Movie Review: Veer

Veer: Salman makes Veer work

Rating: 3 out of 5*

Starring: Salman Khan, introducing Zarine Khan, Mithun Chakraborty and Jackie Shroff

Director: Anil Sharma

Anil Sharma is known for giving a huge canvas to his films and his latest film, Veer is no exception in that respect from many of his past films. Seeking inspiration from ‘Taras Bulba’, Veer is a big screen experience which may remind you of films like Kranti, Mard, Dharam Veer and even Gladiator and Troy at time but nonetheless it is an entertainer if you are willing to suspend your belief and not look out for much historical accuracies. Playing to the gallery most of the times, Veer seems to be aimed more at the masses than at the multiplex going junta.

Set in pre independence era, Veer narrates the tale of the valiant Pindhari tribe that fought against the British. It is circa 1862 when the Raja of Madhavgarh aligning with the British, treacherously kills 4,500 Pindhari soldiers despite them helping him defeating his enemies. Pindhari warrior Prithvi Singh (Mithun) vows to slaughter the Raja (Jackie) and every British soldier that comes his way. His son grows up to be a dare devil fighter, Veer (Salman). Prithvi sends his sons Veer and Punya (Sohail Khan) to London for an education so they can figure out how the British mind works. But matters become complicated when Veer falls in love with the princess of Madhavgarh, Yashodhara (Zarine Khan). Now while vowing to get back his father’s honour, he also has to balance his love for her. How Veer valiantly battles the wicked king and the British and even manages to kick-start the Indian independence movement forms the rest of the film.

Salman towers around the film with his amazing screen presence and his efforts taken on his character are visible. You just can’t think of anyone else but Salman playing this role. Debutante Zarine Khan is very pretty but still raw as far as acting is concerned. Mithun Chakraborty is in top form after a long time and his scenes with Salman are amongst the highlights of the film. Jackie does full justice to his evil character. Sohail Khan repeats the same act he has been since last four years. Neena Gupta fits the bill. Puru Rajkumar and Aryan Vaid impress in their small parts. Bharat Dabholkar, Ashok Samarth, Vinay Apte, Rajesh Vivek and Yuri playing the Pindhari soldiers have been perfectly cast but don’t get much scope justifying their acting talent. The British actors lend able support.

Veer has many things going for it and the most important one being the conviction and hard work that Salman and Anil Sharma have lent to it. The battle scenes are terrific and so is the cinematography. There are many applause worthy moments for the masses to enjoy, be it the extremely well shot daring train robbery sequence, the pre-interval sequences when Veer and Yashodhara come to know about each other’s background or the confrontation between Veer and a disgruntled Pindhari tribe warrior and Veer’s first meeting with the Raja. There are a few downers as well, the most important one being the slackening of the film’s pace just post interval and the use of the same song ‘Surili Ankhiyonwale’ repeatedly during many key moments of the film. Also while devising the screenplay from Salman Khan’s story, the writers could have also weaved in a more imaginative screenplay.

Veer, however will work big time in the single screens and small towns, especially in the North. It is a paisa vasool movie just for watching Salman Khan alone. Do check it out if you want to experience a guilt pleasure entertainer.

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