Vedaa Review: Can Abhimanyu and Vedaa Overcome the Odds in Barmer? “Vedaa,” directed by Nikhil Advani and starring John Abraham and Sharvari, is an action-drama that is both visually stunning and emotionally impactful. The film, now playing in theatres, tells the story of Abhimanyu (John Abraham), an ex-soldier from the Gorkha Regiment who was court-martialled for disobeying orders during a mission in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Stripped of his benefits from the Indian government, Abhimanyu finds himself in Barmer, Rajasthan, where casteism is rampant.
In Barmer, Vedaa (Sharvari) is born into a Dalit family and faces severe oppression from the higher caste. Despite her desire to learn boxing, she is initially barred from training. However, Abhimanyu, hired to train young adults in the city, takes her under his wing and trains her separately, empowering her to fight back against the injustices she faces.
The film’s narrative revolves around whether Vedaa can overcome the caste-based oppression in Barmer or if she will be subdued by those in power. The story also explores Abhimanyu’s journey and his role in Vedaa’s fight for justice.
Strengths of “Vedaa”
“Vedaa” is a no-nonsense drama that strikes the right chord with its audience. The film is empowering and compelling, with standout performances from its cast. John Abraham delivers a subdued yet powerful performance as Abhimanyu, while Sharvari shines as Vedaa, showing signs of becoming a bona fide movie star. Abhishek Banerjee, in a menacing role, makes the audience loathe him, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
The action sequences in “Vedaa” are mind-blowing and visually spectacular, making the audience hoot and clap. These scenes are shot extraordinarily, providing a visual treat. The film’s relevance is heightened by recent tragic events, making its message even more poignant.
Areas for Improvement
While “Vedaa” excels in execution, its story is not entirely novel. The conflicts presented are familiar, and the film takes some cinematic liberties that slightly dilute its impact. Additionally, the runtime could have been shorter to maintain a tighter narrative. Despite these minor drawbacks, “Vedaa” remains a great watch.
Performances in “Vedaa”
John Abraham is excellent as Abhimanyu, delivering intense action scenes. Sharvari impresses as Vedaa, particularly in a standout action scene in the second half. Abhishek Banerjee is convincingly menacing, while Tamannaah Bhatia, Kshitij Chauhan, and Ashish Vidyarthi deliver solid performances in their respective roles.
Final Vedaa Review: “Vedaa” is a hard-hitting film that truly empowers its audience. The action sequences are adrenaline-pumping, and the dialogues are clap-worthy. However, viewers should be aware that the film contains heavy and potentially triggering content.