Veda Movie Review : “Veda,” starring John Abraham, Sharvari Wagh, and Tamannaah Bhatia, is a movie released on Independence Day, August 15th. Directed by Nikkhil Advani, this movie promises to deliver action, drama, and a socially charged message. With high expectations from John Abraham’s fans, the movie hit the theaters on a significant day in India’s calendar. But does it live up to the hype, or is it just another formulaic film in Bollywood’s vast repertoire? Let’s dive into the review of this film.
Plot Summary:
The movie centers around an army major named Abhimanyu Kaul, played by John Abraham. Abhimanyu is a strong and silent type, dedicated to his duty. However, due to some reason, he gets court-martialed and expelled from the army. His wife, played by Tamannaah Bhatia, dies during a terrorist attack during a military operation. Grief-stricken and lost, Abhimanyu retreats to his wife’s home in Rajasthan to live a quiet life.
Meanwhile, the movie introduces Vedaa, played by Sharvari Wagh. Vedaa belongs to a lower caste, and her brother and sister are brutally killed by higher caste men in her village. Vedaa is also targeted but manages to survive with the help of Abhimanyu. The core of the story revolves around caste-based oppression and the struggle between the upper and lower castes, focusing on the injustices faced by the lower caste in rural Rajasthan. The movie raises the question: Will Abhimanyu be able to protect Vedaa and seek justice for her family? And what was the reason behind Abhimanyu’s dismissal from the army?
John Abraham’s Role: A Silent Warrior
John Abraham plays the role of Abhimanyu Kaul with his signature intensity. He portrays a man of few words but packs a punch when it comes to action sequences. However, his performance feels repetitive. Over the years, John Abraham has carved out a niche for himself as an action hero, but in “Vedaa,” he sticks to his usual formula. There is little dialogue, and the focus remains on his physicality. Fans of John might enjoy his brooding, silent persona, but others may find it lacking depth and emotion.
The character of Abhimanyu does have an interesting arc. He is a man broken by personal tragedy, dealing with the loss of his wife and his place in the army. But instead of focusing on the emotional journey, the movie dives quickly into action. This leaves little room for character development, making his redemption arc less impactful.
Sharvari Wagh as Vedaa: A Promising Performance
Sharvari Wagh, playing the title character Vedaa, delivers a commendable performance. She portrays the pain and suffering of someone oppressed by the system with grace and strength. Her character is a symbol of resilience, standing up against the atrocities committed by the upper caste in her village. Her chemistry with John Abraham is decent, and they share a good on-screen presence.
However, the script doesn’t do complete justice to Sharvari’s character. While she has moments of strength and courage, she often relies heavily on John Abraham’s character for help and support. For a movie named after her, one would expect Vedaa to have more agency and control over her fate.
Tamannaah Bhatia’s Cameo
Tamannaah Bhatia’s role is small but significant. She plays Abhimanyu’s wife, whose death is a driving force behind the character’s actions. Although she has limited screen time, Tamannaah performs well, and her presence adds an emotional layer to the film. Unfortunately, her character remains underdeveloped, as the movie focuses more on the action sequences and social issues than her relationship with Abhimanyu.
Abhishek Banerjee and Aashish Vidyarthi: Supporting Roles
Abhishek Banerjee plays a crucial role in the movie. His performance is solid, but his character doesn’t align well with his real-life persona. Despite his effort, the character feels out of place, and the casting could have been better thought out. Aashish Vidyarthi, an actor known for his intense performances, plays a supporting role in the movie. He portrays Jitendra Pratap Singh, a powerful man in the village. Unfortunately, his character doesn’t allow him to showcase his full potential. He is mostly restricted to a few scenes that don’t give him enough scope to shine.
Direction by Nikkhil Advani
Nikkhil Advani has directed several acclaimed movies in Bollywood, and with “Vedaa,” he once again tries to tell a socially relevant story with an action-packed narrative. His attention to detail is evident in the way he captures Rajasthan and its unique culture. The cinematography is visually appealing, and the dusty landscapes of Rajasthan are well depicted.
However, the pacing of the movie becomes an issue. The first half feels slow and drags at times. There are several moments where the film loses momentum, making it difficult for the audience to stay engaged. It isn’t until the second half that the movie picks up speed and becomes more engaging.
Advani does a great job of building tension during the action sequences. The fight scenes are well-choreographed, and the cinematography during these moments is gripping. But where the movie falters is in its emotional storytelling. The plot feels predictable, and the characters, particularly John Abraham’s Abhimanyu, lack depth. The movie touches upon important issues like caste oppression, but it doesn’t explore them with the nuance they deserve.
Music and Background Score
The music in “Vedaa” is average. There are only a few memorable songs, with “Holiya Mein Ude Re Gulal” being the most notable one. This song captures the spirit of Rajasthan and adds a festive touch to the film. Other than that, the songs don’t leave much of an impact, and the background score is just as unremarkable. It complements the action sequences but doesn’t elevate the emotional scenes.
Music could have been a more significant part of the narrative, especially in a movie set in Rajasthan, a region known for its rich musical heritage. But sadly, the music falls short and feels more like an afterthought.
Themes of the Movie: Caste-Based Oppression and Redemption
One of the central themes of “Vedaa” is caste-based oppression. The movie tries to shed light on the evils of the caste system, particularly in rural areas of India. It portrays the brutal reality faced by the lower caste, who are often victims of violence and discrimination at the hands of the upper caste. Vedaa’s family tragedy is a reflection of this deep-rooted social issue.
The film also explores redemption. Abhimanyu’s journey from a court-martialed soldier to someone who stands up for justice is a significant part of the movie. His character arc follows the typical redemption storyline seen in many action movies. While the themes are noble, the execution feels familiar. There have been numerous films in Bollywood that have dealt with similar issues, and “Vedaa” doesn’t offer anything new or unique in this regard.
Predictable Storyline
If you’ve watched Bollywood movies for a while, the storyline of “Vedaa” will feel predictable. The plot of an upper-caste oppressor and a lower-caste victim, with a hero stepping in to save the day, has been done many times before. Even the romantic angle between an upper-caste woman and a lower-caste man leading to tragedy is a familiar trope in Indian cinema.
While the movie tries to introduce some twists, they are easy to anticipate. The film lacks the element of surprise, which could have made it more engaging. The movie’s familiarity may appeal to some viewers, but for others looking for something fresh and innovative, “Vedaa” may disappoint.
Final Verdict: Is “Vedaa” Worth Watching?
“Vedaa” is an action-packed film that deals with social issues like caste-based oppression. It has moments of intense action and drama, thanks to John Abraham’s performance and Nikkhil Advani’s direction. Sharvari Wagh also gives a notable performance as Vedaa, showing promise as an actress to watch out for in the future.
However, the movie suffers from a predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. The themes of caste-based violence and redemption are important but aren’t explored in a way that feels fresh or innovative. If you’re a fan of John Abraham’s action films, you might enjoy “Vedaa” for its action sequences and intense moments. But if you’re looking for a movie with depth and originality, this one may fall short.
Overall, “Vedaa” earns 2.5 stars out of 5. It’s worth a one-time watch, especially if you enjoy patriotic action-dramas, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.
