Vedaa Review

Despite our many admirable qualities, the harsh reality of women's plight in a society riddled with sexism, patriarchy and caste discrimination cannot be ignored. Vedaa draws inspiration from real-life cases like Manoj-Babli (2007) and Meenakshi Kumar (2015), which, if you delve into them, will leave you deeply shaken. Films like Vedaa are crucial as they prompt us to reflect, become more informed, and strive for a more empathetic and progressive India.

Abhimanyu Kanwar (John Abraham), an ex-army officer court-martialled for disobeying orders, returns to the city of Barmer, Rajasthan, where he has a troubled past. Now working as a boxing coach, Abhimanyu encounters Vedaa (Sharvari), a young woman enduring immense trauma and violence from a society that enforces the caste system with an iron fist. The oppressors, self-styled rulers of the land, make life unbearable for her and her family. The film follows Abhimanyu as he guides Vedaa on her journey of resistance, ultimately delivering justice to those who have wronged her.

One of the intriguing aspects of Vedaa is how difficult it is to categorize. At first glance it appears to be a revenge thriller, but its themes also position it as an action drama with deep social relevance, like Prakash Jha's Apaharan and Anubhav Sinha's Article 15. The film begins as a gritty, grounded narrative, addressing serious social issues with tactical action sequences. It excels in building on the trauma and violence faced by Vedaa, thanks to the deft direction of Nikhil Advani and the powerful writing of Aseem Arora. The dialogues are powerful and the character interactions intense. The antagonists are crafted so well that you feel an intense hatred for them, empathizing deeply with Vedaa's pain.

However, as it progresses, the film loses some of its initial intensity, and occasionally shifts into a more commercial Bollywood mode, complete with dramatic dialogues reminiscent of John Abraham's Satyamev Jayate 2. The transition from drama to action is not as seamless as it could have been, leaving you feeling rather whiplashed. In addition, the climax set in the high court is overextended, and a couple of songs (Holiyaan and Mummy Ji) are out of place, making the runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes longer than necessary.

The movie can also feel primal and brutal. Hard-hitting themes sometimes need to be softened for mass appeal - something that Asuran managed so effectively - and the movie fails with that. But before dismissing the film as exaggerated, consider the real-life stories from Barmer, where countless women live in fear, particularly those from lower castes. This grim reality makes Vedaa more than just another revenge action film. Through its unsparing sequences, the film starkly illustrates the deep societal divide between the privileged few who consider themselves above the law and those who are made to feel guilty simply for existing.

The cast of Vedaa deliver stellar performances across the board. John Abraham is perfect as a man of few words, whose silent suffering is palpable. His towering presence and pent-up rage make his violent outbursts all the more believable. Sharvari shines as Vedaa, showcasing not only physical prowess in the action scenes but also a remarkable range in emotional moments. She has all the makings of a star, and her performance in this film is quite impressive.

The supporting cast is equally strong. Kshitij Chauhan, as the vile and privileged chhota pradhan, is someone you'll love to hate. Ashish Vidyarthi, portraying a bigoted instigator, and Abhishek Banerjee, playing the villianous Sarpanch, are both excellent in their roles. Banerjee's transformation from a seemingly level-headed villain to a ruthless, unhinged antagonist is particularly noteworthy.

The action choreography in Vedaa is something to marvel at. From an ambush in Kashmir to a John Wick-style room-to-room brawl in Pratap Singh's mansion, the film delivers on a technical level, even if it sometimes vacillates between grounded realism and mass appeal. The set-pieces, including a thrilling car chase and Sharvari's moments of redemption, are expertly executed. John's one-handed ammunition reload is a standout moment that elevates the action sequences.

Vedaa is far from a typical revenge thriller. It's a film that forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about society, wrapped in a package that tries to balance intense drama with high-octane action. While it has its flaws, particularly in its pacing and genre transitions, it's a film worth watching for its powerful performances and thought-provoking themes. If you're looking for a movie that goes beyond entertainment to offer a commentary on societal issues, Vedaa is a compelling choice. However, it's gut-wrenching in places, and is not for kids or dates.

P. S. There was a lot of confusion around Vedaa with some Hindi media outlets inaccurately portraying it as a remake of the Tamil film Vedalam. It's an entirely different narrative.