Writer/Director: Yash Chopra
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukherji
‘A Mesmerizing Masterpiece’
Not many actresses in India are as beloved as Preity Zinta. Ever since her rise towards recognition in the 1990’s, Zinta has become a beloved icon in Bollywood. Whether it is passionate lovers, historical figures or the lovers of soldiers, Zinta has played several strong characters. Arguably, Zinta’s finest strength as an actress has always been her strong dramatic range. She is one of those rare actresses that has always had a talent for portraying characters in various genres. Through her abilities to portray characters audiences can relate to, Zinta has become a beloved actress with value. Throughout a powerful career, Zinta has made many bold movies which are undeniably worth talking about.
I’m a big fan of Zinta and adore all the films she has made in her career. However, “Veer-Zaara” truly stands out as being her most emotional movie. Released in 2004, Yash Chopra’s film offered a compelling portrait of doomed love. Packed with breathtaking musical numbers, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies ever made. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Preity Zinta, who embodies a woman that falls into a doomed love affair causing trauma. Ultimately, what makes “Veer-Zaara” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most Bollywood romantic films, the movie tackles themes everyone relates to. A riveting Bollywood romantic drama, there are many strong reasons why “Veer-Zaara” is worth watching.
“Veer-Zaara” tells story of romance among lovers from opposing countries. Shah Rukh Khan portrays Veer Pratap Singh, a Hindi Squadron leader which works for the Indian Air Force. Veer’s life changes when he falls in love with Zaara (Preity Zinta). Zaara is a Pakistani woman that comes from a social class that’s different. Veer takes a liking to Zaara even in spite of the fact she is from a different social class. However, the affair of the couple is threatened by barriers of their countries. When Zaara’s parents find out their daughter is in love with an Indian man, they strictly forbid her from meeting Veer. Wrongfully convicted for crimes that he did not commit, Veer is forced to spend the rest of his life in prison. Facing a dilemma, Zaara begins to question if she has any chances of pursuing romance with a man from India. As the pair of lovers are torn apart by terrifying circumstances beyond their control, they question whether they would ever achieve their goal.
Yash Chopra has always been fascinated by the romance genre. A fantastic filmmaker in India, he has been drawn to telling stories of romance. His film “Kabhi Kabhie” provided a glimpse at a romance that ended in tragedy. With “Veer-Zaara”, however, Chopra created his first drama capturing partition in India. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture lovers that face barriers, but he succeeded. Using captivating cinematography, Chopra captures the journey of two lovers that bond from different countries. Visually, the film is a breathtaking feast for eyes. Chopra has a talent for making movies which are visually stunning, and “Veer-Zaara” is definitely no exception. It’s a beautifully shot film which is filled to brim with stunning visuals. Chopra successfully uses montages to capture the bonds between lovers which originate from different countries. For instance, montages enhance the Yeh Jo Desh Hai Tara musical sequence. During this heartfelt scene, Veer and Zaara bond together upon a trip taking place upon a truck. Through strong visuals, Chopra captures bonds between lovers that are lasting.
Another admirable aspect of “Veer-Zaara” is the production. Yash Chopra has always been skilled at staging music sequences in his films, “Veer-Zaara” is no exception. The movie is extremely made, and features the most stunning musical sequences that you will see in an Indian movie. Chopra expertly created unforgettable musical sequences using meticulous dance choreography. For instance, the stunning dance choreography enhances the “Main Yahan Hoon” musical scene. During this memorable scene, Zaara mourns the loss of Veer who isn’t visible at her wedding ceremony. One admires dance choreography capturing the bonds between a pair of lovers from different social classes. Moreover, the music score is unforgettable. Madan Mohan’s music captures the bonds between lovers that are torn apart by social class differences which are tragic. Through strong production-design, Chopra captures long-lasting bonds between couples which shine.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Veer-Zaara” is a classic Indian film that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses flashbacks to tell story about a romance between lovers that come from different social classes. Chopra’s finest screenwriting strength is capturing bonds of lovers through using non-linear storytelling. The film effectively switches back and forth between timelines: Veer’s prison years and his romance with Zaara in his past. Through this ingenious non-linear structure, Chopra captures hardships which lovers go through. For instance, non-linear storytelling elevates the opening jail scene. During this engaging scene, Veer tells tales of his past romance with Zaara from the confines of his jail. One admires non-linear storytelling capturing a bond between couples declining. Non-linear storytelling is a complex technique to use in most Bollywood films. As Karan Johar’s “My Name is Khan” claimed clearly, non-linear storytelling elevates films about terrorism. Nevertheless, it works really well in this film. Through a spectacular screenplay, Chopra captures bonds of lovers which come with a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Preity Zinta delivers one of her best career performances as Zaara. Zinta first earned appreciation playing heroines in Bollywood romance films. With “Veer-Zaara”, however, the actress took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a Pakistani woman that falls in love with an Indian pilot during a dark time in history but she succeeds immensely. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and riveting in her most emotional role. With captivating expressions, she captures bravery, courage and strong spirit of a Pakistani woman that defies her family’s traditions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most talented actresses in India.
Shah Rukh Khan is spectacular as an Indian pilot that falls into a doomed love affair that causes disaster. Khan achieved recognition by portraying star-crossed lovers in classic dramas. With “Veer-Zaara”, however, Khan took on his most tragic role. It isn’t easy to portray an Indian man wrongfully convicted of a crime which he didn’t commit, but Khan succeeds tremendously. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his natural charisma as a celebrated icon in India. With spellbinding expressions, Khan captures the bravery, desperation and lovesick nature of a man wrongfully convicted of a crime that he did not commit. It’s a stellar performance from one of the greatest actors in Bollywood today.
Lastly, Rani Mukherji merits appreciation. As a Pakistani lawyer, she brings gravitas to the movie.
Finally, “Veer Zaara” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing romances which endure a dilemma. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film discusses themes including identity, marriage and wrongful imprisonment which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Veer-Zaara” is one of those rare Bollywood movies that everyone will adore.
Fans of Preity Zinta would absolutely enjoy “Veer-Zaara” and so would audiences that seek heartfelt entertainment. A captivating Bollywood romantic drama, it celebrates an actress that’s beloved in India.
Nearly 22 years following the release of an iconic Bollywood film about a pair of lovers which are torn apart by cultural differences causing despair, it’s a riveting reminder of a beloved Indian actress that has established a successful career by making memorable movies about which audiences across the world have grown to care.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 