What Works
The noble intention behind the film
What Doesn’t
The poor execution
Intermission Break
Take one whenever you need it!
Watch or Skip?
Watch Parmanu or the first Satyamev Jayate if you want to see John Abraham in a patriotic role done well.
Language
Hindi
Where to Watch
In theaters
Duration
151 minutes
Rating: 3/5 stars
The Story
Set in rural Rajasthan, Vedaa tells the story of a Dalit family persecuted by the village Pradhan (Abhishek Banerjee) and his cronies. The arrival of a disgraced ex-army officer, Abhimanyu (John Abraham), changes things. Having been court-martialed and carrying the trauma of losing his wife to terrorists, Abhimanyu finds himself caught in a caste-fueled conflict. The headstrong Vedaa (Sharvari Wagh), who dreams of becoming a boxer, becomes his ally as they fight against caste discrimination and brutality.
The Review
Aseem Arrora’s script stumbles right from the start. While the film opens with an intense anti-terrorism action sequence, it feels detached from the core story and serves little purpose beyond showcasing John Abraham’s action chops. Abhimanyu, a disillusioned soldier, finds himself in Rajasthan, where caste oppression runs rampant. Vedaa, a young Dalit woman, aspires to become a boxer, but the village’s caste hierarchy, enforced by the cruel Pradhan, stands in her way. Despite the grim circumstances, Abhimanyu secretly trains her, leading to a showdown between them and the upper-caste oppressors.
The story follows a predictable path filled with clichés. Vedaa’s brother falls in love with the Pradhan’s daughter, sparking a violent conflict. As they flee from the Pradhan’s wrath, Abhimanyu and Vedaa end up escaping in an old, mysteriously well-fueled ambulance, leading to an absurd series of chases and confrontations. The film tries to raise important issues, but instead of tackling them meaningfully, it descends into a chaotic and illogical action-fest. Vedaa’s boxing ambitions are barely utilized, and her legal knowledge, intended to play a pivotal role, gets overshadowed by the nonsensical violence.
Vedaa’s execution is its biggest downfall. The absurdity only increases as the film progresses, with scenes of courtroom explosions and villains attacking with reckless abandon. Abhimanyu, despite enduring multiple injuries, miraculously survives long enough to deal justice in a manner that questions the necessity of the legal system altogether. The title, Vedaa—Samvidhan Ka Rakshak, suggests a protector of the constitution, but this theme gets lost amidst the chaos.
The Performances
Sharvari Wagh, as Vedaa, delivers a decent performance, but her potential is wasted due to the poorly written script. She deserved better after impressive roles in The Forgotten Army and Munjya. John Abraham’s action scenes are intense, but his character is ultimately one-dimensional, stuck in a cycle of underwhelming patriotic roles. Abhishek Banerjee shines as the menacing Pradhan, delivering a chilling performance as a villain who uses charm as a weapon. Unfortunately, the rest of the cast, including veterans like Ashish Vidyarthi, feel underutilized.
Direction & Music
The direction is a letdown. Nikkhil Advani seems to have forgotten the lessons of his better films, and Vedaa falls into familiar traps of over-the-top violence and weak storytelling. The music is forgettable, with even the item number “Mummyji” failing to leave a lasting impression. The dark, uninspired cinematography only adds to the dreary atmosphere of the film.
Final Thoughts
Vedaa aims to shed light on serious issues like caste oppression and corruption but falls short due to its chaotic and implausible execution. The film ends up mocking the very institutions and communities it tries to defend, with an extra half-star awarded solely for its attempt to raise awareness about Dalit issues. Unfortunately, the film’s heart is in the right place, but its head is lost in a messy, over-the-top narrative.
