“Vedaa” is a film that attempts to tackle significant social issues like caste discrimination and gender inequality, set against a rural backdrop in Rajasthan. Directed by Nikkhil Advani, the movie features John Abraham, Sharvari Wagh, and Abhishek Banerjee in key roles. The film, while starting off strong with a gripping first half, loses momentum as it progresses, falling into a predictable narrative that undermines its potential. The story revolves around Vedaa (Sharvari Wagh), a Dalit girl with aspirations of becoming a boxer, and Abhimanyu (John Abraham), an ex-army officer who becomes her mentor. The conflict arises when Vedaa’s brother falls in love with the daughter of the village’s upper-caste leader, leading to a violent and chaotic series of events. Critics have praised Sharvari’s performance, noting her ability to carry the film through its weaker moments. Her portrayal of Vedaa is compelling, especially in scenes that emphasize the harsh realities of caste-based oppression. John Abraham, while delivering a solid action performance, is somewhat let down by the script, which shifts the focus away from the social commentary to more conventional action tropes as the film progresses. Abhishek Banerjee stands out as the menacing villain, adding intensity to the otherwise faltering narrative. Despite its noble intentions, the film is critiqued for its uneven pacing and reliance on clichés. The second half, in particular, is seen as a missed opportunity, where the initial depth of the story gives way to a more formulaic and less impactful conclusion. “Vedaa”, directed by Nikkhil Advani and starring John Abraham and Sharvari Wagh, is a film that delves into the complex issues of caste discrimination and social justice. Set in the rural heartlands of Rajasthan, the story follows Vedaa (Sharvari), a determined Dalit woman aspiring to become a boxer, and Abhimanyu (John Abraham), an ex-army officer who becomes her mentor amidst a brewing caste conflict. The film starts on a promising note, with a powerful first half that introduces a compelling narrative and characters. The early scenes are charged with emotional and social depth, effectively portraying the harsh realities of caste-based oppression. Vedaa’s journey is one of resilience and courage, and Sharvari’s performance is particularly lauded for bringing this to life with authenticity and intensity. However, as the film progresses into its second half, it struggles to maintain the momentum. The narrative shifts from its initial focus on social issues to more conventional action sequences, where Abhimanyu takes center stage. This shift is seen as a significant weakness, as it dilutes the impact of the film’s core message. The film falls into familiar tropes, with repetitive action scenes that undermine the complexity of the story. Critics have pointed out that while the film’s intentions are noble, the execution leaves much to be desired. The script, written by Aseem Arrora, is criticized for its uneven pacing and reliance on clichés, particularly in the latter half. Despite these shortcomings, the performances, especially by Sharvari and Abhishek Banerjee (who plays the menacing village leader), manage to keep the film engaging to an extent. John Abraham delivers a solid performance, staying true to his action-hero persona, but the film’s uneven narrative doesn’t allow his character to develop fully. The film could have been more impactful had it maintained the emotional depth and focus on the social issues introduced in the first half.
