Vedaa brings John Abraham back to the action scene, but this time, there’s more depth to his role. Alongside him, Sharvari plays a woman who faces immense challenges due to the caste system. The film dives into serious issues, combining John Abraham’s trademark action with a thought-provoking storyline.
One of Vedaa’s strengths is its attention to the harsh realities of caste discrimination. In a particularly striking scene, a lower-caste girl is so conditioned by the system that she feels compelled to ask an upper-caste woman to fill her water bottle. This deep-seated oppression is further highlighted when, instead of standing up for herself, she endures a brutal assault from upper-caste hooligans.
Vedaa’s Plot: A Fight for Justice
John Abraham stars as Major Abhimanyu Kanwar, a Gorkha officer who has been court-martialed. His life intersects with that of Vedaa, played by Sharvari. Vedaa has witnessed horrifying acts of violence; her brother was killed by Jitendra Pratap Singh (Abhishek Banerjee), a powerful village leader, and Singh also murdered another girl for being with a lower-caste man.
Determined to change her life, Vedaa wants to learn boxing despite the discouragement from those around her. Abhimanyu sees her potential and agrees to train her, which creates tension with other male boxers. As the antagonists continue to pursue her, seeking to kill her, the film follows Vedaa’s struggle to escape and seek justice.
Nikhil Advani, known for romantic dramas like Kal Ho Naa Ho, shows significant growth with Vedaa. The film begins with a lengthy disclaimer stating that it’s fictional, but the message about caste discrimination is clear and impactful. It challenges viewers to reflect on the absurdity of caste-based oppression and aims to provoke a strong reaction from those who still uphold these outdated beliefs.
What Misses the Mark
Despite its powerful themes, Vedaa has its flaws. The film sometimes stretches the limits of believability. For instance, John Abraham’s character endures multiple injuries, including being shot in the shoulder and later taking several more bullets, yet he keeps fighting. Meanwhile, the antagonist, Jitendra, remains surprisingly unfazed after being shot in the stomach. Such inconsistencies can detract from the film’s realism.
Additionally, the music, including tracks like “Holiyaan” and “Mummy Ji,” fails to add much value to the story. Instead of enhancing the narrative, these songs feel like unnecessary interruptions.
Performance Highlights
John Abraham delivers a solid performance, though it’s sometimes overshadowed by his larger-than-life physical presence. His portrayal of Abhimanyu is earnest, and his entry into the story—mourning his wife’s death and seeking revenge—is handled with a degree of subtlety. However, the film avoids the usual dramatic introductions for male heroes, which is a welcome change.
Sharvari, playing the titular role, effectively portrays Vedaa’s transformation from a victim to a determined fighter. Her character’s growth culminates in a dramatic courtroom showdown where she seeks justice. This scene is symbolically powerful, with John Abraham’s character using the “hammer of justice” as a weapon, highlighting the film’s thematic depth.
Abhishek Banerjee stands out as the antagonist, Jitendra Pratap Singh. His portrayal of passive aggression is compelling, and he convincingly holds his ground against John Abraham in their confrontations. Ashish Vidyarthi also delivers a strong performance as the patriarch.
Vedaa succeeds in its mission to address and critique the caste system, making a significant impact with its message. The film is visually and thematically engaging, and the effort put into each scene is evident. While it has some shortcomings, such as implausible action sequences and less effective musical elements, it remains a thought-provoking and hard-hitting drama. The attention to detail and the powerful performances make Vedaa a film worth watching, especially for those interested in stories that tackle social issues head-on.
