Main Vaapas Aaunga Review: Naseeruddin Shah Steals The Show In This Imperfect Imtiaz Ali Anti-War Film!
Main Vaapas Aaunga is directed by Imtiaz Ali. It also stars Sharvari and Vedang Raina. Read our review here.
3 / 5
It’s fair to say that we walk into the theatres for an Imtiaz Ali film with a lot of expectations. After Chamkila, the director has now tried his hand at an anti-war film titled Main Vaapas Aaunga. The film stars Naseeruddin Shah. Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina and Sharvari Wagh in lead roles. The film is, at its core, a love story that started during the time of partition, but it goes deep to show how the longing and pain continue to be felt in the present day. The narrative also strikes a contrast with modern-day love, where commitment and confusion become the biggest obstacles in a relationship. However, this Imtiaz Ali film is not always perfect; it has its moments, but the standout here is definitely Naseeruddin Shah. Read our review if you are planning to watch the film!
Plot
Naseeruddin Shah plays an old Sikh man, Keenu, who hardly has any soft emotions for his family members. However, gradually, we understand and get to know the amount of love and longing he carries in his heart. When the old man suffers a heart attack, the family members immediately inform his grandson, Nirvair, played by Diljit Dosanjh. Nirvair, a software engineer by day and failed standup comedian by night, is a man with commitment issues to both personal and professional life. However, he is the only person who becomes a medium for the past and present to connect in the film.
Nirvair’s grandfather, in bits and parts, tries to talk to him about his past, and that’s how the narrative keeps on shifting between two timelines. Vedang Raina plays the younger version of Naseerudin Shah’s character, and the one he loves immensely, Afsana, is played by Sharvari Wagh. Keenu and Afsana’s love story is set around the time of the partition and how, despite all the odds, they try to be there for each other until fate leads them down different paths. Main Vaapas Aaunga simultaneously shows the burden and pain of an old man who has seen such unfair and brutal times and the circumstances that led him to a sad fate. The Imtiaz Ali film also tries to make subtle commentaries on the void of love and feelings in today’s day and age through Nirvair, and his situationship, played by Banita Sandhu.
What’s Good?
Naseeruddin Shah!
The actor single-handedly carries the heavy emotional weight of the film. The actor’s brilliant performance builds a strong connection with the character, and tears automatically roll down your cheeks whenever he appears on the big screen. The love, longing, and pain of the partition that the older generation is burdened with, Naseeruddin Shah portrays the essence of every emotion with so much conviction and honesty. His eyes, his expressions and everything about his presence are flawless.
The Core Message
Imtiaz Ali tries something new and fresh, and for that, the director needs to be applauded. In the world filled with crime, hate and war, this message is a reminder of how desperately we need love and hope in our lives. The message is sent across through the stark difference between the old times and modern days. Also, the lens of an old man who saw the pain of leaving his land, home, mother, sister, and lover behind is emotionally moving and hits hard. You understand why he has remained so closed off the entire time, and of course, also salty about everything.
There is also a powerful scene to show how women are the most affected minority in war situations, and the visuals of it will haunt you for days.
Performances
Main Vaapas Aaunga has decent performances by everyone. Diljit Dosanjh does enough that his character demands; however, it’s weirdly the first time when not much emotion has been delivered by the on-screen role he played. Sharvari Wagh is elegant, and her beautiful eyes will be quite a vivid memory from the film. She perfectly fits the character of a bubbly and adorable Afsana, who is not sure what love is but feels all kinds of palpitations around the man she wants to spend her life with. Sharvari brings charm to the role. Vedang Raina puts his best foot forward and shows his potential as an artist who can emote nuanced emotions. Other supporting characters have done their parts well. Anjana Sukhani as Keenu’s annoying daughter-in-law is quite a delight to watch.
What Doesn’t Work?
Storytelling
The storytelling of this Imtiaz Ali film is flawed, and the emotions are not intact throughout the film. In the first half, it’s really difficult to deeply feel the pain of the narrative because such moving sequences are either hampered by a random storytelling scene featuring Diljit Dosanjh’s Nirvair or by the inconsistency in the past-present shift. The story of Diljit Dosanjh’s Nirvair and his modern-day POV in the narrative does not entirely fit the bigger picture. It feels misplaced and at times forced, too. While the idea was good, the execution is weak. The scenes where Nirvair is interacting with his friends or the social media acquaintances from the neighbourhood country, or his interactions with Banita Sandhu’s character, all of them felt disconnected from the storyline.
The strong feelings that should have been felt in an Imtiaz Ali film were missing a lot here. Some flawed and weak character writing also became a key aspect in the failure of making emotions work.
Songs
You may find a favourite track from the film, but unlike other Imtiaz Ali films, the album of this one is weak. They work well with the tone of the film but don’t carry a long-lasting impact.
Verdict
Main Vaapas Aaunga is a heartfelt attempt to deliver the anti-war message, and Naseerudin Shah is clearly the star of this show. It will hit theatres on June 12.
First Published: June 12, 2026 11:04 AM
