Veer-Zaara (2004) Poster

(2004)

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8/10
A visual and artistic treat about humanity, respect and the power of love against time and circumstances
Peter_Young7 July 2009
Yash Chopra's Veer-Zaara is a visually stunning and emotionally touching picture about star-crossed lovers who meet once and are tied forever. Chopra artistically combines realism with unrestrained emotion and even some overdone sentimentality. On paper, the love story itself, the separation and everything else is quite typical, but Chopra infuses it with a different energy, masterfully emphasising the respect the two leads have for each other, the honour they pay to parents and elders, and their genuine willingness to sacrifice themselves for each other. While it is a cross-border love story between an Indian and a Pakistani, their nationality is not what really prevents them from being together. The lovers connect at the human level. Phenomenally well shot, Veer-Zaara flows smoothly through the stunning views of Indian and Pakistani fields and groves, and colourfully shows the bright sides of each country and their respective people. That the film does not define a specific period of historical time makes it universally relevant.

The love story is portrayed with grandeur, where larger-than-life orchestral music of heavy violins and piano accompanies the crucial moments, but at its core, it's beautifully old school. That is, the growing romance between the leads is not sleazy, it's not mainly driven by sexual tension or uncontrolled passion; there's pure interest to be together and be there for each other. The soundtrack is perhaps of the most beautiful assigned to a Hindi film in recent years, and that it was actually composed many years ago and rediscovered for this production, contributes to the epic mood of the film. Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta are great choices for the titular roles. They resuscitate their characters with restraint and dignity and have a credible chemistry despite not having much physical interaction. Khan is the main soul of the film and he is believable in everything his character goes through. Tremendously nuanced, Zinta is beautiful and compelling as the intelligent and headstrong Zaara, and looks ethereal in traditional outfits.

In the film's interesting progressive stance, religion and nationality are used as mediators to integration by means of shared human values. Among other issues, the film also addresses women's empowerment through Zaara's fierce independence and liberal views about women's rights, as well as Rani Mukherjee's role of a Pakistani lawyer who struggles to overcome societal norms. Indeed, Mukherjee, whose beauty appears so radiant throughout the film, makes a great impact with her relatively minor but pivotal role of the tenacious, level-headed Saammiya. She is natural and impressive and walks out leaving a mark. In general, as one would expect, Chopra manages to bring together a remarkable group of skilled actors to play the supporting roles, including Kirron Kher, Divya Dutta, Boman Irani, Manoj Bajpai, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, and Anupam Kher, all of whom play their respective parts to perfection, bringing layering and realism to their different, relatively short but memorably interesting characters.

Veer-Zaara, though a completely entertaining and often overwhelming epic romance, is not the greatest film you'll see, and many might think it often goes over-the-top with its abundant emotional quotient. I personally found much of it easily totally in place within the context and parameters of the film. Script-wise, it might be far from flawless as some loopholes exist, while several open questions pertaining to some of the proceedings remain open or unanswered. Having said that, it just doesn't matter here. This film is far ahead of anything it can be blamed for. It is a portrait centering on and endorsing the main values a person should cherish in life: humanity, respect and love, and it conveys this message very well. Many non-Indians were affected by this film even though it's not their immediate taste, and it's easy to see why. As a cinematic experience, it is both a visual and artistic treat. In this regard, it is one of those films which become instant classics, and I recommend it to anyone, whoever and wherever he or she is.
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9/10
Progressive Film
vijayvenkataramanan15 November 2004
Reviewed by: Vijay Venkataramanan Reviewer's Rating: 9 out of 10

It's Diwali - the time for sweets, new clothes, fireworks, and as is customary every year in India, a star-studded, feel-good blockbuster. Yash Chopra's reclamation of the director's throne after seven long years is a simple return to the classical traditions of mainstream Indian film-making. The flair and sensitivity for romance is intact along with the passion for deep-rooted cultural and traditional mis-en-scene. However, neither is "Veer Zaara" a classic, nor is it even remotely comparable to Chopra's earlier masterpieces such as "Silsila", "Kaala Pathar", "Kabhie Kabhie", and "Lamhe". Yet, it is an ideal Diwali gift, exquisitely packaged, filled to the brim with sentiments and emotions, presented with only the best of intentions.

Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh (Shahrukh Khan) has been decaying in a Pakistani prison for twenty-two years. Saamiya Siddiqui (Rani Mukherjee), a local lawyer representing the Human Rights Commission undertakes the challenge of fighting for Veer so he can return to India. As Saamiya tries to unearth the hidden truth behind why and how Veer ended up in this situation, we are taken through a trip down memory lane as Veer recollects the days when he found and lost the love of his life, a Pakistani girl called Zaara (Priety Zinta).

What "Veer Zaara" lacks in terms of an innovative plot structure, it more than makes up for with Aditya Chopra's sometimes flawed, but sensitive writing. The supporting characters are extremely well fleshed out, and his dialogs witty and subtle. The storytelling is further enhanced with Javed Akhtar's lyrical wizardry, and Yash Chopra's tact for stretching defining moments of the story into musical interludes continues to fascinate. "Do pal ruka, khwaabon ka kaarvaan", a fine example of Mr. Akhtar's and Mr. Chopra's brilliance remains etched in your memory.

The film's grand-scale packaging is embellished by Sharmishta Roy's artistic, and exquisitely detailed production design, with each set being highly reflective of the characters that it holds in. Cinematographer Anil Sharma (Lagaan, Kal Ho Na Ho) sets up a rustic, yet opulent scheme to the film's largely rural setting that brings back memories of the evergreen "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge".

Actors including the great Amitabh Bachchan (who makes a stunning special appearance in this film with Hema Malini) have always elevated their performances to higher levels under Yash Chopra's baton. Rani Mukherjee follows in the same footsteps, playing the rookie lawyer with an admirable juxtaposition of nervousness and ferocity. While Preity Zinta and Shahrukh Khan too perform well in their respective roles, at no point does one feel that these two talented actors are ever challenged with roles such as these. Having played the loverboy so many times in the past, Veer Pratap Singh is a cakewalk for the Khan. The lead pair's chemistry from their younger days all the way to the days of their fifties is highly appreciable however. The supporting cast comprising of Divya Dutta, Kirron Kher, Boman Irani, and Manoj Bajpai make full use of their well-defined characters to enact high-caliber performances.

Other than the story of two fanatically devoted lovers, "Veer Zaara" is a progressive film for the Indian Film Industry because it makes an effort to break stereotypes with respect to Indo-Pak relations. It is a welcome change from the mindless Pak-bashing fare that we are routinely subjected to. Sensitive approaches like this first of all would help improve cultural ties, considering Hindi movies do comprise of a large portion of India's unofficial exports to Pakistan. Equally important is the economic factor because a culturally sensitive film like "Veer Zaara" is bound to officially open up a potentially huge, untapped, cinema-going audience across the border
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7/10
Bollywood Entertainment
chetley2 April 2005
"Veer-Zaara" was shown as part of an international film series at my local public library. It is the first Bollywood musical I have ever seen, and as such, I lack the critical perspective necessary to make an informed judgement about it. However, I did rate "Veer-Zaara" seven out of ten, because I found it consistently entertaining, and often entirely delightful. I was never once bored - in spite of its three hour plus running time. In order to appreciate any form of musical drama, it's necessary to "surrender" to theatrical artifice, and seen in that light, "Veer-Zaara" is no more illogical or "unrealistic" than a classic Vincent Minnelli Musical or a "serious" Verdi opera. I was also very intrigued at the way that the plot of the film crossed several genres and combined a number of classic story-telling archetypes: "the star-crossed lovers," "the village pastorale," "the saga of family honor," "the courtroom drama," etc.

Watching this film I think I learned a lot about modern Indian culture. Although at times the sentimentality in "Veer-Zaara" is so gushing that it enters into the realm of camp, there is also much substance in the film which is entirely admirable and worthy of esteem: the honor paid to parents and elders, the independence and spirit shown by strong and intelligent women, the respect given to Law and Justice, and perhaps most importantly, the possibility of peace and reconciliation between two peoples and two nations who have been engaged in a long, bitter, and fruitless quarrel.
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10/10
great entertainment
moviesaremypassion5 December 2004
Often it's the much-anticipated films that disappoint the most, but Veer Zaara lives up to the pre-release hype.

Just when you think you know where the story is going, you are pleasantly surprised and therefore enthralled as the story unveils.

People either love SRK or hate him, but I think he delivers what is necessary for this role without going over the top.

The surprise appearances are great, and Priety Zinta is getting better with every role.

Last, but certainly not least, the music is superb. If you have no other reason to see this movie, see it to know the story that was finally told with these beautiful songs.

10 out of 10
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A movie with a lot of emotions. Good performances from the main characters. Good entertainment
mmajid-15 January 2005
The main purpose of the cinema is to entertain.Entertainment can mean different things to different people.Normally we expect a lot of emotion in Indian movies.If emotion makes you feel like throwing up, you should not really be watching Indian Hindi movies.If you are really taken with realism, watch a documentary. If you want to get away from the mundane affairs of everyday life watch a Hindi movie.Veer Zaara is a Hindi movie with lots of emotion. The audience identify with the characters and go back to watching it again and again.One must realise that a movie is a hit only when the audience is able to identify themselves with the characters.Questions do come to mind. Like, how did Rani Mukherjee know Veer's name? Maybe Yash Chopra made a mistake. The mistake did not cost him anything because the movie succeeded at the box-office.It might also have taken too long a time to give an explanation.And the movie is already 192 minutes long. A flaw nevertheless, but then you can find faults with just about everything. If you have negative vibes about the person playing the principal character in a movie, you really should not be watching the movie in the first place. SRK has become a living legend.He is a good actor. He has done well as the young squadron leader as well as the ageing prisoner. Twenty two years in jail can age a man beyond his years. Shahrukh was convincing.Preity was her usual bubbly self initially, and then equally convincing.The movie was fast paced.Editing was good. No where did it drag.The songs were excellent.
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10/10
this movie was excellent
mrrubinben7 May 2005
i don't know very well about the special relations between indians and pakistans but i can tell u this was the most beautiful movie i ever saw . the perfection that take place in the movie ,the music which suits so well to each act it been play , the excellent actors all that made me cry my friends and i don't cry in movies.... so simple , so beautiful i don't know anybody who don't dream about one love like this one love .... for one life. i didn't expect so much from an unknown director and i was surprised , i love this culture i love the simple people of India and Pakistan which are so well describe , painted in the movie and the beautiful woman of both country ....
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10/10
A beautiful epic love story from Yash Chopra!
AishFan22 November 2004
The Chopras have proved once again that you can always count on them to provide the highest quality cinema. I'd first like to applaud Shahrukh for outdoing himself once again by playing both a young, simple-natured squadron and an old, tormented prisoner so convincingly. His skillful subtleties and attention to each detail of his performance have undoubtedly turned him to the best actor I have ever seen. I think he has even surpassed Amitabh. Even though Rani and Preity's roles didn't seem to demand too much from them, they gave a wonderful performance. Even Manoj Bajpai did an excellent job. The story is fabulous. Where the traditional Bollywood film could take the same situations with different outcomes for each event to turn the film into the same familiar fare, Veer-Zaara makes turns it into an epic love story where Veer and Zaara's names can be added to the list of Devdas and Paro, Shah Jahaan and Mumtaaz, etc. The main minus point of the film is its music. Warning: Don't listen to the music before watching the film or it will sound horrendous! Tere Liye, however, is extremely beautiful and melodic. After watching the movie, Aisa Des Hai Mera and Main Yahan Hoon are quite likable. Unfortunately, the latter two are not ones that one can keep humming for several months. Another minor yet negligible drawback is that this movie can't appeal as much to the youth as Yash Chopra's previous film, Dil to Pagal Hai. An addicting soundtrack and a youthful appeal were two things that seemed to be missing, which are usually guaranteed in every Chopra extravaganza. Nonetheless, Veer-Zaara is fantastic!
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10/10
No words for this movie.!
jogesh_thakur_22103 September 2013
as my topic suggest,i am speechless after watching it,thanks Yash Chopra and SRK super emotional romantic movie of all time u can't compare this movie from money,words etc,this movie tells you why SRK is the king.those who didn't loved it they can not have a heart unforgettable movie,i am KID when this movie released and i regret not seeing it on theaters and Still regret why god didn't sent me before so that i should have catch this movie there...brilliance beyond words,this was the first movie i have ever cry and still cries when i watch this again and again,this movie can never be replaced with another movie this is epic and will remain epic best movie ever made in the history of cinema.
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7/10
Extremely sentimental, yet unabashedly so: the epitome of Bollywood
smoky_circles2 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
If I were to judge each factor of VeerZaara separately, I would not even judge it a mediocre movie, I would call it awful, cheesy, cloying, utterly unrealistic. However, I saw the whole movie and enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. Not being a hypocrite, I am giving it the score it deserves for its emotion and entertainment.

This movie, almost as the epitome of Bollywood, is not one bit ashamed of having star-crossed lovers, true and eternal love and devotion, selfless sacrifice in the name of love, justice, idealistic religious syncretism, and mutually inclusive patriotism and respect for the neighboring nation. Combined with that of course you have songs sung by eminent playback singers, beautiful cinematography and attractive actors. Acting wise, initially SRK's totally fake prisoner-getup really annoyed me, with its fake powdered hair and totally unconvincing geriatric quiver. The obviousness of the dialogue when he first starts speaking also bored me. Then there's Preity's silly (but cute) little song. But these things really opened the way up for the movie, let the audience know, 'Hey, this isn't like your world, it's totally different. Abandon disbelief (completely), all ye that enter.' So I had to disarm myself and give into Bollywood, and into all the pure, romantic love, colorful clothes, wide stretches of beautiful village scenery, rather inaccurate but still well-meant depiction of Pakistani and Muslim societies, and all the idealistic sociopolitical ideas one wants in such a movie.

But there is still something unexpected here. Before the resolve we see the aftermath of a sacrifice from both parties. You see that even though they are reunited, they have definitely lost a lot. SRK did a good job here in carrying through his prison mannerisms and not losing them at Zaara's sight. They are reunited but a sense of loss is maintained. A somewhat bittersweet trace in a very sweet movie.
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9/10
Wow...Shah Rukh Khan AND Amitab Bachchan in the same movie! And then Anupam Kher appears from out of no where!! Wow...
planktonrules11 August 2015
Many folks around the world do not remember the history that has transpired between India and Pakistan in the last 70 years. When India was subdivided into India, East Pakistan (later known as Bangladesh) and West Pakistan, it coincided with LOTS of sectarian violence between Hindus and Muslims. It also touched off wars and between one and two million people were killed! It was an awful time and led to both nations developing atomic weapons--after which, an uneasy stalemate has existed in the region. In this problem spot of the world is where this love story is based--a story about an Indian man (Shah Rukh Khan) and Pakistani woman (Preity Zinta).

The movie begins in Pakistan. Zaara's elderly grandmother is dying and begs her to take her ashed back to India where she was born. Despite the poor relations between the countries, Zaara agrees to go and during her journey (not surprisingly) she meets Veer and they soon fall in love. This portion of the film is very, very sweet--my favorite part of the film. However, things are NOT going to be easy--this IS an Indian romance and at over three hours in length, you know SOMETHING is going to come between their love.

What happens to Veer is something you'll have to see for yourself-- but it clearly is an awful injustice and is highly reminiscent of Dumas' "The Man in the Iron Mask". This film really takes you on an emotional roller-coaster, that's for sure! In the process, some of the biggest film stars in India are there to support the main characters--with Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher and Rani Mukerji on hand. While these names may not mean much to non-Bollywood fans, they are all mega- stars and make this one of the most star-studded Indian films I have ever seen. Combined with some amazing scenery and cinematography, clearly Yash Chopra pulled out all the stops to make this film.

Overall, this is a wonderful and stirring romance--and I highly recommend it. The only part that didn't ring true for me was the little speech made by Kher near the end...it just seemed a bit trite and hard to believe. Still, a terrific film and one that stars two of the most beautiful women ever to have appeared on screen as well as two terrifically handsome and virile leading men.
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6/10
Beautiful but awfully sentimental
ijzeren_jan23 May 2010
Veer-Zaara has been in my possession for quite a long time, but somehow I could never convince myself to watch it. Now that I've finally taken that step, I have to say that my fear comes true: a visually beautiful movie (especially the scenes in Punjab), with music that is absolutely wonderful, but the final result is too much of a tearjerker anyway, and a way too long one to that. The love story is nice, sometimes even touchy, but nothing special when you think of it. The scenario... well, I've seen worse, much worse, but if a movie is supposed to absorb you entirely, then the illogical behavior of the protagonists, clearly with no other purpose but securing later events, doesn't benefit credibility at all. What I like, however, is the positive way Pakistan is portrayed, and that is undoubtedly the strongest point of the film. Another morale, related to emancipation of women, is sympathetic as well, although I have the impression that all these morales are a tad too much for one movie that is essentially about something completely different.

The trouble with sentimental films like this one is that they often operate on the verge of bad taste. Sometimes that works excellently, and I have to admit that some of them have managed to evoke a tear or two with me as well. However, for sentimentality to work, it needs to be dosed carefully, because an overdose may cause it to stop working completely, and then the whole thing suddenly becomes ridiculous or even disgusting. And from that point of view, Veera-Zaara is really pushing it, sometimes even pushing it too far. There's nothing wrong with a tear here and there, but too many of them makes the whole thing irritating. Apart from the fact that this movie is obviously too long, this is the biggest minus.

Rani Mukherjee is the saving grace of this movie. Although none of the characters is particularly credible, she manages best in portraying hers. Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini bring in something great as well, but then, they always seem to be a nice pair. I have a problem with Preity: although she is obviously not bad, her character appears to be pale and colorless anyway. Frankly, I don't really understand what Shahrukh likes so much in her at all, especially, what makes her worth the effort of spending 22 years in prison, only to save her from the disgrace of having to admit that she had been in love with a fellow before she got married to another one. But okay, that's the script and nobody can blame Preity for performing it that way. Most issues I have with Shahrukh himself, who is overacting so mercilessly that sometimes I got the feeling of watching Salman Khan instead of Shahrukh. He turns his character into a complete Devdas, the difference only being that Devdas is basically a jerk who is completely in love with his own pain, and while this kind of acting may work very well for Devdas, it obviously doesn't for the much more positive character of Veer Pratap Singh.
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10/10
A masterpiece of film making!
howard7817 December 2005
The summary says it all: this film is a masterpiece from one of the greatest directors of our time! The cinematography is simply stunning. The performances are all tremendously inspired. (Thanks to Yash Chopra)The love story heart-warming, touching and deeply moving. There is also wisdom in the movie. For example, we get the mystical explanation of the number '786' in Islam and Sufism.

The music is marvelous and the script brilliant.

I could go on and on, but, simply put, the movie is riveting from beginning to end. Upon my first viewing I thought it to be in the class of films such as 'Lagaan' and 'Fiza'. But, upon seeing the movie 2 more times, I believe it is even better than those two fine films.

Veer-Zaara…it's my tribute to the oneness of people on both sides of the border." - Yash Chopra
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6/10
Love Legend by Yash Chopra
nishitd12 November 2004
Advertised as "Love Legend" by Yash Chopra. Said to be one of the finest work by him. Is it worth all this hype??

Upto some extent, YES. At some points it disappoints though. First of all, for those who hate Shahrukh Khan and his kinda movies, they better stay away from the movie. It's a totally emotional movie. Movie is to be watched for its direction and not for its script. The story is quite predictable except few turns.

Movie's strongest point is its music by Late Madan Mohan and its recreation by Sanjeev Kohli and Yash Chopra. Full marks to Yash Chopra for the music and LYRICS. If you see trailer 4 on the LAN, you would really feel that upto what extent this man recreated Madan Mohan's tunes. If you liked its songs, then you will like even more when you see the movie, because it's well known fact that Yash Chopra's music is much dependent on the situation and more likable after watching the movie. e.g. the kawali, which I didn't like when I heard it, but it fits the situation very well, especially the words.

Movie clearly belongs to ShahRukh Khan and Preity Zinta. As per performance, ShahRukh Khan is good. He has done the same acting he has been doing since quite long time, but anyway that's what is needed for the movie. Preity Zinta too is well. Rani Mukherjee doesn't have much role as compared to Veer and Zaara, but good performance in role assigned to her like some of the courtroom scenes. Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Manoj Vajpayee, Kirron Kher, Boman Irani have done justice to their roles.

Overall, worth watching at Hall if you like emotional movies. my rating:8/10
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3/10
An overdose of nothing!
me_the_devil13 November 2004
Warning: Spoilers
The movie suffers from the same fate as movies like Hum Saath Saath Hain. Directors seem to think that if something works, more of it will work even better! This movie is a saturation point of Yash Chopra's clichés and Shah Rukh Khan's emotional lover role.

The negatives: Movie seems to be made from bits and pieces of other Yash Chopra movies, esp. DDLJ (note falling in love while traveling, girl hallucinating about the boy after reaching home, boy showing up in her town, winning over mother, strict father who is soft at heart). Shah Rukh probably goes through these roles like a zombie now- he's done so many! If you want to even more of what you've seen him do over and over and over and over, this is the movie for you. Rani Mukherjee is neither powerful nor convincing in her role of a lawyer and has trouble voicing chaste Urdu. Preity Zinta looks lovely, and acts fairly well but nothing special. Lata Mangeshkar is ruining a legacy by continuing to sing in a tired and at times, off-chord and off-tune voice.

Kiron Kher is getting typecast. Shah Rukh was typecast years back and seems to be doing just fine in terms of success. The Punjabi flavor, songs, clothing, dialogues are like every other movie from this production house.

SRK and Preity's make up as older people is pathetic. The maker seems to think the world of it, though. He shows it off with special effects again and again. Shah Rukh seems to equate old with paralytic and insane and performs as such.

One wonders if there were ever any problems between the two countries, esp. the way all the characters seem to weave in and out of India and Pakistan with no apparent restrictions. Visas, permissions and the like are not issues to be bothered with when making an oozing-with-emotion movie.

The positives: **spoiler** Amitabh Bachchan's cameo is like a whiff of fresh air. The movie starts to bore you until he really gives it a boost of energy. He gives a much needed boost to an otherwise slow first half. Divya Dutta's performance as the Khan household's maid is commendable and lovable. The soundtrack by the late Madan Mohan, composed many years ago, is fantastic, even though the songs come too often and Lata's voice puts a spanner in the works.

If you've watched other Yash Chopra or Karan Johar (or anyone of that breed) movies and haven't been satisfied with the melodrama and want more of it, watch Veer Zaara. Otherwise, it is avoidable fare.
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Fantabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
larryalpha8123 November 2004
It was a really spectacular movie! I think the cinematography, music, colour, acting and 'second to none' story were instrumental in it being, I am sure, one of the best of its time. "Hats off" to Chopra and his team for directing yet another masterpiece! I must have this on DVD to add to my aspiring collection of movies. I couldn't believe that the movie did not waste time, with the usual 'Tun Tun' characters, which I must say, are displayed really well sometimes. The movie progressed smoothly, from one Scene to the next backed by superb and riveting music. I saw the movie this weekend (couldn't go before due to Diwali and Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations) and will return to the cinema this coming weekend to view it yet again! I think the movie had a 'Dilwale....' kind of feeling to it linked, perhaps, to the rural, peasant farming, outdoor field type of setting. I was truly pleased to see a movie linked to the India/Pakistan conflict, to be devoid of fighting and bloodshed! The movie addressed some of the more delicate issues of this conflict and must say that it was done in the most professional way!....Great movie....I give it five(5) stars!
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8/10
"Gift of the Magi" in Bollywood format
WinterMaiden17 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
SOME SPOILERS: As some other reviewers have commented, this movie is like grand opera. That does not bother me at all--it is what I expect from Bollywood musicals of the grand, traditional type. (Better grand opera than fifth-rate-MTV cheeze.) I also wasn't especially bothered by some of the implausibility of the plot: I did think SRK's Veer was a bit too doddering for a man who is theoretically only in his early fifties, 22 years in prison or not. On the other hand, it didn't bother me that Saamiya knew his name. He had given his interrogators his name before he decided on silence, and presumably that name was in his files.

What some might consider a major, major flaw (or at least deeply disappointing) is the basic premise. After Veer sacrifices himself to save Zaara's honor, she throws her honor away. What is Veer's sacrifice for, if she doesn't marry and have children, if her family is destroyed anyway? But--whether intentional or not--this is what makes the movie interesting to me, because the pointless sacrifice is mutual.

"Veer-Zaara" is like a Bollywood version of the old O. Henry story, "The Gift of the Magi," which focuses on a young married couple who are very much in love. They are poor, and have only two possessions of value: she has her long, lovely hair and he has a beautiful pocket watch. Each wishes to surprise the other with a Christmas present that will reflect the depth of their love for one another. So what do they do? She sells her lovely hair to buy him a chain for his watch, and he sells his watch to buy her an ornamental comb for her hair. The mutual sacrifices cancel each other out, and are meant to ironically underline the over-the-top foolishness of their love for each other.

How much more pointless is it that Veer sacrifices 22 years of his life to save the honor of Zaara and her family, while Zaara sacrifices her honor and family in order to live Veer's life? I think the pointlessness of the sacrifice (that they cancel each other out) is deliberate, though, because we see it through the eyes of Saamiya, who says, "What century do these people live in? Are they human beings pretending to be gods or gods disguised as human beings?" It is up to each viewer to decide whether the sacrifices of Veer and Zaara are noble and romantic, or foolishly romantic.

The only problem I have with the basic premise is that Veer's choice is presented as either/or: Either he explains what he is really doing in Lahore and ruins Zaara, or he sacrifices himself. But what if he had said that Zaara's mother had sent for him, because she wanted to meet the man who had saved her daughter's life? Ideally, the screenplay would have allowed for such a choice, and found a way to close the door on it. This was not a great flaw for me, though, because Veer is not behaving like an intelligent young man capable of outwitting his captors. He has, after all, come to Pakistan in a state of mind where he is ready and willing, and even eager, to immolate himself on the altar of love.

The movie itself is beautifully filmed. There isn't much going on apart from the love story, but sometimes a grand over-the-top romance is worth watching. I did not find SRK embarrassing, as I sometimes did in "Kal Ho Naa Ho." He was very good, as was Zinta as a slightly spoiled girl who begins showing her actual determination and nobility of spirit and as soon as she is tested by her nanny's death. And I found all the cast up to their roles, especially Rani Mukherji. I didn't even know, when I first saw the film, that Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini were going to be in it. How delighted I was when I saw that they were! And how cleverly their roles in the film were designed: they are living the happy ending that Veer and Zaara will step into after they return to the village.
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9/10
somehow it works...
aam_70716 November 2004
I watched it twice before I was being able to make an opinion about it. Though I do have some negatives about the movie...over all it is a good value for money. First talking about the plus sides... 1. Amitabh Bachan was awesome...one of the best performances of his lifetime in a short role.... 2. Screenplay and script deserve high grade.. though the dialogues aren't as catchy as were of DDLJ, DTPH or Mohabbatein...the overall screen play and twists and turns made this movie a treat to watch...specially Samia finding Zara in India catches everyone by surprise... 3. Rani's performance is A class and will surely win her some awards this year.... 4. Hima Malini looked cool as well as did her part with perfection. 5. Choice of locations for Indian village life is remarkable. 6. Though music on the whole is just about above average, a couple of scores in Bhangra beat are catchy. 7. And last but certainly not the least... Shahrukh Khan once again walks through a role with utmost perfection. I don't know whether it was deliberate or incidental, but his casualness and under toned acting as a youth made his performance as a gray-haired guy more prominent. Needless to see he was really skillful portraying a middle age prisoner.

And now the minus side.. Well the only minus that I have with this movie is the projection of Pakistani society. Every time Pakistan was shown in the film it never looked like Pakistan. The director seems quite unfamiliar with Pakistan, her society, her customs, her wedding rituals, her surroundings..just about everything. And this to me was a real big minus...that bigger a minus that it overshadowed the pluses of the movie in first viewing. No politician in Pakistan contesting from Lahore wears shirwani in his house for sure..in fact in the entire national assemblies of last 3-4 decades, you will hardly find any sherwani except the nawab's of bahawalpur and late Nasarullah Khan. No one in Lahore uses the Lakhnao Delhi style of adab for greetings. Nor does the ladies of the class shown wear jewels like Kiron Kher. It looked more like Muslim Lucknow rather than Pakistan. And this highlights one more thing - "India and Pakistan are two different and distant societies who know very little about each other. by the virtue of history, they do have things in common, but on the whole they have turned into two different societies. Pakistani society is different than the society of Indian muslims, it's more modern and has her own set of customs. It has moved quite a lot from the pre partition commonalities between the two cultures. And this is where Yash jee got it all wrong."

But all in all, a real good movie, with a daring plot and good screenplay full of surprises.
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10/10
"Yash Chopra's epic celebration of the potentialities of the Indian Cinema--perhaps the greatest movie ever made in Bollywood movie history."
uttamsarkale26 February 2023
This creative consciousness is impossible achieve in a bollywood Film, Yash Chopra's return as director after 7 years is an film for his lifetime, it is obvious to see that this is a work of Master, his direction here is ingenious, veer zaara is probably only mature film in bollywood history to achieve success in script about partition and region in bollywood history but the result is unmatchable.

This was made possible by Mr. Yash Chopra's stupendous direction, Adi Chopra's brilliant screenplay, bona fide music by Late Mr. Madan Mohan phenomenally revised and arranged by sanjeev kohli and magnificently acted by superlative cast principally by preity zinta..
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10/10
Pure Classic
tushararora-089449 February 2022
This movie doesn't even have one thing wrong from story, screenplay,music,acting everything is just top notch.

A must must watch movie and this one will definitely make you cry,like a lot.
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7/10
What is wrong with Veer-Zaara?
awanahsan3 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This film is a terminal Indian view of Pakistan. The India we are shown in Veer Zaara is lush. It is the Punjabi countryside in all its verdant glory. We are shown vast fields and small villages where big-hearted philanthropists set up schools for the poor. It is an India of trees and tractors, at one with its agrarian roots and industrialist aspirations. Lahore, on the other hand, is a Kafkaesque funnyhouse packed with jails and the gaudy, ostentatious mansions of rich politicians. India is outdoors, Pakistan is indoors. In India, poor people sit atop trains and sing paeans of patriotic love for the motherland. In Pakistan, the poor either sweep the floor in jails or sweep the floor in mansions. In India the poor are citizens, in Pakistan they are servants. The India of Veer Zaara is vibrant and multicultural, where Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs mingle with ease and are in fact indistinguishable from one another. The Pakistan of Veer Zaara , on the other hand, is a rigidly monolithic country, crawling with rich politicians and their families, who greet each other by raising a cupped hand to their forehead in what is supposed to be the traditional adaab gesture of north Indian Muslims. Zaara's villainous fiancé, despite being a Punjabi politician, speaks the most highfalutin Urdu and wears exquisitely embroidered Nehru jackets. In other words, the Lahore of the film is really Hyderabad Deccan and its Punjabis are actually Mohajirs. Finally, India is brought to life by the voice of Lata Mangeshkar (Mother India?) while scenes from Pakistan are accompanied by stern instrumental renditions of the rather ominous Raag Bhairavi .

So India is rural, outdoors and Gandhian, while Pakistan is elitist, indoors and… Versaceian ? Wait. That can't be right.

Because India is, believe it or not, more than this equation allows, while Pakistan is less . The India of Veer Zaara is not just Gandhian, it is Nehruvian in its appeal; there are no Dalits or Harijans in this India. This India is miraculously free of BJP-style Hindu nationalists. It is secular, progressive, squeaky saffron clean. The country that lurks to its west, however, is garish and nightmarish. It is a country where all the men look like Liaqat Ali Khan and all the women look like Fatima Jinnah. It is populated by politicians and policemen, and has giant murals of Mohammed Ali Jinnah pinned to its walls.

This is what I mean by a terminally Indian view of Pakistan. Mr Chopra, despite his good intentions, suffers from a Pakophobia that has plagued India since independence. He is evidence of the fact that for many Indians – indeed, for many educated, wealthy and creative Indians – the Pakistani clock stopped ticking in August 1947. India has lived for sixty years with a frozen image of Pakistan as a tragedy in India 's history, orchestrated by a group of elite, Urdu-speaking, Indian politicians. A modern Pakistani identity that is different from India's Muslim sub-identity is therefore inconceivable for the Indian mind. Hence the Nehru jackets and Liaquat Ali Khan clones. Even when Veer Zaara tries to be creative and imagines a Lahori shrine, it ends up with a replica of Nizamuddin Auliya in Delhi.

We have yet to identify the most serious and insidious of Veer Zaara 's indiscretions.

Islam is used as a motif in Mr Chopra's film. But when it appears in the form of human beings, they are invariably women; all the Pakistani female characters of Veer Zaara cover their heads. Even Saamiya Siddique, the character modelled on Asma Jehangir, is shown to be guided by some higher religious cause. She wants to deliver justice, true, but only in the name of Allah.
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10/10
King for a reason
rituranjanu11 November 2022
I hated this man just because my gf (in 2007) said she would marry him I hated his movies to such an extent that I didnt watch them, but in last 10 days I have watched Jab tak hai jaan, Kal Ho Na Ho, and now Veer Zaara and now I know why people love him.

Yes, I agree I have joined the fan club specially after watching KAL HO NA HO and JAB TAK HAI JAAN, what performance man. I have just became your huge fan after seeing the level of your performances in different movies.

Now I know why they call you the KING Feel pity on myself for all those years I hated you but it too was personal, I would never like a man muly gf wanted to marry. You are such a charm dear.

Simply awesome!
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6/10
Nothing out of the ordinary
invisman24 February 2005
Veer Zaara was just okay to be watched. Nothing more. Too many songs spoiled this movie. But the very last song has been picturised in a wonderful way and tune is very soulful. The tag line "Romancing the Legend" is apt for such a movie. But I would say SRK's career best performance was in Swades which also released with this movie simultaneously. Rani Mukharjee excelled in her portrayal of a real life Pakistani human rights activist. There is nothing much for Amitabh and Hema Malini to do and they have been credited with a "special appearance" tag.

All in all, an ordinary SRK fair; what more can you expect from Yash Chopra who made DDLJ, DTPH and Darr.
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10/10
Epic Love at it's peak.
sarthakbharad292616 February 2023
What is the meaning of loving a film? I really don't know. But yes. I do know from the bottom of my heart that Veer-Zaara is an absolute masterpiece.

This film has everything. And everything comes beautifully in its perfect place due to the influence of the powerful man behind the camera, Yash Chopra. How can one man pull off such masterclass in storytelling that even though the concept and the story being so cliche feels so fresh and unique? You will always be missed sir.

First off, SRK and Preity Zinta are just magnificent in the film. There is no second guessing there. The story of Veer Pratap Singh leaving his entire life behind to protect the honour of Zaara Hayaaat Khan is supposed to be an emotional rollercoaster and both of them don't miss a beat. I can't not believe that there is a man alive who can love Zaara more than Veer and it is all due to the performances of these two actors. Truly exceptional work by both of them. The rest of the cast also is simply great. Although most of the screentime is given to the leads, amitabh bachchan, hema malini, manoj bajpayee, rani mukerji, boman irani, all of them do a great job to support the love story perfectly.

The music is also really good. An album so good it will make you wanna cry, dance, be happy and fill you with all emotions humanly possible.

Idk about you guys but, this film is perfect for me. A story I will never forget and cry everytime I rewatch it.
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7/10
A unique romantic saga from the king of romantic film "Yash Chopra"
sauravjoshi858 January 2023
Veer-Zaara is a romantic drama film directed by Late Yash Chopra. The film stars Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukerji, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Divya Dutta, Manoj Bajpayee, Boman Irani, Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher.

Love blooms between an Indian pilot, Veer, and a Pakistani girl, Zaara. As Veer spends his years in a Pakistani prison, Zaara believes him to be dead and devotes her life to his village in India.

I watched this film for the first time in 2022 and found this film cliched, predictable and stereotyped but considering the film was shot and released in 2004 will try to review the film keeping in mind that the types of film that were released during that era.

The plot of the film is unique and execution is in typical Yash Chopra's style. The film has some typical Yash Chopra's feel such as long running of the film, fabulous music and the mesmerizing voice of the legend Lata ji apart from off-course Shah Rukh Khan. Yash Chopra has been remembered as king of comedy film and this film displays why he is called so.

The screenplay of the film is evenly paced but gets slow in middle and younger generation might get disconnected from the film. The first half of the film is more romantic but slow and second half is little less romantic and a little fast, music and BGM of the film is very strong.

Acting in the film is terrific and for me it was Preity Zinta who were the most impressive among all followed by Rani Mukerji and Shah Rukh Khan. Other stars were also impressive in their limited screen space but the fake Punjabi accent of Hema Malini irritates, in one of the scene she had addressed herself as South Indian and her dialogue delivery should've been kept normal.

Climax of the film is good and the film ends on a happy note. Millennial and younger generations might feel disconnected from this film because of it's predictable and cliched approach but the viewers who were and still are a fan of Yash Chopra's work will surely like this film.
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1/10
Sucks!!!!!!!!!! Spoilers
ciscogovind17 November 2004
Warning: Spoilers
"Veer Zaara" lacks in terms of an innovative plot structure, it lacks even more for Aditya Chopra's always flawed, and insensitive writing. The supporting characters are sketchy, and his dialogs clichéd and loud. The storytelling is further marred with Javed Akhtar's lyrical buffoonery, and Yash Chopra's tact for stretching defining moments of the story remains.

Other than the story of two fanatically devoted lovers, "Veer Zaara" is a reminiscent of the 50's era( go better watch Mughl-e-Azam, in color). Why is Pakistan suddenly becoming the flavour of the season. It looked more like Muslim Lucknow rather than Pakistan. No politician in Pakistan contesting from Lahore wears shirwani in his house for sure..in fact in the entire national assemblies of last 3-4 decades, you will hardly find any sherwani except the nawab's of bahawalpur and late Nasarullah Khan. No one in Lahore uses the Lakhnao Delhi style of adab for greetings. Nor does the ladies of the class shown wear jewels like Kiron Kher.

Shah Rukh probably goes through these roles like a zombie now- he's done so many! If you want to even more of what you've seen him do over and over and over and over, this is the movie for you. Rani Mukherjee is neither powerful nor convincing in her role of a lawyer and has trouble voicing chaste Urdu.

1) there was no bus service between India and Pakistan 22 years ago....

2) How does Rani Mukherji know Shahrukh Khan's name before he has told her that? So was Rani Psychic or did Bhagwan or Allah sent a commandment on her.

3) Shahrukh's bus(in which he was supposed to travel) falls into a ditch on way from Lahore to Amritsar. How come there are hills in the 20 km stretch between these two cities...

Movie can have a better pace, but guess ppl 'll be mentally prepared for a slow ride when the movie comes with 'Yash Chopra' tag...

Starting with the flaws, the script was extremely incoherent and un realistic, not to mention some apparent inconsistencies in the direction.If this question cant be answered, the logic given behind SRK's opening his stuttering mouth to reveal the most boring love story becomes meaningless( as if it was meaningful otherwise) and the story ends right in the beginning. There was no explanation given whatsoever and the viewer is left in a labyrinth to find his way back home.

All in all, not worth your money unless you are hardcore rona dhona fan
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