Vedaa review: John Abraham’s film fizzles out despite a strong social message

John Abraham and Sharvari starrer Vedaa full movie review and ratings: Read our full review of Vedaa and see why John Abraham’s film, while delivering a powerful social message, ultimately falls short of remarkable.

Vedaa full movie review and ratings: John Abraham’s film fizzles out despite a strong social message (Credits: YouTube/Zee TV)

New Delhi: Independence Day 2024 is shaping up to be a box office battleground, with three major films—Stree 2, Khel Khel Mein, and Vedaa—vying for the top spot. Stree 2, with its comedic charm and blockbuster promotions, is poised to dominate the box office, pulling in larger crowds with ease. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar’s Khel Khel Mein is generating buzz with its above-average reviews. Unfortunately for Vedaa, starring John Abraham and Sharvari, the timing couldn’t be worse. Despite its strong social message, the film falters due to numerous flaws, making it tough to compete against the heavyweights.

But is Vedaa worth watching? Scroll down to read our review!

Vedaa review

At its core, Vedaa attempts to shine a light on the horrors of honour killings and oppression, but unfortunately, it falters in multiple ways one can imagine. The intersection of these characters’ lives holds promise, yet the execution leaves much to be desired.

The title, Vedaa, suggests that Sharvari Wagh’s character would be the focal point of the film, a strong protagonist leading the charge against injustice. However, the reality is quite different. Vedaa’s character, despite having a promising setup, is overshadowed by John’s Abhimanyu Kanwar. While Sharvari showed potential in Munjya and Maharaj here she is reduced to a secondary role, constantly running away rather than fighting, contrary to her supposed ‘fighter’ persona.

Instead of embodying resistance, Vedaa’s role becomes more about survival, which feels at odds with the film’s message about standing up against oppression.

John Abraham, as Major Abhimanyu Kanwar, does what he does best—staying within the confines of the action-hero mould he’s been typecast in for years. His role here is reminiscent of his performances in Batla House and Satyameva Jayate. While he handles the action sequences with his usual flair, his portrayal lacks depth. His expressions remain one-note, delivering something that feels more like a repeat of his previous roles than a fresh take on a complex character.

Abhishek Banerjee’s standout performance

If there’s a silver lining in Vedaa, it’s Abhishek Banerjee. Stepping away from his usual comic roles, the actor as Jitendra Pratap Singh is chilling. His portrayal of a cold, casteist villain, with bloodshot eyes and a deadpan expression, evokes memories of his sinister role in Paatal Lok. The actor has notably delivered a double knockout with two polar opposite films (Vedaa and Stree 2).

Where’s the flaw?

Vedaa suffers from several missteps that prevent it from reaching its full potential. The film’s pacing is one of its major flaws; the second half feels like it’s dragging, with an extended climax that overstays its welcome. The film’s attempt to balance a strong social message with commercial cinema elements results in a muddled narrative that doesn’t fully satisfy either aim.

Moreover, the need to have a ‘stronger man’ in the form of Abhimanyu Kanwar dominating the narrative sidelines what could have been a powerful female-led story. This imbalance not only diminishes Vedaa’s character arc but also undermines the film’s overall impact.

Vedaa could have been so much more—a hard-hitting drama with a strong female lead, tackling important issues with the intensity they deserve. Instead, it ends up being a one-time watch, a film that leaves you with a sense of what could have been, rather than what was delivered. While it’s not entirely without merit, Vedaa ultimately fizzles out, overshadowed by its own ambitions and the weight of a stronger portrayal that never fully materialises.

Watch Vedaa or maybe just stay at home and stream Rang De Basanti on Independence Day!

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