Veer-Zaara (2004)

Curious, I rushed into a Bollywood DVD rental shop and asked the clerk to recommend a few. She immediately handed me this one. I can see why.

This movie introduces us to Veer, a man imprisoned unjustly in prison for twenty-two years, and Somayya, his young, beautiful lawyer trying to get him out. Veer tells Somayya his story of why he's there. It's long, yet beautiful, touching, poignant, and emotional.

Throughout the film, marvelous song-and-dance numbers are interspersed (My favorite song"Lado"), making the viewer want to "get theeself to Indian dance lessons."

Lastly, the movie leaves a few lessons on the viewer's mind. The first, what is a border, but a line drawn on a map? The second, what is life without love?

Enjoy!!!

This movie is one of my favorite love stories. Great cast and great acting. Not to mention a great story that goes where you least expect it too. I am so glad that Hollywood didn't touch this one, they would have ruined it. Bollywood sure knows how to do it right.

Buy Veer-Zaara (2004) Now

I sat down to watch this film with rather low expectations. I mean, sure, it was backed up by heavy star power, like the unfailing Shahrukh Khan, and the excellent Amitabh Bachan, but I didn't expect the film itself to be good. However, this was a beautiful masterpiece, and I must say Yash Chopra has pulled off another splendid film! My only two complaints were that the film tended to drag at some parts, and there was one song (but only one) that bored me a little. Overall, it is a nice film, and should be watched if you have the patience and time. The plot was good, and the romance was not overdone (like in many Hindi films). The main theme song is also rather catchy, and you'll find yourself humming it after you've watched the movie. There is no violence in this film, and it's good for the whole family (I mean that)!

Read Best Reviews of Veer-Zaara (2004) Here

"When the right woman comes into a man's life, that's when he becomes complete."

Unfolding slowly with the bright and vibrant colors of an Indian quilt, this rich and moving romantic epic is the more hopeful side of "The English Patient." Whereas that film was haunted by love, Veer Zaara revels in and embraces it. The notion that destiny can sometimes overcome circumstance because, in the end, love really is all, has rarely been so wonderfully presented.

It begins in shadow, however, as a young beautiful Pakistani named Saamiya Siddique (Rani Mukherji) comes to aid a man known only as 786 who has been imprisoned for the past 22 years. Saamiya knows his name was once Veer Pratap Singh (Shahrukh Khan) and when she uses it, the floodgates of memory open and ever so slowly the story of love which brought him there is revealed. It is her belief that once she hears it she can prove his innocence and free him, despite the handicap of gender presented in her country.

Veer is an Indian rescue pilot and Zaara (Preity Zinta) is a young Pakistani girl trying to bring her Bebe's ashes back home to India before she must return and marry Raza. It is an arranged marriage benefitting both their powerful and respected families but one that is draining Zaara's sprit. There is both humor and romance against the colorful backdrop of the two countries, which despite religious differences, director Chopra shows are closely tied together.

His Indian Uncle and Aunt, who have raised him, embrace Zaara as their own, and only when she must return does Veer learn she is bethrothed to another. He only knows he loves her and wants to be the one to marry her, but nothing of her feelings. It is a story of two hearts crossing borders, their love a river deep and flowing. When her sister Shabbo comes to Veer and lets him know how much Zaara loves him, he comes to the shrine to see her and sets in motion the tragic events which will lead the viewer back to the beginning of the film.

Khan and Zinta are terrific here but it is Rani's marvelous turn as a Pakistani girl going against tradition, very much like the love story of Veer and Zaara, which is the glue holding the film together. Like most Indian films, it is interspersed with the occasional song which propel the story forward. Some are quite beautiful and once used to their interjection as part of the narrative, are very enjoyable. For 22 years Veer has protected his love from dishonor but, once in court, Saamiya discovers something which will change all their lives forever.

Magnificently romantic and hopeful, the viewer is rewarded with an old-fashioned love story both visually and internally beautiful. Rare and rewarding, its brilliance tied to its simplicity, this is a masterpiece of the old variety. Its story of love tied to modern Pakistan and India is somehow timeless and not soon forgotten. Those wanting romance in their films will want to come to the valley filled with the season of love.

Want Veer-Zaara (2004) Discount?

Before viewing this movie, I had never been privy to a "Bollywood" film. I'm your typical "whiteboy" so this genre of film was quite new to me. The first things to take into account (for "whiteboys" like myself) are the length of the movie, bollywood films tend to run longer than american films (no worries though, there's an "intermission"), the other attribute is that this film as with most bollywood films I've learned, incorporate song into the film. Hence, they have more of a "show" feeling to them. It's kind of corny at times, because the actors don't actually do the singing. When the scene suddenly goes into song and the vocal voice is significantly different than the actor/actress's voice it's quite noticable, but that's how things are done and you just have to get used to it.

Overall, Veer Zaara was actually a quite wonderful film, the story is solid and heartfelt, the cinematography is wonderfully done, the acting is superb, and the songs are quite beautiful and catchy (I now have the soundtrack, and listen to it often). This for me, was a wonderful introduction into the genre, and I will seek out more similar movies to view, due to this particular film.

The hardest thing for me was getting past the cheese of the actors during the musical numbers. This is the american in me speaking when I say that I'd probably prefer the songs in the background during scenes, rather than the actors lip-synching to them, but I can definitely get used to that.

I guess in closing, if you are a die-hard fan of Bollywood, or a novice like me, you will enjoy this film. it's a great story, with wonderful actors, spectacular sets/locations, and the music sets the mood perfectly for each scene. I own it now, and that should at least be motive enough to see it when you have the chance.