‘The Vaccine War’, currently undergoing private screenings for Indian Americans across various US cities, draws inspiration from the remarkable achievements of Indian scientists, particularly women, according to film director Vivek Agnihotri and actress Pallavi Joshi. In a joint interview with his wife Pallavi, Vivek highlighted their unique approach to filmmaking, distinct from the conventional Bollywood style. “We are not Bollywood. That’s why we can afford to make films like this,” Vivek said. The couple is currently in the Washington DC area for private screenings of ‘The Vaccine War’. The film is centred around the true story of Indian scientists’ relentless efforts to combat COVID-19 by developing an affordable vaccine for India and the world. “We realised the immense dedication of Indian scientists, who went above and beyond their lab work by tasks like finding monkeys and evacuating people from Iran.
This extraordinary dedication compelled us to tell this incredible story,” Pallavi shared. She emphasised the pivotal role of women scientists in this narrative, stating, “Around 70 per cent of the scientists portrayed in the film are women. This fact resonated with me, and Vivek felt strongly that the world needed to see this. It exemplifies the essence of women’s empowerment.” Vivek stressed that the work carried out by women scientists in the country’s laboratories represents a unique form of patriotism. He emphasised that these women are the unsung heroes of India, deserving recognition and credit. The film advocates for the celebration of women scientists in India, highlighting their significance alongside cricketers and Bollywood stars. Vivek revealed that the film was meticulously crafted under the guidance of scientists. The film portrays the media as an antagonist, reflecting the challenges faced during the COVID-19 crisis. Vivek explained that the portrayal aligns with the media’s role during that time, including stories influenced by foreign players.
