Production Co: Yash Raj Films
Director: Yash Chopra
Writers: Aditya Chopra (dialogue), Aditya Chopra (screenplay)
Stars: Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukherjee
Writers: Aditya Chopra (dialogue), Aditya Chopra (screenplay)
Stars: Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukherjee
Language: Urdu | Hindi | Punjabi
Release Date: 12 November 2004 (India)
Release Date: 12 November 2004 (India)
Genres: Drama | Musical | Romance
Story line : Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan) is an officer and pilot in the Indian Air Force who one day meets a beautiful Pakistani heiress, Zaara Hayaat Khan (Preity Zinta), as she travels to a small Indian village to scatter the ashes of one of her family's loyal servants. Veer has family in the village, and while most Indians show no affection for Pakistanis, his aunt and uncle are willing to take Zaara in for the night. It isn't long before Veer finds himself falling for her; however, Veer learns that Zaara is engaged to another man, Raza (Manoj Bajpai), a cruel and humorless Pakistani. A friend of Zaara contacts Veer and tells him that Zaara wants out of her engagement and has strong feelings for him, but when he comes to her rescue, matters take a turn for the worse and Veer winds up in jail. Twenty years later, Veer is still behind bars, and finds that his case is being given a new trial, but while he has a new chance at freedom...
Review : Yash Chopra's Veer-Zaara is a film about humanity, devotion, sacrifice, and the power of love. It is a visually stunning and emotionally touching picture about star-crossed lovers who meet once and are tied forever. Yash Chopra artistically combines realism with greatly unrestrained emotion and overdone sentimentality. Although the love story itself, the separation and everything else is very typical, Chopra creates an entirely different film in the way it portrays the respect the lovers have for each other, the honour they pay to parents and elders, and their genuine willingness to sacrifice themselves for each other. It is a cross-border love story between an Indian and a Pakistani, yet their nationality is not what prevents them from being together. That's what really makes sense in this film. It flows beautifully through the stunning views of Indian and Pakistani fields and groves, and colourfully shows the bright sides of each country. The film does not have a defined period of historical time. Maybe that's what makes it universal.
The film also addresses women's empowerment through Rani Mukherjee's role of a Pakistani lawyer who tries to overcome the society. There are many surprising, exciting and tear-jerking moments. The love story is portrayed grandiosely, with bigger-than-life orchestral music of heavy violins and piano. The movie soundtrack is perhaps the most beautiful soundtrack in recent years, and the fact that it was actually composed many years ago contributes to the epic mood of the film. Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta are great choices for the film. They resuscitate their characters wonderfully. They are restrained and dignified in their roles. Shahrukh Khan is the main soul of the film and he is believable in everything his character goes through. Preity Zinta is beautiful as the intelligent and headstrong Zaara. It's nice to see her in traditional outfits. She is compelling and moving with not a single false note. Rani Mukhejee makes a great impact with her relatively minor but pivotal role of the tenacious, level-headed Saammiya. She is natural and impressive and leaves the film as a winner.
Veer-Zaara, though a complete entertainment, is not the greatest film you'll see and at times goes over-the-top in its emotions. It is far from being flawless and has its share of loopholes, but it just doesn't matter here. This film is far ahead of anything it can be blamed for. It is about the main values a person should cherish in life: humanity, respect and love, and it conveys this message very well. It is one of those films which become classics instantly, and I recommend it to anyone, whoever and wherever he is.
The film also addresses women's empowerment through Rani Mukherjee's role of a Pakistani lawyer who tries to overcome the society. There are many surprising, exciting and tear-jerking moments. The love story is portrayed grandiosely, with bigger-than-life orchestral music of heavy violins and piano. The movie soundtrack is perhaps the most beautiful soundtrack in recent years, and the fact that it was actually composed many years ago contributes to the epic mood of the film. Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta are great choices for the film. They resuscitate their characters wonderfully. They are restrained and dignified in their roles. Shahrukh Khan is the main soul of the film and he is believable in everything his character goes through. Preity Zinta is beautiful as the intelligent and headstrong Zaara. It's nice to see her in traditional outfits. She is compelling and moving with not a single false note. Rani Mukhejee makes a great impact with her relatively minor but pivotal role of the tenacious, level-headed Saammiya. She is natural and impressive and leaves the film as a winner.
Veer-Zaara, though a complete entertainment, is not the greatest film you'll see and at times goes over-the-top in its emotions. It is far from being flawless and has its share of loopholes, but it just doesn't matter here. This film is far ahead of anything it can be blamed for. It is about the main values a person should cherish in life: humanity, respect and love, and it conveys this message very well. It is one of those films which become classics instantly, and I recommend it to anyone, whoever and wherever he is.