the punch and gives an unhurried, sleepwalking sense that seem at odds in what can be described as a war film. Kapil Mishra’s writing should have been crisper.

However, after all said and done, Verses of War is a one-time watch and gives layers to army men all around the world beyond just their patriotic duties.

PeepingMoon.com gives Verses of War 3 Moons.