Hadii uu kushaqeyn wayo waxaad
u baahantahay
“Veer-Zaara…it’s
my tribute to the oneness of people on both sides of the
border.” - Yash Chopra
I step out of my car; still not aware of the experience
that awaits me. With my hands in my pocket, I inch closer to
the cinema halls. Still unknown to the feeling of enthusiasm
and anticipation, I reminisce of the day’s events; muddling
my tired mind with thoughts of ambiguity that have the least
bit of importance. Upon hearing the crowded entrance, I look
up towards the Indian mass, and something so simple sucks me
into the vacuum of bewilderment…the black hole of pure awe.
“Yash Chopra’s
Veer-Zaara” is what the
illustrious poster read. With this vision, all those
ambiguous thoughts revolutionized into an explosion of
excitement and anxiety; and suddenly, my memory is
enthralled with how it all began…
It was early January, and I was merely taking my daily
online stroll through the happenings of Bollywood. Suddenly,
my eyes catch the headline “Yash Chopra to direct once
again.” I sit back in my chair and remember the magic of
Deewaar, Kabhi Kabhie,
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge, and his last film, Dil
To Pagal Hai.
It finally hit me, after over seven years, the most
revered director of our time was about to return, and with a
bang! What I, along with the rest of the world, was most
curious about was the title of the film. Speculation was
ablaze, as it always is in Bollywood; and one rumor went as
far as to say that Yash ji had titled his film Veer-Dada.
Anticipation grew stronger after hearing the immortal
star-cast of Shah Rukh Khan,
Preity Zinta, and
Rani Mukherjee shine on
paper, and echo in sound.
I thought
to myself…what doesn’t this film have? It has the hype, it
has the potential, and most importantly, it has the
expertise and guidance of one of the greatest directors of
our time. The most inevitable thought that comes to
anybody’s mind is the feeling of disbelief: Is it too good
to be true?
With the vagueness of the film growing firm, it was
suffice to say that this will undoubtedly be the biggest and
most awaited motion picture of the year 2004. Through all
the title disputes, interviews, and eventual theatrical/tv
previews, one can only wait for that date…Diwali: November
11, 2004…
Freeing myself of the past, I find myself amongst a huge
audience, at ten o’clock mind you! As show-time creeps
closer and closer, people start to become restless, you hear
the crunch of popcorn reverberate through the theatre. 10:15
is what my watch read and it was time. The lights dimmed and
a thunderous applause ensues. I felt my heart getting heavy
with the feeling that my anxiety was about to be
quenched…The voice of Yash Chopra
himself is what graces our souls. His poetic rendition is
the perfect beginning to a story of a lifetime…the most
beautiful and touching story of Veer and Zaara.
As for the synopsis of the film, ambiguity is the name of
the game. Honestly, the skill with which Yash ji narrates
his story cannot be given justice through my analysis and
writings. However, the man who deserves credit for creating
such a tale is Yash Chopra’s honorable son,
Aditya Chopra. As Yash
ji had stated in an interview, “…my
son Aditya came up with another idea [Veer-Zaara]. He told
me he couldnīt make this subject, that I had to do it. He
narrated a few scenes, and I was hooked.” So you have
it, the inception of something magical had taken place
between a father and his son…
I will
stray from the topic of describing the story of the film, as
the best part of the experience is sitting in your seat not
knowing of anything to come in the film. The art of Hindi
film watching lies in the wonderment of what’s to come,
especially when the story is created and narrated by a
father-son combination that could challenge any filmmaker in
the world. Here’s an extremely loose synopsis, that will
have you engaged in the story in no time, and hooked on the
facet of what their eternal romance is all about…
One…who lives in the eyes of death; a life that has given
them solace superimposed with a life that has offered them
nothing but solitude. An illegitimate life at best, they
breathe it with a haunted silence. Known only as No. 786,
they wrap their existence in the form of a gift to offer to
the Lord, in return, knowing that their one true possession
will have the chance to live in peace and harmony.
One…who lives in the eyes of sacrifice; a life that has
taken them far away from home to live the life of another.
They live so the other’s soul can live on. They breath for
the soul purpose to fulfill the other’s unfulfilled. They
exist to feel the other’s existence…to feel the other’s
invisible love.
Two forms are they…one identity they are. Two bodies are
they…one soul they are. Of two nations they come…of one
language they speak: The enchanted dialect of love and
devotion towards one another. Borders and miles of distance
separate Veer and Zaara, but they are entangled in the
bondage of sacrificial adoration. Veer and Zaara are not two
beings, they are one entity…they are Veer-Zaara.
Love and Romance are what Yash Chopra strives for. It is
no doubt that he is the reigning King of Directorial
Romance. Amongst the captivating list of immortal lovers,
such as Romeo and Juliet, Farhad and Shirin, Laila and Majnu,
Sohni and Mahiwal, you can add another name to the list of
eternal lovers, Veer-Zaara.
After
creating Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge and
Mohabbatein, it was evident that
Aditya Chopra was an extremely competent director and
narrator. His script and dialogues are masterful! Not once
does he allow for an infiltration of subplots that would
leave one in a state of confusion. Everything that occurs in
the film occurs for a reason, and this is where the treasure
is unearthed. Never in the film is there a ridiculous comic
sequence or an over-done emotional fury. Rather,
Hema Malini and
especially Amitabh Bachchan’s
characters showcase Aditya Chopra’s exquisite articulation
of comic relief. Although the drama was never over-done, the
film had emotions bubbling throughout, adding to the
intensity of this very pure love story. On speaking of the
film, Yash Chopra conveys, “Though
itīs a film about cross-border love, there isnīt a word of
politics in it. Forget politics, there isnīt a slap, not
even a raised voice in "Veer-Zaara". Itīs a very intense,
humane and emotional story.” The irony here is that
even though scripting is done on paper, it’s extremely
difficult, if not impossible, to convey the quality and
importance of a brilliantly articulate and skillful script
on paper, as is the case this very moment. In essence,
Aditya Chopra takes his father’s lead when it comes to
quality. His script adds soul to the film, and this alone is
what makes this viewing experience unforgettable.
Scripting is what makes the directors job fun, but at the
same time, quite tedious. The man atop it all is the father
of all directors, Mr. Yash Chopra. Upon walking into those
theatre halls, I nearly forgot what Yash ji was all about,
since it has been over seven years since his last
directorial venture (Dil To Pagal Hai - 1997). Yet,
when I took a break from the fascination during interval, it
all rushed back to me. He was all about soul, romance,
emotion, and drama. Indeed, many critics did raise the
question of whether he still has what it takes. Personally,
I’ve never seen such a resounding answer in all my
experience with Bollywood…Yes! For all those who say that
it’s good to see fresh blood in the directors chair need to
realize that these novice directors have a lot to learn from
the veterans, Yash Chopra being a prime example.
His
experience is evident through his direction, which grabs
hold of your every being. His directorial brilliance is
further echoed through the performances of his characters on
screen. Yash Chopra’s masterful composition of screen
presence and emotional charisma keeps you on edge at all
times, literally causing you to be unable to get up for even
a bathroom break. As a paralyzed viewer, you watch in awe as
the larger than life characters enthrall your senses,
keeping you hooked onto the surreal sets and the awesome
cinematography.
Technical performance is something that’s gaining more
importance year by year. The special effects along with the
slickness of a film are becoming ever more instrumental in
hyping the appeal of a flick. Here however, the Chopra’s
continue their date with perfection as they rope in
Cinematographer Anil Mehta
to take charge of the cameras. Although the overall effect
of Anil Mehta’s work is amazing, his cameras capture the
song sequences beautifully. For instance, the opening piece,
Kyon Hawa, looks incredible on screen and even
reminds one of the looks of Tujhe Dekha from
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge.
Also, Anil Mehta’s capture of the song Aisa Desh Hai Mera
is another awe-inspiring view that remarkably highlights the
land of Punjab. Unable to go into further detail, in risk of
disclosing some important events, the cinematography is
another feather in the already decorated cap of Anil Mehta.
We don’t realize it, but we are seeing the film through the
eyes of not only the director, but also the cinematographer…
Another technical aspect that is a must in all Yash
Chopra films is the beauty of the sets.
Sharmishta Roy’s sets
are unreal in their simplicity. Picking up where she left
off in Dil To Pagal Hai, her
art direction and sets add to the splendor of this already
gorgeous film. What’s a Yash Chopra film without any color
and festivities? The song where Sharmishta Roy really is
able to show off her talent is during the Lodi. Here,
she creates a dreamlike out-door set that is authentic to
the core! Her touch is what adds that jaw-dropping flavor to
Yash Chopra’s films, and she does it once again here.
Lately,
there has been a paradigm shift in Bollywood. More and more
directors are moving from escapist cinema to reality. The
truth is, what does the mass really want? The past has
proven lucrative for the escapist crowd, but the recent
success of certain reality flicks has also caught the fancy
of many. How can you truly please everyone? Yash Chopra, the
man who has all the answers, tackles this mind-boggling
discrepancy. Veer-Zaara: Escapist meets Reality cinema.
There you have it, Yash Chopra has done it again! His love
story is able to appeal to the hard-core romance believers,
yet, the twists and turns that this story takes will appeal
to those pining for something enchantingly different…
something magically real.
“For me thereīs no creativity
without challenge. With Veer-Zaara, Iīve taken on another
challenge. The music isnīt what Iīd call a routine music
score. I feel it isnīt just music, we’re actually trying to
create history here…” - Yash Chopra
The first thing that would come to anyone’s mind when
they think of a Chopra film is its music. All his films have
been high on musical value, and it’s safe to say that Veer-Zaara’s
music is the best that has ever come out of the Yash Raj
production house. As clearly stated by Mr. Chopra, the music
of this film is something special. Late
Madan Mohan, a musical
genius, was ill fated and passed on at a relatively young
age. After a tiresome search for suitable music directors,
Sanjeev Kohli, son of
the Late Madan Mohan, approached Yash Chopra and requested
he look at some of his father’s unused tunes, and the rest
is history. Sanjeev Kohli ended up recreating his father’s
timeless melodies. The truth is, Mr. Kohli isn’t getting
enough credit for the music of the film. His compositions
are filled with soul and encompass the theme of the film
whole-heartedly.
If I were forced to pick my favorites, I would have to
pick Do Pal and Tere Liye. Nonetheless, every
song has its place in the film and the music is easily
amongst the best that 2004 has heard. In addition to the
full-fledged songs, Kohli’s background score does wonders
for the film. With perfect instrumentation during
appropriate times in the film, he is able to build on Roy’s
sets, adding to the richness of the viewing experience. As
did the script, the music also adds soul to the film;
conveying certain emotions that just couldn’t be captured by
Aditya Chopra’s pen. Javed Akhtar’s
lyrics are ingenious and fit the narrative brilliantly! As
is the music, Akhtar’s work is award-worthy. What the
Chopra’s do best is their incorporation of the songs into
the narrative. With one exception, not once does it feel as
if the songs are being forced upon the viewers or used as
mere “space-fillers.” Veer-Zaara’s nicely paced story is
enhanced by the inclusion of soulful melodies that not only
tickle your senses, but fill your heart.
Epic films are immortalized by mainly one characteristic,
its star-cast. The star cast of Veer-Zaara is nothing short
of phenomenal and Yash Chopra proves why having a talented
group of veteran actors is the key to quality work. From
Shah Rukh Khan to
Amitabh Bachchan, from
Preity Zinta to
Hema Malini, and from
Rani Mukherjee to
Kiron Kher, Veer-Zaara
showcases one of the finest group of actors one will ever
see on screen together. Their past doesn’t mean a thing if
they can’t bring their experience and expertise into their
work, and it’s extremely rare to see nearly every actor
enact their role with sophistication, ease, and
authenticity. The voice of the director resonates through
his characters’ performance; and for Yash ji, his voice is
heard loud and clear through his cast…
Amitabh Bachchan and
Hema Malini make for a
couple of splendid guest appearances. The introduction of
their characters is perfectly timed by Aditya Chopra and the
excellence with which he creates their personalities is pure
gold. Playing the role of Veer’s Uncle and Aunt, Amitabh
Bachchan and Hema Malini look natural in their parent-like
roles. Their chemistry carries over from Baghban
superbly, as both of them fit into their lovable characters
instantly. Special mention must go to the living legend Mr.
Amitabh Bachchan. His comic performance is uncanny! Three
times my age, he emits as much energy as a twenty year old
would, if not more.
Another pleasant addition to the Guest Appearance list is
Manoj Bajpai. This man
has had the goods for a long time and he just keeps
improving with every role he essays. From Satya to
Aks, from Road to Pinjar, and from
LoC-Kargil to Jaago, Manoj Bajpai has proven that
he is among the elite when it comes to acting talent. He
finally received national acclaim for his author-backed role
in Pinjar, a well deserving acknowledgment. Here, he enacts
the role of Raza and slips into his character with utter
ease. It’s sufficient to say that he enacts the villainous
role in the film. His encounters with Veer create for that
edge-of-the-seat experience, and have you hooked
immediately. It not only essays Bajpai’s inept ability to
articulate his feelings through facial/body expressions and
linguistics, but it also showcases Yash Chopra’s tactful
direction.
The rest of the supporting cast do justice to their very
limited contributions. Boman Irani,
is able to create the tense feelings during his presence in
the film and speaks his very few dialogues with appropriate
emotion. Divya Dutta
does a fantastic job in serving as the maid who’s trying to
join the two lovers. Her character is at appropriate times
comical, lovable, and emotional.
Zohra Sehgal plays her repetitive role with ease,
as does Akhilendra Mishra.
Kiron Kher picks up
where she left off in Hum Tum. Her motherly warmth is
brought out lovingly by Aditya Chopra’s script. The scene
between Kiron Kher and Veer is one of the best. She looks
the part and pours soul into her rendition of Zaara’s
mother. Anupam Kher also
looks the part of the evil prosecutor. His outbursts in the
court highlight his linguistic skills along with some superb
body language. His scenes with Rani
Mukherjee’s character are gems. A supporting cast
is definitely important, as it does serve as the backbone
upon which the lead characters can structure their
performance…
For Rani Mukherjee,
the appraisal of “Best Supporting Actress” doesn’t seem too
far. This is truly a brilliant performance by Ms. Mukherjee.
After Hum Tum, she has proven that she has what it
takes to be Bollywood’s next Diva. Her entrance into the
film is such that it brightens the darkened theatres. She
slips into Sayeeda’s character easier than ease itself! At
the same time looking beautiful doing it. Her meetings with
Veer are unforgettable, and their vocal interactions are
tear-causers. It’s amazing to see the chemistry between
Rani Mukherjee and
Shah Rukh Khan. Some scenes are
instant reminders of the pain they shared in Chalte
Chalte. Her presence steals every scene away, especially
her performance in the courthouse alongside Anupam Kher.
Although her role may be labeled as a supporting one, one
can’t help but forecast a demise in the film if she hadn’t
been the lady to play Sayeeda’s character.
Preity Zinta has
tasted success quite frequently in the past year. From
Koi Mil Gaya, to Kal Ho Naa Ho to Lakshya,
she has had the opportunity to work with three very
competent directors. For the first time, she is working with
someone who has the experience that Yash Chopra has. Preity
Zinta plays her title role nicely. She fits Zaara’s look
completely and looks ravishing at times. The truth is, her
role didn’t ask much of her, although she did justice to her
duty completely. Her presence in the film adds the fragility
and simplicity that the film endures. Her chemistry with
Shah Rukh carries over from Kal Ho Na Ho, as both of them
share a special on screen bondage, which seems to have
strengthened, due to the strong romantic nature of this
film.
“Shah Rukh Khan has given his
careerīs best performance in Veer-Zaara” - Yash
Chopra
How can something be so repetitive in quality as
Shah Rukh Khan is. Once
again, he shines the brightest amongst all the stars. I
personally can’t see anyone else enacting the role of Veer.
Shah Rukh Khan plays his role stupendously, brushing off any
criticism he might have received in the past for doing the
same role over and over again. The truth is, this is
completely different from any part that Shah Rukh Khan has
ever attempted to interpret. His double-nature throughout
the film really brings out not only his sensitive side, but
also his shadowy side. His interactions with Rani’s
character bring out the side of him that not many audiences
have seen, if any. However simple Veer’s character may look
on the outside, he’s that much complex on the inside; the
workings of his mind function differently from the way you
and I think, and Shah Rukh Khan turns the impossible into
the possible by taking his real character and
surreptitiously transforming himself into his reel
character, Veer Pratap Singh. This is undoubtedly amongst
Shah Rukh’s best performances of his career and only makes
the anticipation of Ashutosh Gowarikar’s
Swades grow stronger.
Love stories come and go, films become hits and flops;
but eternal love stories and immortal films are what stay
alive in the hearts of movie lovers.
Veer-Zaara is the majestic tale of two people,
whose love for one another crosses into the realm of
inspirational devotion. Veer and Zaara…two names detached by
the wraths of religion…two entities divided by military and
national borders…two forms estranged by miles of expansive
distance…one soul joined by sacrificial love…one
existence…Veer-Zaara
