John Abraham’s “Vedaa” REVIEW

Story:
In “Pathaan,” Major Abhimanyu Kanwar (John Abraham), a former Indian soldier, returns to his hometown of Barmer, Rajasthan, to become an assistant boxing coach. The town is under the harsh control of Sarpanch Jitendar Pratap Singh (Abhishek Banerjee), who imposes oppressive caste rules. Vedaa Berwa (Sharvari), a determined woman from a lower caste, aspires to learn boxing despite societal obstacles. When tragedy strikes her family, Abhimanyu aids her escape from the Sarpanch’s men, who are intent on killing them. As the story unfolds, the reasons behind the Sarpanch’s relentless pursuit and Abhimanyu’s decision to protect Vedaa are revealed, showcasing a gripping narrative of resistance against caste oppression and personal sacrifice.

Pros:
John Abraham brings authenticity to his role as a principled soldier fighting against a corrupt system, adding significant gravitas. Sharvari impressively balances vulnerability with inner strength in her performance. Abhishek Banerjee excels as the menacing Sarpanch, delivering a chilling portrayal. The film’s action sequences are well-executed, and the unconventional music complements its tone effectively. Together, these elements create a compelling and engaging cinematic experience.

Cons:
Despite tackling real-life issues, the film falters with a predictable plot and sluggish pacing. The screenplay lacks the necessary tension, causing moments of disengagement. While the action scenes have their moments, they are often hindered by subpar VFX and illogical elements. The emotional depth is insufficient, making it hard for the audience to connect deeply with the characters. Seasoned actors like Ashish Vidyarthi are underutilized, and the Telugu dubbing, though adequate, fails to enhance the overall experience. The songs do not make a lasting impression, and the climax, which had potential to elevate the film, ultimately disappoints, leading to an unsatisfying conclusion.

Technical Aspects:

Director Nikkhil Advani’s work is notable but undermined by Aseem Arora’s weak script. Malay Prakash’s cinematography is effective, though Maahir Zaveri’s editing lacks precision. The music is decent, but the overall production values are average, impacting the film’s overall impact.

Verdict:
Overall, “Vedaa” offers a promising concept but falters due to a weak script and sluggish pacing. While John Abraham, Sharvari, and Abhishek Banerjee deliver strong performances, the film struggles to keep viewers engaged. For a more captivating weekend watch, you might want to skip this one and explore other options.

#Rating: 2.5/5

Director: Nikkhil Advani
Starring: John Abraham, Rajendra Chawla, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sharvari, Kumud Mishra, Abhishek Banerjee, and others.
Music Director: Amaal Mallik, Manan Bhardwaj, YuvaRaghav–Arjun
Cinematographer: Malay Prakash
Editor: Maahir Zaveri
Producers: Umesh KR Bansal, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani, John Abraham