| The
story of this film is simple. An ex-squadron leader, Veer Pratap Singh
(Khan) is a convict stuck in a prison cell in Lahore.
He
hasn't uttered a single word in the last 22 years for reasons best
known to him.
Saamiya
Siddiqui (Mukherji) is an amateur lawyer determined to fight his
case and prove his innocence. Why is he here? Why not an Indian
prison? What was his crime?
After
some persuasion, Veer recites his story, about the circumstances
in which he was framed, his love for a Pakistani woman, Zaara Haayat
Khan (Zinta), and how they were separated due to reasons beyond
their control.
How
Saamiya, fights his cause form the climax of the movie.
Yash
Chopra is back at doing what he does best - touching the romantic
within us. Veer Zaara is an intense, emotionally charged,
mature love story that never loses focus.
The
audience are spared silly comic tracks or item numbers that have
no relevance to the story.
Chopra
should be praised for creating a story, which despite being a tale
of cross-border love, it steers clear of unwanted political overtones.
Obviously
being a Yash Raj Film, the film is technically rich. The cinematography
is breathtaking. The colours he uses to paint the picture, match
the mood of the narrative, with almost each frame proving to be
flawless.
The
music by the late Madan Mohan is not of chartbusting quality but
again it goes with the ambience of the film.
The
most likable include 'Tere Liye', 'Main Yahaan Hoon' and the 'Lodi'
song.
Dialogues
by Aditya Chopra are mind-blowing. Veer's climax speech in the courtroom,
Saamiya's outburst at the opposing lawyer (Anupam Kher) and some
of the exhanges between Veer and Zaara are applause worthy.
But
the strongest point of Veer-Zaara beyond a doubt is the performances.
I am not a big Shah Rukh Khan fan. And I never have been. I find
him repetitive and unwilling to take chances with his roles - more
recently so.
But
he finally gets out of a rut and delivers what would one define
as the best performance of his career. As the younger Veer, he is
his usual sprightly self.
His
role as the old convict is the best. His mannerisms and expressions
bowl you over and he deserves an award for his performance.
Amongst
the leading ladies, Preity looks like a million bucks which is expected,
being a Yash Chopra heroine.
She
comes across as a complete natural and it is safe to say that we
have finally found a replacement for Kajol.
As
for the gritty, yet insecure lawyer Rani, she isn't far behind though.
Of
the two, hers is the shorter role but far more challenging. She
is a revelation in some of the confrontational scenes. Like Shah
Rukh, she too is bound to win some accolades at the award ceremonies
next year.
One
of the shortcomings of Veer Zaara is it's sluggish pace.
Chopra takes time to introduce each of his characters which is all
well and done but at times you get restless and fidgety.
Additionally,
cutting a song or two will bring more impact to the story. Besides
that this is a typical Yash Chopra film with fields, flying dupattas
and a story with a strong emotional undercurrent.
If
you are after a K3G or Kal Ho Naa Ho kinda film then
you are in for a disappointment.
Veer
Zaara has more of a classic feel to it along the lines of Devdas
and is more likely to appeal to older, more mature audiences.
All
in all it's a very sensible and mature film that has the makings
of a classic regardless of it's fate at the box office. See it .
Jay
Mamtora
Guest reviewer
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