Waqt: The Race Against Time

2022-05-19T10:57:57Z

2405:204:A71C:8C46:9D07:D9AE:5CA8:A68A:

{{Short description|2005 film by Vipul Amrutlal Shah}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Waqt: The Race Against Time
| image = Waqt The Race Against Time.jpg
| alt = The poster features a couple and a old man, with a clock theme in the background. Text at the bottom of the poster reveals the tagline of the film while the text at the bottom of the poster reveals the title, name of the director, name of the producer, name of the distributor, the release date and the rest of the credits.
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Vipul Amrutlal Shah]]
| producer = Vipul Amrutlal Shah
| screenplay = Aatish Kapadia
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Amitabh Bachchan]]
* [[Akshay Kumar]]
* [[Priyanka Chopra]]
* [[Shefali Shah]]
* [[Rajpal Yadav]]
* [[Boman Irani]]
}}
| music = [[Anu Malik]]
| cinematography = {{Plainlist|
* [[Santosh Thundiyil]]
* [[Ashok Mehta]]
* <small>(Guest cinematographer)</small>
}}
| editing = [[Shirish Kunder]]
| studio = {{Plainlist|
* Blockbuster Movie Entertainers
* [[Manmohan Shetty|Entertainment One]]
* [[Eros International]]
}}
| distributor = Eros International
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2005|04|22}}
| runtime = 150 minutes<ref>{{Cite news |title=Waqt – The Race Against Time |work=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/waqt-race-against-time-2005 |url-status=live |access-date=5 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505085109/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/waqt-race-against-time-2005 |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref>
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| budget = {{INR}}110 million<ref name="boxoffice">{{Cite news |title=Waqt – The Race Against Time |work=[[Box Office India]] |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=397 |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423071600/https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=397 |archive-date=23 April 2020}}</ref>
| gross = {{INR}}424.8 million<ref name="boxoffice" />
}}

'''''Waqt: The Race Against Time''''' or simply known as '''''Waqt''''' ({{trans|Time}}) is a 2005 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[comedy-drama]] film directed and produced by [[Vipul Amrutlal Shah]]. Based on a [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] play by Aatish Kapadia, the film stars an [[ensemble cast]] of [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Akshay Kumar]], [[Priyanka Chopra]], [[Shefali Shah|Shefali Shetty Shah]], [[Rajpal Yadav]] and [[Boman Irani]]. It follows the journey of Ishwar Chandra Thakur (Bachchan), a old rich businessman who unexpectedly turns very strict to his spoiled son Aditya Thakur (Kumar) to teach him life lessons before it is too late.

Shah wanted to make a film about a grounded father-son relationship differing from standard Bollywood father-son stories. Impressed after watching Kapadia's play, Shah bought the rights for a film adaptation. [[Principal photography]] was done on 14 sets at [[Filmistan Studio]] in [[Mumbai]] and a song was filmed in [[Leh, Ladakh]]. The music was composed by [[Anu Malik]] and the lyrics were written by [[Sameer (lyricist)|Sameer]], with the exception of one song written by Kapadia. After the release of the album, the song "Do Me A Favour, Let's Play Holi" became widely popular. Over the years, the song continues to be one of the most popular [[Holi]] songs.

Budgeted at {{INR}}110 million, ''Waqt'' was released theatrically on 22 April 2005. It became a box office success, grossing over {{INR}}424.8 million, thus ranking as the [[List of Bollywood films of 2005|7th highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2005]]. ''Waqt'' was nominated at [[Filmfare Awards]] for [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]] (Shetty Shah) and [[Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role|Best Comedian]] (Yadav). In addition, Shetty Shah won the [[Stardust Award for Best Supporting Actress]] for her performance.

== Plot ==
Ishwarchand Thakur and Sumitra Thakur are a married couple who run a toy factory together. They have a son named Aditya Thakur, who has no interest in responsibility or his direction in life. The situation deteriorates when Aditya elopes with his girlfriend Pooja.

When Pooja becomes pregnant, Ishwar and Sumitra decide to make Aditya aware of his responsibilities because he will have to take care of his wife and child. Aditya's parents throw Aditya and Pooja out of their house, and the couple move into in a room in the garden at the back of the house. Aditya begins to hate his father; they do not speak to each other for a long time, during which Aditya becomes aware of his role as a father.

Ishwar, who wants to ensure his son is secure and responsible, is suffering from [[lung cancer]]. Aditya becomes a responsible man and finds out about his father's illness when he attends Aditya's performance on stage. Aditya steps onto the stage and asks the audience to pray for his father to stay alive until his son's birth. Ishwar survives until the birth; the child is a boy, whom Ishwar names after himself, and he dies. Aditya welcomes children into his father's toy factory and in the presence of his family, including his toddler Ishwar, plays with a lonely, disabled boy. The spirit of Ishwar touches the flowers in Sumitra's hair, reminding her of earlier times.

== Cast ==
The cast is listed below:<ref name="cast&crew">{{Cite news |title=Waqt – Race Against Time Cast & Crew |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/waqt-race-against-time/cast/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505085755/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/waqt-race-against-time/cast/ |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref>
{{Div col|colwidth=35em}}
* [[Amitabh Bachchan]] as Ishwar Chandra Thakur, the main protagonist
* [[Akshay Kumar]] as Aditya "Adi" Thakur, Ishwar's son
* [[Priyanka Chopra]] as Pooja Khanna Thakur, Aditya's wife and Ishwar's daughter-in-law
* [[Shefali Shah|Shefali Shetty Shah]] as Sumitra Thakur, Ishwar's wife and Aditya's mother
* [[Boman Irani]] as Niranjan "Nattu" Khanna, Pooja's father
* [[Rajpal Yadav]] as Laxman Singh, Servant
* [[Asawari Joshi]] as Ashalata Khanna, Pooja's mother
* [[Rajeev Mehta]] as Jolly
* [[Hemant Pandey]]
* [[Benjamin Gilani]] as a Director
* [[Anu Malik]] (Cameo) as a DJ in the song, "Miraksam"
{{Div col end}}

== Production ==

=== Development and casting ===
Director [[Vipul Amrutlal Shah]] wanted to make a film about a father-son relationship that would be different from "standard Bollywood father-son" stories.<ref name="shahtelegraph">{{Cite news |date=3 March 2005 |title=Bachchan's Black act will only help Waqt |work=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/west-bengal/bachchan-s-black-act-will-only-help-waqt/cid/1272132 |url-status=live |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505085924/https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/west-bengal/bachchan-s-black-act-will-only-help-waqt/cid/1272132 |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref> Shah wanted to explore nuances of the relationship and touch upon themes about a father-son relationship that is grounded in reality, which had not yet been depicted in Bollywood.<ref name="shahtelegraph" /> After watching Aatish Kapadia's [[Gujarati cinema|Gujarati play]] ''Awajo Vahala Phari Malishu'', Shah liked it and bought its film adaptation rights.<ref name="shahbh">{{Cite news |date=2 December 2004 |title=Amitabh gives an extra edge to every scene – Vipul Shah |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2004/12/2/461/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703020609/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2004/12/2/461/index.html |archive-date=3 July 2009}}</ref><ref name="filmsetrediff">{{Cite news |last=Ashraf |first=Syed Firdaus |title=Amitabh's Need For Waqt! |work=Rediff.com |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/03sld1.htm |url-status=live |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118114419/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/03sld1.htm |archive-date=18 November 2008}}</ref> Kapadia, who had co-written Shah's 2002 heist thriller ''[[Aankhen (2002 film)|Aankhen]]'' with him, adapted his play for the screen.<ref name="shahht">{{Cite news |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |date=22 April 2005 |title='Waqt...' totally Indian film: Vipul Shah |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/waqt-totally-indian-film-vipul-shah/story-yYhMwXN9RZFzhsEr3M380O.html |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505085954/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/waqt-totally-indian-film-vipul-shah/story-yYhMwXN9RZFzhsEr3M380O.html |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref>

{{multiple image
| perrow = 2
| total_width = 300
| footer = Principal cast ''(clockwise)'': [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Akshay Kumar]], [[Priyanka Chopra]] and [[Shefali Shah]]
| align = left
| image1 = Amitabh Bachchan December 2013.png
| width1 = 600
| height1 = 700
| alt1 = A picture of Amitabh Bachchan looking towards the camera
| image2 = AkshayKumar.jpg
| width2 = 600
| height2 = 700
| alt2 = A picture of Akshay Kumar looking towards the camera
| image3 = Shefali Shah.jpg
| width3 = 600
| height3 = 700
| alt3 = A picture of Shefali Shah looking towards the camera
| image4 = Priyanka Chopra in 2014.jpg
| width4 = 600
| height4 = 700
| alt4 = A picture of Priyanka Chopra looking towards the camera
}}

Shah said of the film's theme; "It is an unusual story of a father and a son. It is very, very real and believable. I can assure you that any father-son duo of any economic strata will be able to identify with the father and son in my film."<ref name="shahtelegraph" /> Shah also said the film is "straight from the heart", and that it "is about the upbringing that a father gives to a kid. And that is the biggest job and challenge in a father's life. So it automatically leads to a lot of emotional conflict within the family."<ref name="shahrediff">{{Cite news |last=Sen |first=Raja |date=21 April 2005 |title='Waqt comes from the heart!' |work=Rediff.com |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/21vipul.htm |url-status=live |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103132334/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/21vipul.htm |archive-date=3 January 2016}}</ref>

Shah said he felt the film's title suits its theme perfectly, saying "''Waqt'' is called ''The Race Against Time'' because there is a target that both father and son have set out to achieve, and for that they've got limited time. So there really is a race against the clock. If they don't achieve their targets in that time, life will take a very disastrous turn. They each have their own target."<ref name="shahrediff" /> The film was produced by Shah under his production company Blockbuster Movie Entertainers and was presented by [[Manmohan Shetty]]'s company Entertainment One and [[Kishore Lulla]] and [[Sunil Lulla]]'s company [[Eros International]].<ref name="cast&crew" /><ref name="launchbh">{{Cite news |date=24 March 2005 |title=Big B,Preity,Tendulkar together |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/big-bpreitytendulkar-together/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505090111/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/big-bpreitytendulkar-together/ |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref> It was the first major co-production for Eros International.<ref name="erosdna">{{Cite news |last=Bhasi |first=Ishara |date=20 May 2006 |title=Bollywood remixed with City of London |work=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-bollywood-remixed-with-city-of-london-1030246 |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505090120/https://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-bollywood-remixed-with-city-of-london-1030246 |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref>

Shah cast the film's six main characters.<ref name="castrediff">{{Cite news |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |date=23 May 2003 |title=For Hollywood's eyes only |work=Rediff.com |url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2003/may/23shah.htm |url-status=live |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051744/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2003/may/23shah.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> In late May 2003, he said he had cast [[Amitabh Bachchan]] and [[Akshay Kumar]], both of whom starred in his previous film ''Aankhen'', as the father and son characters and that he hoped to cast his wife [[Shefali Shah]] as one of the film's two female leads.<ref name="castrediff" /> Shah cast [[Priyanka Chopra]] in role of Kumar's wife after seeing her performance in her debut film ''[[The Hero: Love Story of a Spy]]'' (2003).<ref name="shahtelegraph" /><ref name="shahbh" /> It is the fourth and final film to date to star the successful pairing of Kumar and Chopra, who appeared together in ''[[Andaaz]]'' (2003), ''[[Mujhse Shaadi Karogi]]'' (2004) and ''[[Aitraaz]]'' (2004).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Vajir |date=24 September 2008 |title=Will Priyanka join the Hera Pheri gang? |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/will-priyanka-join-the-hera-pheri-gang/story-cxlp8kIhvWyRdeTQ50HGnK.html |url-status=live |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326170528/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/will-priyanka-join-the-hera-pheri-gang/story-cxlp8kIhvWyRdeTQ50HGnK.html |archive-date=26 March 2020}}</ref>

[[Rajpal Yadav]] and [[Boman Irani]] completed the cast.<ref name="cast&crew" /> Shah had planned to cast Bachchan along with his real-life son [[Abhishek Bachchan]] but their busy schedules meant they could not commit to the film together. Shah had approached Bachchan with two different scripts and asked him to choose which one he wanted to do with his son.<ref name="castrediff" /> Bachchan chose the script of ''Waqt: The Race Against Time'', but Shah had to wait one year for them to be available together. Shah abandoned the idea and instead cast Kumar for the role.<ref name="castrediff" /> Shah had also approached [[Paresh Rawal]] for a role in the film.<ref name="castrediff" /> Shefali Shah, who is younger than Kumar, was cast to play Kumar's character's mother and as the wife of the much-older Bachchan.<ref name="mrsshahrediff">{{Cite news |last=Sen |first=Raja |title=The Talented Mrs Shah |work=Rediff.com |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/19sld1.htm |url-status=live |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319164756/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/19sld1.htm |archive-date=19 March 2016}}</ref> The director wanted to cast a female actor who had not been paired opposite Bachchan before and while discussing potential contenders for the role, Bachchan suggested Shefali, who he thought would be perfect for the role.<ref name="shahht" /><ref name="shahrediff" /> Shah was apprehensive to cast his wife, saying, "I thought people would say I was trying to promote my wife. So I didn't mention her name as a possible co-star to Amitji", but Bachchan asked Shah to at least audition her or have her photographed for the role before making a decision.<ref name="shahht" /><ref name="mrsshahrediff" /> The director did a photography session with Bachchan, Kumar and his wife, and he later said they looked like a family and after fifteen days, Shefali Shah was officially cast in the film.<ref name="shahtelegraph" /><ref name="shahht" />

=== Characters ===
Bachchan watched ''Awajo Vahala Phari Malishu'', the play on which the film is based, and was attracted to the setting and situations, and the character's relationships and behavior.<ref name="abrediff">{{Cite news |last=Sen |first=Raja |date=22 April 2005 |title=Big B: Akshay's a shrewd rascal! |work=Rediff.com |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/22ab.htm |url-status=live |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322154036/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/22ab.htm |archive-date=22 March 2016}}</ref> He said, "I was attracted to just these facts—how these relationships have been built up; and how the interactions, the situations, are brought up; what the characters do, how they behave; the events that take place; and the eventual solution".<ref name="abrediff" /> Bachchan thought the "interesting screenplay" was "really funny" and "quite emotional", and the film's treatment makes it different from other films.<ref name="abrediff" /> Bachchan described his character as a lenient father who has spoilt his son to a great extent but later turns into a "strict father" to teach his son the valuable life lessons, which creates conflict in their lives. According to Bachchan, his character "doesn't really want to be rude to the son but he has to be, because he feels that unless he's rude the son is not going to learn anything. So his behaviour is made to be harsh and rude, and that's how it transpires."<ref name="abrediff" />

Kumar was drawn to the film because of its story; he said; "When Vipul narrated this story to me, I was very touched by it. In many ways, it is a lot like my own life."<ref name="akrediff">{{Cite news |last=Sen |first=Raja |title=Akshay's Most Personal Film |work=Rediff.com |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/20sld1.htm |url-status=live |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131135619/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/20sld1.htm |archive-date=31 January 2011}}</ref> Kumar said it was his "most personal film" and that he worked "very honestly" on it. According to Kumar, at one point he was in talks to produce the film with Shah but it could not work out.<ref name="akrediff" /> Chopra said the film has a quality to make people laugh and cry, and described her role as one of a "spoilt brat" and a "supporting wife" who stands by her husband in difficult times, saying "Because she is brought up with every possible luxury that she would want and then suddenly she reaches a point where she has to deal with life and see how difficult it can be".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ashraf |first=Syed Firdaus |title=I am Not Very Ambitious |work=Rediff.com |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/22sld1.htm |url-status=live |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605024406/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/22sld1.htm |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=18 April 2005 |title="Every character one performs has a challenge" - Priyanka |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.indiafm.com/interviews/05/priyankawaqt/index.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050421020812/http://www.indiafm.com/interviews/05/priyankawaqt/index.shtml |archive-date=21 April 2005}}</ref>

Shefali said the film's strengths are its "simplicity and honesty", and that she found playing a fifty-year-old woman whose life revolves around her child and husband to be challenging.<ref name="mrsshahrediff" /><ref name="ssbh">{{Cite news |date=11 April 2005 |title=It was challenging to portray a woman of 50 – Shefali Shah |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2005/4/11/160/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915180618/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2005/4/11/160/index.html |archive-date=15 September 2008}}</ref> She felt her character is strong and different from the mothers usually portrayed in Bollywood films, saying:
<blockquote>She is someone who has come up the hard way in life and understands the importance of whatever her husband has achieved. She wants her son to understand that and stand on his own feet and achieve what her husband has been able to achieve. Her ability to laugh at situations and her sense of humour when her world is falling apart is her strength.<ref name="ssbh" /></blockquote>

Yadav found his character of a [[dimwit]] to be a "good role", saying, "he reacts very slowly. Although he tries hard but his level of intelligence is only that much."<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 April 2005 |title="I focus on the character's mental status"- Rajpal Yadav |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.indiafm.com/interviews/05/rajpalwaqt/index.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050420014235/http://www.indiafm.com/interviews/05/rajpalwaqt/index.shtml |archive-date=20 April 2005}}</ref> Irani called his character a "loud, brazen, shameless, egotistical" man who "keeps reminding [Bachchan's character] that his son is a useless character because he himself has a wonderful daughter"; he found the character easy to portray, saying he "is a reasonably an easy connect because we do have so many people like that around".<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 April 2005 |title="I am enjoying the adulation"- Boman Irani |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.indiafm.com/interviews/05/bomanwaqt/index.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050413194645/http://www.indiafm.com/interviews/05/bomanwaqt/index.shtml |archive-date=13 April 2005}}</ref> Vikram Phadnis designed the costumes for the actors.<ref name="cast&crew" />

=== Filming ===
[[File:Pangong Lake India.jpg|thumb|alt=A photograph of Pangong Lake|The song "Subah Hogi" was shot entirely in [[Leh, Ladakh]], India including at [[Pangong Tso|Pangong Lake]]]]

''Waqt: The Race Against Time'' was launched on 24 November 2003 at an event held on [[Juhu Beach]], Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 2003 |title=Akki, Priyanka and AB's Race Against Time |work=Rediff.com |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/27lead2.htm |url-status=live |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118114646/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/27lead2.htm |archive-date=18 November 2008}}</ref><ref name="launchbh" /> The [[Muhurat shot]] was staged at this event, which started with an audio-visual presentation hosted by Chopra and followed by Bachchan, Kumar and Chopra enacting a live performance on the stage.<ref name="shahbh" /><ref name="launchbh" /> Shah said he was holding an event on a stage on a public beach, which anyone allowed to attend, because he wanted "the common man to witness and be a part of the mahurat of a Hindi film".<ref name="launchbh" /> Media reported the crew planned to start filming in January or February 2004.<ref name="launchbh" />

[[Principal photography]] took place at [[Filmistan Studio]] in Mumbai.<ref name="filmsetrediff" /> The [[production designer]] was [[Omung Kumar]].<ref name="cast&crew" /> Fourteen sets were constructed for the film.<ref name="shahbh" /> [[Santosh Thundiyil]] and [[Ashok Mehta]] handled the cinematography.<ref name="cast&crew" /> Mehta, who only filmed at "the location of the Ishar [Bachchan's character] House", was credited as a "guest cinematographer" in the film.<ref>''Waqt: The Race Against Time: The Movie Disc''. Event occurs at approximately 00:18</ref> Several scenes were shot out of chronological order; the scenes based in one particular set were filmed together to save time.<ref name="abrediff" /> An action scene featuring Kumar being chased by twenty [[German Shepherd|Alsatian dogs]] was filmed.<ref name="shahbh" /> Initially this scene was supposed to have five dogs but Kumar felt it looked weak and asked for more dogs in the scene to give it more tension.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 April 2005 |title=The Stunt Star! |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.indiafm.com/feature/05/apr/1104akki/index.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060908110622/http://www.indiafm.com/feature/05/apr/1104akki/index.shtml |archive-date=8 September 2006}}</ref>

The songs were choreographed by [[Remo D'Souza]].<ref name="cast&crew" /> The song "Subah Hogi" was filmed at [[Pangong Tso|Pangong Lake]] and [[Nimmu]], the confluence of the [[Indus River|Indus]] and [[Zanskar River|Zanskar]] rivers, in [[Leh, Ladakh]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=[[Indo-Asian News Service]] |date=13 August 2010 |title=Cloudburst flattened the Leh of my memories: Priyanka Chopra |work=[[Mid-Day]] |url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2010/aug/130810-priyanka-chopra-cloudburst.htm |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018165435/http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2010/aug/130810-priyanka-chopra-cloudburst.htm |archive-date=18 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/ot-getaway-guides/ladakh-beyond-himalaya/|title=Ladakh: Beyond the Himalaya|last=Jabbar|first=Sonia|work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|date=10 July 2017|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510043009/https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/ot-getaway-guides/ladakh-beyond-himalaya/|archive-date=10 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Bachchan, who has featured in a number of [[Holi]] songs in his film career, does not appear in the film's Holi number "Do Me A Favour, Let's Play Holi". Shah tried putting Bachchan in the song but decided it did not fit in the script, calling it a "tough decision".<ref name="shahholibh">{{Cite news |date=14 April 2005 |title="Waqt will be remembered for its level of performances" - Vipul Shah |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.indiafm.com/interviews/05/vipulwaqt/index.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050415235339/http://www.indiafm.com/interviews/05/vipulwaqt/index.shtml |archive-date=15 April 2005}}</ref> Chopra had an accident while filming the Holi song;<ref name="songfilming">{{Cite news |date=20 April 2005 |title=When Priyanka got a shock! |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.indiafm.com/feature/05/apr/2004priyanka/index.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051120163230/http://www.indiafm.com/feature/05/apr/2004priyanka/index.shtml |archive-date=20 November 2005}}</ref> The set was wet and so was Chopra while filming the Holi dance sequences. After the choreographer called for break, Chopra went to dry off in the trailer and she was electrocuted as she turned the door knob.<ref name="songfilming" /> Her hand stuck to the knob but her hairdresser knocked her away from it. After the incident, Chopra was unconscious and was rushed to the nearby [[Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre|Lilavati hospital]].<ref name="songfilming" /> After two hours, she returned to the studio to complete filming the same night.<ref name="songfilming" /> In early December 2004, Shah said he was looking for another 20 days of filming before wrapping the film, followed by three to four months of post-production and an April 2005 release.<ref name="shahbh" /> The film was edited by [[Shirish Kunder]].<ref name="cast&crew" />

== Soundtrack ==
{{Infobox album
| name = Waqt: The Race Against Time
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = [[Anu Malik]]
| cover =
| border = yes
| caption = Soundtrack cover
| released = {{Start date|df=y|2005||}}
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = {{Duration|m=38|s=05}}
| language = [[Hindi]]
| label = [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]]
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}
The soundtrack of ''Waqt: The Race Against Time'' was composed by [[Anu Malik]] and the lyrics were written by [[Sameer (lyricist)|Sameer]], with an exception of one song, which was written by Aatish Kapadia.<ref name="cast&crew" /><ref name="musicbh">{{Cite news |last=Tuteja |first=Joginder |date=26 February 2005 |title=Waqt – The Race Against Time : Music Review |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/musicreview/7356/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=2 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922083259/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/musicreview/7356/index.html |archive-date=22 September 2009}}</ref> The album consists of six original songs and an original [[instrumental]]. The song's vocals were sung by [[Udit Narayan]], [[Alka Yagnik]], [[Adnan Sami]], [[Sonu Nigam]], [[Sudesh Bhosle]], [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]], [[Sunidhi Chauhan]], Malik and [[Kailash Kher]].<ref name="cast&crew" /><ref name="musicbh" /> The soundtrack was released in February 2005 on the record label [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]].<ref name="cast&crew" /><ref name="musicpb">{{Cite news |last=Bhasin |first=Shruti |title=Waqt Music Review |work=Planet Bollywood |url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=042806041903 |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505090404/http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=042806041903 |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref>

Shah said the production team had decided to include an unusual Holi song titled "Do Me A Favour, Let's Play Holi" with a contemporary sound, starting as a traditional folk song and ending with hip-hop. Shah said, "So in a way it shows the journey from where holi has started and where it has reached today. And to bring in a different feel we decided to start it with an English line.<ref name="shahholibh" /> Post the release of the album, the song became widely popular<ref name="shahbh" /><ref name="shahholibh" /> and it remains one of the most popular Bollywood Holi songs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rodrigues |first=Leroy |date=14 March 2014 |title=Top 5 Holi songs |work=[[Filmfare]] |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/top-5-holi-songs-5614.html |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402053940/http://www.filmfare.com/features/top-5-holi-songs-5614.html |archive-date=2 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 March 2020 |title=Holi 2020: Top Bollywood Holi tracks of all time |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/holi-2020-top-bollywood-holi-tracks-6307185/ |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328044700/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/holi-2020-top-bollywood-holi-tracks-6307185/ |archive-date=28 March 2020}}</ref>

''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' said the album is "satisfying", writing "The opening tracks of ''Waqt'' are good, but subsequent songs, starting from "Chhup Ja" get you all excited about the music. The Holi number and the club track are the pick of the lot, while "Miraksam" would also stay on for a few weeks at least."<ref name="musicbh" /> The review praised "Chhup Ja", calling it a "beautifully composed subtle love song", with great orchestra throughout and excellent singing by Nigam and Chauhan, and praising its "sweetly paced" lyrics by Sameer, which he thought stood out.<ref name="musicbh" /> The reviewer also noted "Do Me A Favour, Let's Play Holi" to be different from "a routine Holi number", calling it an "enjoyable affair" but said the "[[Rapping|rap]]'n'[[reggae]]" parts in "Miraksam" made it sound familiar.<ref name="musicbh" /> S. Sahaya Ranjit writing for ''[[India Today]]'' noted the album "showcases a new, improved Anu Malik" with "good melodies" that were "very carefully crafted". Ranjit also wrote, "'Miraksam 'is already a hit - a typical shaadi ka gana with lots of verve and wit. In "Toot Gaya", another facet of Kailash Kher's voice comes to the fore-very soulful."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20050502-music-review-bunty-aur-babli-my-brother-nikhil-taj-mahal-waqt-787803-2005-05-02|title=Melodic Bouquet|last=Ranjit|first=S Sahaya|work=[[India Today]]|date=2 May 2005|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510023045/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20050502-music-review-bunty-aur-babli-my-brother-nikhil-taj-mahal-waqt-787803-2005-05-02|archive-date=10 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Planet Bollywood'' rated the album 7.5 out of 10, noting the soundtrack has "a handful of chartbusters" and that it is "one of the better albums released" that year.<ref name="musicpb" /> The reviewer called the song "Subah Hogi" "infectious", noting "the perfect blend" of flutes and [[Tabla|tabla beats]] in the background, and Narayan and Yagnik's melodious singing on the track.<ref name="musicpb" /> The reviewer also praised Sameer's lyrics on "Toot Gaya", which he called an "impressive use of words to talk about heartbreak".<ref name="musicpb" /> The reviewer, however, was critical of the song "Apne Jahanke", calling it "boring".<ref name="musicpb" />

{{Track listing
| headline = Track listing<ref>{{Cite news |title=Waqt – The Race Against Time (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |work=[[iTunes]] |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/waqt-race-against-time-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1138037609 |url-status=live |access-date=2 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505090731/https://music.apple.com/us/album/waqt-race-against-time-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1138037609 |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref>
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Subah Hogi
| extra1 = [[Udit Narayan]], [[Alka Yagnik]]
| lyrics1 = [[Sameer (lyricist)|Sameer]]
| length1 = 5:44
| title2 = Apne Jahanke
| extra2 = [[Adnan Sami]], [[Sonu Nigam]]
| lyrics2 = Aatish Kapadia
| length2 = 6:05
| title3 = Miraksam
| extra3 = [[Sudesh Bhosle]], Sonu Nigam, [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]], [[Sunidhi Chauhan]]
| lyrics3 = Sameer
| length3 = 5:35
| title4 = Do Me A Favor Let's Play Holi
| extra4 = [[Anu Malik]], Sunidhi Chauhan
| lyrics4 = Sameer
| length4 = 6:29
| title5 = Toot Gaya
| extra5 = [[Kailash Kher]]
| lyrics5 = Sameer
| length5 = 7:12
| title6 = Tandav Music
| extra6 = [[Instrumental]]
| lyrics6 =
| length6 = 2:24
| title7 = Chhup Ja Chuup Ja
| extra7 = Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan
| lyrics7 = Sameer
| length7 = 5:56
}}

== Marketing and release ==
Marketing of ''Waqt: The Race Against Time'' started in November 2003 with the film's launch at Mumbai's Juhu Beach, which was held to attract public attention to the film.<ref name="shahbh" /><ref name="launchbh" /> Shah said, "I strongly believe that ''Waqt'' ... has a universal appeal and a father-son bonding that is highly identifiable. So I wanted the common man to be aware of it."<ref name="shahbh" /><ref name="launchbh" /> In late December 2004, the film's producers launched a line of greeting cards titled the "''Waqt'' Collection" in collaboration with [[Archies (company)|Archies]].<ref name="cardsbh">{{Cite news |date=24 December 2004 |title=Waqt on the cards! |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://indiafm.com/scoop/04/dec/2412waqt/index.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051016095631/http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/04/dec/2412waqt/index.shtml |archive-date=16 October 2005}}</ref> This strategy was intended to showcase the "quiet bond of fathers and sons"; the cards had sections titled "Dear Father" and "Dear Son", and the sections included Bachchan's autograph and Kumar's personalised message, respectively.<ref name="cardsbh" /> The two teasers of the film—one trailer and one song promo—were released on 30 January 2005. This was the first time that two teasers for a single Bollywood film had been released on the same day.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 January 2005 |title=Waqt promos on Air from Sunday |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/jan/2701waqt/index.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051129070144/http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/jan/2701waqt/index.shtml |archive-date=29 November 2005}}</ref> [[Taran Adarsh]] noted the trailers created a "stir" and that it was "creating a lot of buzz in the industry circles".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |date=1 February 2005 |title='Waqt' promos create a stir |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/feb/0102waqt/index.shtml |url-status=dead |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051120154158/http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/feb/0102waqt/index.shtml |archive-date=20 November 2005}}</ref> In March 2005, the producers released a brochure that was written by Bachchan, who wrote a story describing the relationship between his character with his son.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 March 2005 |title=Bachchan writes 'Waqt' story |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/mar/2403amit/index.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051122230431/http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/mar/2403amit/index.shtml |archive-date=22 November 2005}}</ref>

[[File:Shefali Vipul.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A photograph of Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Shefali Shah looking towards the camera|[[Vipul Amrutlal Shah]] (pictured with his wife Shefali) wanted the film to reach a wider audience and hence the marketing was planned accordingly]]

To promote the film, a contest titled "''Waqt'': Dad & I with Akshay" was held with collaboration with the [[Fame Cinemas]] chain, offering a bicycle ride with Kumar, movie tickets, merchandise, clothing, autographed music [[CD]]s and brochures of the film as prizes.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 April 2005 |title=Bike ride with Akshay |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/apr/1604akshay/index.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050915125242/http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/apr/1604akshay/index.shtml |archive-date=15 September 2005}}</ref> In a collaboration with greeting-card retailer [[Archies (company)|Archies]], the film's producers launched a toy called Geri Giraffe, greeting cards, soft toys, stationery and posters that were sold through Archies outlets.<ref name="giraffebh">{{Cite news |date=19 April 2005 |title=Watch out for Geri! |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/apr/1904vipul/index.shtml |url-status=dead |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051121123022/http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/apr/1904vipul/index.shtml |archive-date=21 November 2005}}</ref> Bachchan promoted the film internationally by participating in press interviews in New York.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 April 2005 |title=Amitabh in New York! |work=Rediff.com |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/12ab.htm |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325043152/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/12ab.htm |archive-date=25 March 2016}}</ref> Kumar had bought the rights of the film to pay tribute to his father, and included a photograph of his father before the opening credits of the film, saying the film felt "autobiographical" to him because he shared a similar relationship with his own father.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 April 2005 |title=Why is Akki distributing Waqt? |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/apr/0504waqt/index.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051016095951/http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/apr/0504waqt/index.shtml |archive-date=16 October 2005}}</ref> Kumar said:
<blockquote>I'm dedicating this film to my father. I've bought the distribution rights, so that I can see my father's photograph there. It's personally a very close film to me. I've worked very honestly in this film. I haven't bought the rights to the film in order to make money, but to pay a respectful tribute to my father.<ref name="akrediff" /></blockquote>

''Waqt: The Race Against Time'' was premiered at the Mumbai [[IMAX]] theatre on 21 April 2005; the event was attended by the whole cast and crew.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Waqt premieres in Mumbai! |work=Rediff.com |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/21lead1.htm |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050423213706/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/21lead1.htm |archive-date=23 April 2005}}</ref> The film was distributed by [[Eros International]] and was made on a production and marketing budget of {{INR}}160 million, and was released on 22 April 2005 on 400 screens.<ref name="boxoffice" /><ref name="cast&crew" /> The film had a good opening at the box office.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Box Office 2005 |work=Box Office India |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=211&catName=MjAwNQ== |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014132120/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=211&catName=MjAwNQ== |archive-date=14 October 2013}}</ref> It collected over {{INR}}19 million on its opening day and {{INR}}57.8 million in its opening weekend at the domestic box office, and collected over {{INR}}133.5 million on its international opening weekend.<ref name="boxoffice" /> The film also had a "solid" opening in the overseas markets such as the United Kingdom and North America.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pais |first=Arthur J |date=26 April 2005 |title=Bollywood abroad: Waqt shines, Lucky loses |work=Rediff.com |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/waqt/20050426.htm |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119144654/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/waqt/20050426.htm |archive-date=19 November 2015}}</ref> In its first week, the film collected {{INR}}93.7 million at the domestic box office and over {{INR}}200 million worldwide.<ref name="boxoffice" /> During its box-office run, the film grossed {{INR}}292 million in India and over {{INR}}132.5 million overseas for a total worldwide gross of over {{INR}}424.8 million.<ref name="boxoffice2005">{{Cite news |title=Top Worldwide Grosser 2005 |work=Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/worldwide-total-gross.php?year=2005 |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626205210/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/worldwide-total-gross.php?year=2005 |archive-date=26 June 2019}}</ref> The film was a box-office success,<ref name="boxoffice" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 May 2005 |title=Bollywood box-office report |work=Rediff.com |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/may/10box.htm |url-status=live |access-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704203515/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/may/10box.htm |archive-date=4 July 2008}}</ref> becoming the [[List of Bollywood films of 2005|seventh highest-grossing Bollywood film of the year]].<ref name="boxoffice2005" /> ''Waqt: The Race Against Time'' was an even-bigger success in the overseas market, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it was the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2005.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Overseas Earnings |work=Box Office India |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=overseas_earners |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029203113/http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=overseas_earners |archive-date=29 October 2013}}</ref><ref name="erosdna" />

''Waqt: The Race Against Time'' was released on [[DVD]] on 6 June 2005 across all regions on an [[NTSC]]-format disc that was issued by [[Eros International|Eros Entertainment]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005) |work=[[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] |url=https://www.amazon.com/Waqt-Against-Bollywood-Indian-Cinema/dp/B004BF0DG6 |url-status=live |access-date=2 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130100216/http://www.amazon.com/Waqt-Against-Bollywood-Indian-Cinema/dp/B004BF0DG6 |archive-date=30 November 2014}}</ref> The DVD includes bonus features such as the making of the film, press meet and interviews, and the film's premiere.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Waqt (DVD) |work=[[Induna.com|Induna]] |url=https://www.induna.com/1000000725-productdetails/ |url-status=live |access-date=2 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621161741/http://www.induna.com/1000000725-productdetails/ |archive-date=21 June 2016}}</ref> The [[video CD]] version was released at the same time.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Waqt – The Race Against Time VCD |work=WebMall India |url=http://www.webmallindia.com/buy-vcd-online-hindi-movie-waqt---the-race-against-time-p-1855.html |url-status=live |access-date=2 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505090901/http://www.webmallindia.com/buy-vcd-online-hindi-movie-waqt---the-race-against-time-p-1855.html |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref> The film had its television premiere on the Indian subscriber channel [[Sony Max]] on 8 January 2006.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 September 2005 |title=Max to go big bang with blockbusters in Ist quarter 2006 |work=[[Indian Television Academy Awards|Indiantelevision.com]] |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/marketing/mam/max-to-go-big-bang-with-blockbusters-in-ist-quarter-2006 |url-status=live |access-date=2 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505090959/https://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/marketing/mam/max-to-go-big-bang-with-blockbusters-in-ist-quarter-2006 |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref>

== Reception ==
[[Taran Adarsh]] of ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' gave ''Waqt: The Race Against Time'' 3.5 out of 5, calling it a "must-see for every parent and every child" and writing, "''Waqt: The Race Against Time'' is a well-made family entertainer that makes you laugh and cry, thanks to the strong emotional quotient in the film. Here's a film that should strike a chord with every family."<ref name="reviewbh">{{Cite news |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |date=21 April 2005 |title=Waqt – The Race Against Time |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/7356/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117011031/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/7356/index.html |archive-date=17 November 2011}}</ref> Adarsh also praised the "first-rate" cinematography that makes the film look "visually rich" and the "opulent" production design.<ref name="reviewbh" /> Praising the performances, he wrote:
<blockquote>Bachchan proves yet again that he's invincible when it comes to dramatics. The energy and vigor with which he performs every scene and dance make you look at him in complete awe. Kumar ... handles his part with complete understanding of the character and scores in the emotional moments, mainly in the post-interval portions. Shefali Shah ... conveys the pathos convincingly. Also, she matches the Big B at every step. Chopra doesn't get meaty scenes in the enterprise, but she does leave an impact nonetheless. Boman Irani excels and together with Rajpal Yadav brings the house down. Yadav specially is outstanding.<ref name="reviewbh" /></blockquote>

''Planet Bollywood'' gave the film 8 out of 10, calling it a "perfect family film" with "drama, comedy, good performances and a good social theme", and praised Shah's direction, writing "Vipul Shah’s direction gets his message across about parents giving more responsibility to their children. The story moves much faster once the real drama begins in the second half."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bhasin |first=Shruti |date=21 April 2005 |title=Waqt – Movie Review |work=Planet Bollywood |url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=041806062636 |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327203344/http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=041806062636 |archive-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> Writing for ''[[India Today]]'', film critic [[Anupama Chopra]] called the film "unashamedly cheesy and surprisingly moving" and "a good time pass", concluding "Vipul Amrutlal Shah and his writer Aatish Kapadia are not afraid of bringing out the violins and yanking at heart-strings. So the film has genuinely touching scenes and some easy laughs provided by Boman Irani and Rajpal Yadav."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |date=9 May 2005 |title=Tears and Tugs |work=[[India Today]] |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/19700101-film-review-of-waqt-the-race-against-time-starring-amitabh-bachchan-akshay-kumar-787818-2005-05-09 |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505091118/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/19700101-film-review-of-waqt-the-race-against-time-starring-amitabh-bachchan-akshay-kumar-787818-2005-05-09 |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref> ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' called the film a "belt-and-braces Bollywood family drama" and wrote "pitched squarely at Indian [audiences], both at home and overseas, who like their entertainment traditional. For Western viewers, [this film] just gets by on its unabashed charm and minor wrinkles to the formula."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Elley |first=Derek |date=4 May 2005 |title=Waqt: The Race Against Time |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://variety.com/2005/film/reviews/waqt-the-race-against-time-1200526104/ |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505091209/https://variety.com/2005/film/reviews/waqt-the-race-against-time-1200526104/ |archive-date=5 May 2020}}</ref>

[[Indo-Asian News Service]] critic Subhash K. Jha praised Kapadia's writing and said his "one-liners and quips flow out with constant and instant comic consequences". Jha also wrote the film's "inherent transparency of purpose and sincerity of expression guide the lengthy family saga through a series of carefully nurtured slopes and dips that culminate in a rabble-rousing emotionally cataclysmic climax".<ref name="skjreview">{{Cite news |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |title=Waqt – The Race Against Time Movie Review |work=Glamsham |url=http://www.glamsham.com/movies/reviews/waqt.asp |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729105200/http://www.glamsham.com/movies/reviews/waqt.asp |archive-date=29 July 2013}}</ref> Jha said the film did not require so many songs and praised the performances, noting Bachchan's "leonine strides" across the film that create an "atmosphere conducive to pleasurable acting for the entire cast"; Kumar's performance "beyond anything he has done so far"; Shah's expressive eyes that convey "spousal and matriarchal pain that you come home with"; Chopra for creating and leaving "a sinewy impression" despite not being pivotal to the plot; the outstanding characterisation of Yadav and his "deadpan depiction of the exasperatingly daft" domestic servant; and Irani's "ever-bubbling brilliancy" and sarcasm that "brings miles of smiles and acres of chuckles".<ref name="skjreview" /> ''[[Rediff.com]]'' praised the film's humour but said the film has an excessive number of songs, calling some of them an "unnecessary burden" and wrote, "''Waqt'' might manage to warm the cockles, it simply doesn't turn up the heat. It leaves you wanting more. Watch ''Waqt'' if you are a serious AB-Akki fan or have the time to kill."<ref>{{Cite news |last=D'Souza |first=Vishal |date=22 April 2005 |title=Waqt loses the race |work=Rediff.com |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/22waqt.htm |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828014635/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/22waqt.htm |archive-date=28 August 2019}}</ref>

== {{anchor|Accolades}}Accolades ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
!scope="col"| Award
!scope="col"| Date{{efn|Linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.}}
!scope="col"| Category
!scope="col"| Recipient(s) and nominee(s)
!scope="col"| Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Filmfare Awards]]
| rowspan="2" |[[51st Filmfare Awards|25 February 2006]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
| {{Sort|Shah|[[Shefali Shah]]}}
| {{nom}}
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" |<ref name="awardsbh">{{Cite news |title=Waqt – The Race Against Time : Awards and Nominations |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/awards/7356/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=2 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121220413/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/awards/7356/index.html |archive-date=21 November 2011}}</ref>
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role|Best Performance in a Comic Role]]
| {{Sort|Yadav|[[Rajpal Yadav]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
!scope="row" | [[International Indian Film Academy Awards]]
| [[7th IIFA Awards|17 June 2006]]
| [[IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role|Best Performance in a Comic Role]]
| {{Sort|Irani|[[Boman Irani]]}}
| {{nom}}
|style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="awardsbh" />
|-
!scope="row" | [[Producers Guild Film Awards]]
| 21 January 2006
| [[Producers Guild Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role|Best Actor in a Leading Role]]
| {{sort|Kumar|[[Akshay Kumar]]}}
| {{nom}}
|style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=2nd Apsara Awards Nominees |url=http://apsaraawards.org/2nd_apsara_awards_nominees.html |publisher=[[Producers Guild Film Awards|Apsara Awards]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022604/http://apsaraawards.org/2nd_apsara_awards_nominees.html |archive-date=5 March 2016 |access-date=16 December 2012}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" | [[Screen Awards]]
| 11 January 2006
| [[Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
| {{Sort|Shah|[[Shefali Shah]]}}
| {{nom}}
|style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="awardsbh" />
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Stardust Awards]]
| rowspan="2" | 2006
| [[Stardust Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
| {{Sort|Shah|[[Shefali Shah]]}}
| {{won}}
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Stardust Awards 2005 |series=Stardust Awards |network=SET Max |date=February 2006}}</ref>
|-
| [[Stardust Award for Superstar of Tomorrow – Female|Superstar of Tomorrow – Female]]
| {{Sort|Chopra|[[Priyanka Chopra]]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
!scope="row" | [[Zee Cine Awards]]
| 4 March 2006
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor – Male|Best Actor – Male]]
| {{sort|Kumar|[[Akshay Kumar]]}}
| {{nom}}
|style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="awardsbh" />
|}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Bollywood Hungama movie|waqt-race-against-time}}
* {{IMDb title|0390614}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2005 films]]
[[Category:2000s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Anu Malik]]
[[Category:Films directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah]]
[[Category:Indian films based on plays]]

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Waqt: The Race Against Time