Veer - Movie Review

Cast: Salman Khan, Mithun Chakraborty, Sohail Khan, Zarine Khan, Jackie Shroff, Neena Gupta

Director: Anil Sharma

Producer: Vijay Gallani

Music: Sajid-Wajid

Rating: **1/2
 
In a pre release interview, Salman Khan had told that he tried keeping everything in ‘Veer’, which cumulates to something for everyone. His earlier hits like ‘Partner’ and ‘Wanted’ have been complete mass entertainers and the star probably understands that his audiences are the ones that like him in such entertainers. And most certainly he has been quite successful at it. In a very interesting way, ‘Veer’ probably touches upon every emotion and genre. Let’s say – this one has action, emotion, drama, comedy, romance, revenge, tragedy and even patriotism! Sounds formula? It definitely is one of the most perfect examples of the age old ‘formula movies’ made in recent times.
 
But if only all formula movies worked, then we would not have seen such a disastrous 2009! Audiences probably look forward to more, after all. While ‘Veer’ does pass every scale when it comes to satisfying the fan base of Salman, it fails in holding your interest as a story. The most important reason of this being the done-to-death storyline. It’s like a ‘khichdi’ cooked out of portions taken from several Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters, where every scene would remind you of some other film – be it ‘Troy’, ‘Gladiator’ or some good old period films of Shammi Kapoor days.
 
The film is a story of a warrior called Veer whose destiny is sealed by his father’s promise to his tribesmen, the Pindaries. He has to avenge the death of 4500 of his tribesmen by killing the Maharaja of a neighbourhood state and also drive away the scheming British. Veer is sent to London to understand the ways of the English and how they think so that he can apply his knowledge in fighting them. However, during his stay in London, he falls in love with the daughter of the enemy Maharaja before realising her identity. When the two youngsters realise their blunder there is an emotional war within them.
 
While Anil Sharma should be credited for recreating the period feel, he is also to be blamed for not doing a god job with the characters. The language, for example, that is spoken within the Pindari tribe, varies in accent from person to person. That’s rather strange. While one speaks in a very UP accent, another in a rather Pathan accent – and they are supposed to be from the same tribe (trying to keep the essence of everything?)! Also characters of Puru Raj Kumar and Aryan Vaid hardly serve the story. Sohail Khan makes you laugh, no wonder, but is simply restricted to a joker without any substantial contribution. And the most hilarious of them all – the beginning sequence of the film clearly states that the ‘Sardar’ of the Pindaries takes all decisions. Strangely, he disappears from the act whenever a decision needs to be taken and Veer’s father Prithvi (Mithun Chakraborty) functions as the head. ‘Sardar’ not ‘asardar’ at all!
 
Technical front, the movie has the grandeur that a period film requires. It has been shot well and looks big. The introduction scene of London looks almost a scene taken from the recent Hollywood hit ‘Sherlock Holmes’, which too is set in the same age in London. The music works but there are far too many songs.
 
Salman Khan plugs every bit that he has got into the film. From action to romance… he is charismatic. Zarine as a newcomer does well too. Mithun Chakraborty and Neena Gupta are delightful. And Jackie, for a change, got something better to do than what he has been doing over the last few years.
 
Overall, ‘Veer’ has it’s pluses but it is sadly restricted to a very average film. It has nothing new and that only makes it seem slower. Just to add straw to all of these, Anil Sharma decided cut short the action scenes which looked the best. And the film ends on a rather cheesy note, which will make you guffaw – not because of something good, but something innately stupid, which unfortunately can’t be disclosed here. On the positive side, the year is getting better. ‘Veer’ is certainly better than what we have seen earlier this year. Let’s hope next week gets even better.