Veer-Zaara

Plot synopsis:
Most of the story is revealed as a flashback to 1982 from the prison cell of Veer Pratap Singh. The narrative begins by showing Zaara Haayat Khan (Preity Zinta), an independent, carefree, and sprightly young Pakistani girl travelling to India. Her family is of a political background and a well known family of Lahore. She is on her way to India with the ashes of her Sikh governess Bebe (a Punjabi word to denote mother or grandmother, but here used for Zaara's old governess). Before dying, Bebe (Zohra Sehgal) begs Zaara to fulfill her final wish - to take her ashes to India, to the holy Sikh city of Kiratpur, and scatter them in the Sutlej river, among her ancestors. Zaara decides to carry out Bebe's dying wish.
Upon reaching India, Zaara's bus has an accident causing it to overturn. An Indian Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan) comes to her rescue and with his help, Zaara completes Bebe's final rites. Veer convinces Zaara to return with him to his village to spend one day together. Zaara agrees and Veer takes her on a tour of India. They visit Veer's home village on the day of the Lohri festival and meet Veer's uncle Choudhary Sumer Singh (Amitabh Bachchan) and aunt Saraswati Kaur (Hema Malini). With his uncle telling Veer that, in a dream he has seen Zaara becoming Veer's wife, Veer realises he is falling in love with Zaara. Taking her to catch her train to Lahore, Veer is just waiting for the right time to tell Zaara about his feelings, but before he can do that they are met by Zaara's fiance, who has come looking for her, Raza Sharazi (Manoj Bajpayee). Just before she boards the train, Veer confesses his love to Zaara. He gets no sense of Zaara's feelings, but as she is leaving he discovers he still has one of her silver anklets. She nods for him to keep it; both believe that this is the end of the road for their relationship and that they will probably never meet again.
On reaching Pakistan, Zaara realises that she is having deep feelings of love for Veer, but that it is her duty to keep her family's honour and marry her fiancé, a wedding that will further her father's political career. She initially tells her mother of an Indian man who is ready to give his life for her and for whom she has fallen for. But her mother becomes angry at hearing it. Soon Zaara starts to see Veer everywhere and finally tells Shabbo (Divya Dutta), her maid and friend, that she has fallen in love with him. Shabbo calls Veer and tells him how miserable Zaara is without him. She asks him to come and take Zaara away. Veer who had told Zaara that he would give up his life for her, quits the Indian Air Force and goes to Pakistan to bring her back with him to India. Zaara's mother, Mariam Hayaat Khan (Kirron Kher), however, begs him to leave Zaara as Zaara's father, Jahangir Hayaat Khan (Boman Irani) is a high-profile politician whose reputation, and health, will be ruined if news gets out that his daughter is in love with an Indian. Veer respects this request and decides to leave for India but Raza, who is outraged by the shame Zaara has brought upon him, frames Veer and has him wrongly imprisoned on charges of being an Indian spy.
The story moves forward to 2004 and Veer now meets Saamiya Siddiqui (Rani Mukerji), who is an idealistic Pakistani lawyer, whose mission in life is to pave the path for women's empowerment in Pakistan. The Pakistani government has decided to review the cases of some Indians, but stacking the deck against Siddiqui winning her first case, she has been given the case of prisoner 786 (Veer). Many view it as an impossible task as the man has been languishing in prison and has not spoken to anyone for the last 22 years. Also, the prosecution is led by Zakir Ahmed (Anupam Kher), her ex-boss who has never lost a case.
Veer opens up to Saamiya and tells her that she can fight his case but cannot mention, much less subpoena, Zaara's family. The number 786 is considered by some Muslims to be a holy number in Islam; this convinces Saamiya that God has chosen Veer for some special purpose, and she becomes even more determined to exonerate him, restore his name and identity, and return him to his country.
After the prosecution presents it case, Saamiya realises she must cross the border and find someone in Veer's village who can prove Veer's true identity. There, Saamiya meets Zaara and Shabbo, who had fled to India and have taken over running the girls' school after the deaths of Veer's uncle and aunt. She had thought that Veer died on his bus that ran off a cliff, killing everyone on its way to India. Saamiya takes Zaara back to Pakistan to tell the court the truth about Veer's identity. The judge releases Veer from prison and apologises on behalf of Pakistan. After Veer is finally released, he and Zaara say goodbye to Saamiya and Pakistan at the Wagah border crossing, returning to their village together. The story states two lovers always find their way no matter how difficult it is and destiny will always put you together.

Tags: romantic

Review:
These feelings reflect upon the plot so brilliantly, making this movie Shah Rukh Khan's second best performance, following behind Kal Ho Naa Ho. The Late Madan Mohan has composed brilliant songs which shed light on the journeys of the two star crossed lovers, highlighting both comical and tragic moments in this classic saga.
Just when you think you know where the story is going, you are pleasantly surprised and therefore enthralled as the story unveils.People either love SRK or hate him, but I think he delivers what is necessary for this role without going over the top.The surprise appearances are great, and Priety Zinta is getting better with every role.Last, but certainly not least, the music is superb.
Yash Chopra's Veer-Zaara is a film about humanity, devotion, sacrifice, and the power of love.
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.
Yash Chopra's reclamation of the director's throne after seven long years is a simple return to the classical traditions of mainstream Indian film-making.
Yet, it is an ideal Diwali gift, exquisitely packaged, filled to the brim with sentiments and emotions, presented with only the best of intentions.Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh (Shahrukh Khan) has been decaying in a Pakistani prison for twenty-two years.
As Saamiya tries to unearth the hidden truth behind why and how Veer ended up in this situation, we are taken through a trip down memory lane as Veer recollects the days when he found and lost the love of his life, a Pakistani girl called Zaara (Priety Zinta).What "Veer Zaara" lacks in terms of an innovative plot structure, it more than makes up for with Aditya Chopra's sometimes flawed, but sensitive writing.
Cinematographer Anil Sharma (Lagaan, Kal Ho Na Ho) sets up a rustic, yet opulent scheme to the film's largely rural setting that brings back memories of the evergreen "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge".Actors including the great Amitabh Bachchan (who makes a stunning special appearance in this film with Hema Malini) have always elevated their performances to higher levels under Yash Chopra's baton.
The supporting cast comprising of Divya Dutta, Kirron Kher, Boman Irani, and Manoj Bajpai make full use of their well-defined characters to enact high-caliber performances.Other than the story of two fanatically devoted lovers, "Veer Zaara" is a progressive film for the Indian Film Industry because it makes an effort to break stereotypes with respect to Indo-Pak relations.
Equally important is the economic factor because a culturally sensitive film like "Veer Zaara" is bound to officially open up a potentially huge, untapped, cinema-going audience across the border.
I was also very intrigued at the way that the plot of the film crossed several genres and combined a number of classic story-telling archetypes: "the star-crossed lovers," "the village pastorale," "the saga of family honor," "the courtroom drama," etc.Watching this film I think I learned a lot about modern Indian culture.
Although at times the sentimentality in "Veer-Zaara" is so gushing that it enters into the realm of camp, there is also much substance in the film which is entirely admirable and worthy of esteem: the honor paid to parents and elders, the independence and spirit shown by strong and intelligent women, the respect given to Law and Justice, and perhaps most importantly, the possibility of peace and reconciliation between two peoples and two nations who have been engaged in a long, bitter, and fruitless quarrel..
as my topic suggest,i am speechless after watching it,thanks Yash Chopra and SRK super emotional romantic movie of all time u can't compare this movie from money,words etc,this movie tells you why SRK is the king.those who didn't loved it they can not have a heart unforgettable movie,i am KID when this movie released and i regret not seeing it on theaters and Still regret why god didn't sent me before so that i should have catch this movie there...brilliance beyond words,this was the first movie i have ever cry and still cries when i watch this again and again,this movie can never be replaced with another movie this is epic and will remain epic best movie ever made in the history of cinema..
I also hate films were the lovers have to die in the end (as they did in "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak), because I truly believe that true love can conquer all.Yash Chopra has, as always, delivered an all-round entertainer.
The songs were mesmerising; Madan Mohans' tunes were beautiful, Lata Mangeshkars voice was 'an out of this world' experience, Javed Akhtars' lyrics and Aditya Chopras' poem meant so much to those who understand them.Photography was enchanting; such films make people like me who love India, love it even more.The acting was par excellence, Shahrukh Khan did not disappoint at all, Preity Zinta was the essence of beauty and innocence and Rani was good as well.I would just like to say thank you to Mr Chopra for a wonderful experience..
7 years ago, the veteran director Yash Chopra directed Shah Rukh Khan in a love triangle based movie Dil Toh Pagal Hain.
The film stars Shah Rukh khan, Preity Zinta & Rani Mukherjee playing the lead roles while actors like Anupam Kher, Kirron Kher, Boman Irani comes under the supporting cast.
A very old and weak Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh ( Shah Rukh Khan) has spend 22 years of his life in Lahore jail situated in Pakistan abandoning his freedom and happiness only for the sake of his love Zaara's happiness (Preity Zinta).
But, upon seeing the movie 2 more times, I believe it is even better than those two fine films.Veer-Zaarait's my tribute to the oneness of people on both sides of the border." - Yash Chopra.
Pre Veer Zaara and Post veer Zaara.I have never seen a movie which combines a message of patriotism, emotions, respect, love and humanity with touching songs and wholesome entertainment.
Only a man with a heart of gold can make such a beautiful movie.Excellent direction, great acting, touching dialogues, melodious songs, brilliant cinematography, awesome locations what more I can say about the movie.
I watched the movie it is really fantastic love story of two nations,i am thankful to the Producer,Director and Writer that they made such kind of movie...these kind of movies are the best way of getting closer to each other and it is the voice of the heart and the heart whispers to close each other coz v r neighbors,our relations should b loving and such movies develops love between Pakistan and India.i Appreciate the dialogs of anupam kheer when he said v should not recall ever the moments of 1947 and other events so v should never develop gud relations.the land of Pakistan and India is the same the fields,envoirment,weathers,and People.v should love with humanity.Yash chopra g,is requested to make some more movies like this to save the mankind of both countries..
I've just watched the movie for the 4th time and i'm still fascinated (- even more every time-) by the plot, the wonderful actors, the beautiful landscape (even though I think, some of the places have been filmed somewhere else - Tyrol, Switzerland ???).
I have seen Veer Zaara three times in the theatre and must say that it is without a doubt the BEST BOLLYWOOD FILM I have ever seen.
Okay i don't believe this movie to be as amazing as everyone says it to be..first of all the story is soo cheesy and there are probably hundreds of movies out there more deserving....swades for example....thought the music was good it only got so much recognition because its creater is no longer alive....Shahrukhs acting was so so not amazing....he should not have gotten awards for this...but rather Swades...i think most people liked this movie cause they are pathetic when matters come to romance...i mean how idiotic is it to have a god damn song inbetween of a court sequence....I'm happy dat chopra guys not taking anymore awards.....
The verdict- not even nearly as good as the collections it would have made in just one day.With the reins of direction in the veteran Yash Chopra's hands, one expects the cast to look their best, act their best and most of all the movie to be a wholesome entertainer.
Not to say that the movie did not have any positives, but they were far less than the negatives.Starting with the flaws, the script was extremely incoherent and un realistic, not to mention some apparent inconsistencies in the direction.To start with,a major question that is left for the viewer to answerer himself is how did Rani know about SRKs real name i.e. Veer?
This is a master peace srk is great but story will blow your mind lots of emotions patriotism love story women impoverishment and many more must watch movie.
However, things are NOT going to be easy--this IS an Indian romance and at over three hours in length, you know SOMETHING is going to come between their love.What happens to Veer is something you'll have to see for yourself-- but it clearly is an awful injustice and is highly reminiscent of Dumas' "The Man in the Iron Mask".
Yash Chopra's Veer - Zaara is my favorite film of 2004.
the most awaited movie of the yr is finally out....a typical yash chopra magnum opus....the rustic background and the change of camera from Punjabi India to Islamic Pakistan adds a lot of color to the movie..the storyline is simply amazing and the music is refreshing..the storyline truly emphasis's the essence of love and also there is a social message in the end .
Having remained silent for the years of his imprisonment, he opens up to Saamiya and tells her the story behind his arrest: the love story between him and a Pakistani woman, Zaara (Preity Zinta).The plot of this romantic drama is gripping, moving, and mostly believable.
But if you like romantic musicals such as Tom Hooper's "Les Misérables" (the Hugh Jackman version), and can find 3 1/2 hours to watch a movie, you'll smile and sniffle some tears for Veer-Zaara.I dislike high pitched nasal playback singers, decades in prison to justify old man makeup, ...
Veer Zara is the story of the undying love of star crossed lovers, Indian air force officer Veer Pratap Singh, and Pakistani bride to be, Zaara Khan, separated for twenty years while he is in a Pakistani prison on a trumped up charge, -- and the relentless battle of a young Pakistani attorney to correct this injustice and restore him to freedom.
In addition this film has three big Bollywood stars at the peak of their physical beauty and charm, (Sharukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukerji) as well as two older superstars, Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini - in star supporting roles that are like a flashback to the Bollywood golden age.
Almost every character in the film does justice to their role, be it Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukherjee,Amitabh Bachchan and Kirron Kher.
Veer Zaara- 2004 Director: Yash ChopraA movie with a lot of emotions.
I'd compare this movie to Titanic if Titanic wasn't based on real events)Scenic Value = 8/10 (Many beautiful shots but nothing out of this world)Acting = 9/10 (-1 point because SRK overdid the shaking a bit)Accuracy = 8/10 (Accuracy score would have been lower if it was a documentary or based on a true story)WARNING: Next line may contain a spoiler.Special Effects = 4/10 (Come on.
Strangely though, in a grand story like that, that didn't hurt as much since it wasn't significant compared to the other emotions)Music = 10/10 (You can listen to this music over and over again and replay the movie in your mind)Direction = 10/10 (Yash Chopra really knew how to touch people)Overall = 10/10 (I don't watch too many Indian movies anymore.
And trust me, long after the show is over, if there's one name you remember from the film its Zaara Hayaat Khan.Rani Mukherjee is another actress who everyone loves to watch on screen; with Veer-Zaara she proves that the size of the role doesn't matter it's how you portray the character that will have people remember the character.
The role is made for her; no one else could have pulled of the character so well.There are lots of cameos in the film; I'll leave those to your imagination, just in case you haven't seen the film.There are so many things you can talk about when you speak of a film like Veer-Zaara, but the bottom line is its top quality.
Oh my gosh people this is the MOST ROMANTIC lOVE STORY EVER I LOVED this movie sooo much Yash Chopra is amazing director!!
This really is one of a kind movie, i have only watched in once but i loved it from the start to finish, both Shahrukh and Priety gave very powerful performances and Rani was great too.
The music wow, Oh my god it;s the best piece of music that i have heard in a long time, the music was written over 50 years ago by the late Madan Mohan, i remember watching and awards ceremony a while back and the music for Veer Zaara had received an award, the late Madon Mohan's son went to receive the award and gave such a powerful speech, it borough a tear to my eye.Veer has been jailed for over 20 years and Zaara had been reported missing in this film, she was a Pakistani girl from Lahore and he was an Indian pilot, they met, fell in love but could not stay together because Zara had to marry someone else in Pakistan, anyways i don't want to give too much away but what i can say is that they get together and the ending is very emotional, it made me cry, if you haven't seen this film please watch it..
A film that lets people of any race color or creed, know that nothing is impossible when you have faith in God. I sometimes wonder when the actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta go to bed if they ever dream or realize the impact they have on people's minds and hearts.
Yash Chopra has attempted something we've seen before in movies like Bombay: he's begun with what looks like the standard Bollywood boy-meets-girl form only to swerve into touchy socio-political territory, in this case the on-going unpleasantness between India and Pakistan (Veer is from India and Zaara from Pakistan, but their love transcends all borders, etc.,).
One grows impatient with the unfolding of the love-story, the rote passages of Veer and Zaara coming to recognize the hurt they've caused their families by their selfish succumbing to romantic urge (couldn't the lovers in a Bollywood movie just once say the hell with propriety?).
Rani Mukherjee doesn't have much role as compared to Veer and Zaara, but good performance in role assigned to her like some of the courtroom scenes.
Long live humanism And, yes...better facilities for girls' education.These propaganda points can certainly make a good movie but they didn't in this case.Much hype was created before the release of Veer-Zaara about the so called melodies from the golden age but that too came out to be much ado about nothing.
This is one of the best movies ever.This comeback is superb from Chopra.The script is excellent.The editing is brilliant.The story is a cross border romance.It starts when Samauiya Siddqui is ready for her first case.She meets Veer.Who has been in prison for 22 years.He tells her he was in love with Zaara a Pakistani girl.She is going to(I FORGOT.Anyway Veer mets her fiancé.She leaves.One day he is mistaken for a person named Rajesh and is arrested.He is neitherr spoken a word.The flick is a true MASTERPIECE froom Yash.Who made a comeback after Dil To Pagal Hai 7 years.Shahrukh was excellent.Preity was excellent too.Rani was excellent.The others supported well.The cinematography is Excellent.The songs by the late Madan Mohan is a Masterpiece.A MUST SEE RATING-10/10.
Veer Zaara is a movie that i can watch again and again!!
This movie was beautifully shot with rich sets and costumes .The scenes were well executed especially the scene were Veer and Zaara reunite.The acting was Top notch.SRK was superb in his role and was quite convincing.In my opinion Preity has given her best performance too date in this movie.Rani was also amazing as the layer also.Anupham Kher and Manoj Bajpai have very interesting roles and have acted well also.If you are really interested in watching romantic movies like me you will love this one..
Once again, Shahrukh has put out an outstanding performance in the movie Veer-Zaara.
Shahrukhs performance seems to be more demanded that Rani and Prity though they have also put in efforts to make Veer-Zaara and excellent movie.
Drama freaks like me want melodrama, deep love and all that stuff, but this can easily (and often does) go over the top and I hate when that happens.My view of "Veer-Zaara" is that a movie with a cast like this one had (Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukherjee, plus Amitabh, Hema Malini) could have done better.
The backdrop of Pakistan gives the film a new look, a new color altogether.Yash Chopra knows very well how to make a HIT movie...his main target are always the females who like mushy-mushy love stories high on emotional quotient.
It comes across as too contrived.The director should have used a better script, since the premise itself borders on the edge of believability.Rani Mukherji and Manoj Bajpai shine in their roles, as Veer's lawyer and Zaara's fiancé, granting the characters the required empathy and sinisterness respectively.Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini are wasted in their roles.Preity Zinta performs reasonably well for her role which is not sizeable, even though, she is one of the lead stars.Shah Rukh Khan struggles with the dialogues given to him.