Veer-Zaara

Reviewed by: Vijay Venkataramanan Reviewer's Rating: 9 out of 10

It's Diwali - the time for sweets, new clothes, fireworks, and as is customary every year in India, a star-studded, feel-good blockbuster. Yash Chopra's reclamation of the director's throne after seven long years is a simple return to the classical traditions of mainstream Indian film-making. The flair and sensitivity for romance is intact along with the passion for deep-rooted cultural and traditional mis-en-scene. However, neither is "Veer Zaara" a classic, nor is it even remotely comparable to Chopra's earlier masterpieces such as "Silsila", "Kaala Pathar", "Kabhie Kabhie", and "Lamhe". Yet, it is an ideal Diwali gift, exquisitely packaged, filled to the brim with sentiments and emotions, presented with only the best of intentions.

Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh (Shahrukh Khan) has been decaying in a Pakistani prison for twenty-two years. Saamiya Siddiqui (Rani Mukherjee), a local lawyer representing the Human Rights Commission undertakes the challenge of fighting for Veer so he can return to India. As Saamiya tries to unearth the hidden truth behind why and how Veer ended up in this situation, we are taken through a trip down memory lane as Veer recollects the days when he found and lost the love of his life, a Pakistani girl called Zaara (Priety Zinta).

What "Veer Zaara" lacks in terms of an innovative plot structure, it more than makes up for with Aditya Chopra's sometimes flawed, but sensitive writing. The supporting characters are extremely well fleshed out, and his dialogs witty and subtle. The storytelling is further enhanced with Javed Akhtar's lyrical wizardry, and Yash Chopra's tact for stretching defining moments of the story into musical interludes continues to fascinate. "Do pal ruka, khwaabon ka kaarvaan", a fine example of Mr. Akhtar's and Mr. Chopra's brilliance remains etched in your memory.

The film's grand-scale packaging is embellished by Sharmishta Roy's artistic, and exquisitely detailed production design, with each set being highly reflective of the characters that it holds in. Cinematographer Anil Sharma (Lagaan, Kal Ho Na Ho) sets up a rustic, yet opulent scheme to the film's largely rural setting that brings back memories of the evergreen "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge".

Actors including the great Amitabh Bachchan (who makes a stunning special appearance in this film with Hema Malini) have always elevated their performances to higher levels under Yash Chopra's baton. Rani Mukherjee follows in the same footsteps, playing the rookie lawyer with an admirable juxtaposition of nervousness and ferocity. While Preity Zinta and Shahrukh Khan too perform well in their respective roles, at no point does one feel that these two talented actors are ever challenged with roles such as these. Having played the loverboy so many times in the past, Veer Pratap Singh is a cakewalk for the Khan. The lead pair's chemistry from their younger days all the way to the days of their fifties is highly appreciable however. The supporting cast comprising of Divya Dutta, Kirron Kher, Boman Irani, and Manoj Bajpai make full use of their well-defined characters to enact high-caliber performances.

Other than the story of two fanatically devoted lovers, "Veer Zaara" is a progressive film for the Indian Film Industry because it makes an effort to break stereotypes with respect to Indo-Pak relations. It is a welcome change from the mindless Pak-bashing fare that we are routinely subjected to. Sensitive approaches like this first of all would help improve cultural ties, considering Hindi movies do comprise of a large portion of India's unofficial exports to Pakistan. Equally important is the economic factor because a culturally sensitive film like "Veer Zaara" is bound to officially open up a potentially huge, untapped, cinema-going audience across the border

"Veer-Zaara" was shown as part of an international film series at my local public library. It is the first Bollywood musical I have ever seen, and as such, I lack the critical perspective necessary to make an informed judgement about it. However, I did rate "Veer-Zaara" seven out of ten, because I found it consistently entertaining, and often entirely delightful. I was never once bored - in spite of its three hour plus running time. In order to appreciate any form of musical drama, it's necessary to "surrender" to theatrical artifice, and seen in that light, "Veer-Zaara" is no more illogical or "unrealistic" than a classic Vincent Minnelli Musical or a "serious" Verdi opera. I was also very intrigued at the way that the plot of the film crossed several genres and combined a number of classic story-telling archetypes: "the star-crossed lovers," "the village pastorale," "the saga of family honor," "the courtroom drama," etc.

Watching this film I think I learned a lot about modern Indian culture. Although at times the sentimentality in "Veer-Zaara" is so gushing that it enters into the realm of camp, there is also much substance in the film which is entirely admirable and worthy of esteem: the honor paid to parents and elders, the independence and spirit shown by strong and intelligent women, the respect given to Law and Justice, and perhaps most importantly, the possibility of peace and reconciliation between two peoples and two nations who have been engaged in a long, bitter, and fruitless quarrel.

Best movie in the history of Indian cinema . Veer-Zaara is an absolute cinematic masterpiece that beautifully captures the essence of love, sacrifice, and the power of human connection across borders. Directed by the legendary Yash Chopra, the film effortlessly blends emotion with stunning visuals, supported by a poignant and soulful soundtrack. Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta deliver unforgettable performances as the star-crossed lovers, Veer and Zaara. Their chemistry is heartwarming and authentic, making their journey incredibly moving. With breathtaking visuals, a hauntingly beautiful score by the legendary music director, Madan Mohan, and a message that transcends borders, Veer-Zaara is a must-watch for anyone.

Often it's the much-anticipated films that disappoint the most, but Veer Zaara lives up to the pre-release hype.

Just when you think you know where the story is going, you are pleasantly surprised and therefore enthralled as the story unveils.

People either love SRK or hate him, but I think he delivers what is necessary for this role without going over the top.

The surprise appearances are great, and Priety Zinta is getting better with every role.

Last, but certainly not least, the music is superb. If you have no other reason to see this movie, see it to know the story that was finally told with these beautiful songs.

10 out of 10

Many folks around the world do not remember the history that has transpired between India and Pakistan in the last 70 years. When India was subdivided into India, East Pakistan (later known as Bangladesh) and West Pakistan, it coincided with LOTS of sectarian violence between Hindus and Muslims. It also touched off wars and between one and two million people were killed! It was an awful time and led to both nations developing atomic weapons--after which, an uneasy stalemate has existed in the region. In this problem spot of the world is where this love story is based--a story about an Indian man (Shah Rukh Khan) and Pakistani woman (Preity Zinta).

The movie begins in Pakistan. Zaara's elderly grandmother is dying and begs her to take her ashed back to India where she was born. Despite the poor relations between the countries, Zaara agrees to go and during her journey (not surprisingly) she meets Veer and they soon fall in love. This portion of the film is very, very sweet--my favorite part of the film. However, things are NOT going to be easy--this IS an Indian romance and at over three hours in length, you know SOMETHING is going to come between their love.

What happens to Veer is something you'll have to see for yourself-- but it clearly is an awful injustice and is highly reminiscent of Dumas' "The Man in the Iron Mask". This film really takes you on an emotional roller-coaster, that's for sure! In the process, some of the biggest film stars in India are there to support the main characters--with Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher and Rani Mukerji on hand. While these names may not mean much to non-Bollywood fans, they are all mega- stars and make this one of the most star-studded Indian films I have ever seen. Combined with some amazing scenery and cinematography, clearly Yash Chopra pulled out all the stops to make this film.

Overall, this is a wonderful and stirring romance--and I highly recommend it. The only part that didn't ring true for me was the little speech made by Kher near the end...it just seemed a bit trite and hard to believe. Still, a terrific film and one that stars two of the most beautiful women ever to have appeared on screen as well as two terrifically handsome and virile leading men.