Vedaa 2024 Movie Review: A Disappointing Thriller

The latest thriller drama, “Vedaa,” featuring John Abraham, Sharvari Wagh, and Abhishek Banerjee, has made its way to theaters. With heavy competition from blockbusters like “Stree 2” and Akshay Kumar’s “Khel Khel Mein,” the expectations weren’t exactly high. Yet, to my surprise, “Vedaa” managed to pull in a decent crowd, possibly due to the August 15th holiday or John Abraham’s strong fan following. But is the film worth the watch? Let’s delve into the details.

A Showcase of Versatile Acting

Credit – Tring

One of the film’s highlights is Abhishek Banerjee, whose performance stands out in stark contrast to his role in “Stree 2.” In “Vedaa,” Banerjee effortlessly switches gears, portraying a brutal villain, a role miles apart from his comic character in “Stree 2.” His versatility shines through, making him a strong contender for accolades this season. John Abraham, though limited by the screenplay, delivers a solid performance whenever he’s on screen. With only about 10 to 20 lines of dialogue, Abraham relies heavily on his intense expressions, proving once again why he remains a force in action-packed roles.

The Storyline: A Dated Narrative

Credit – Filmibeat

The story centers around a girl named Veda, who is battling against societal norms and the oppressive caste system. Veda’s journey is one of struggle and resilience as she seeks to carve out her own identity. The narrative touches on themes of discrimination and revenge, with Veda facing severe injustices at the hands of those who refuse to let her progress or form relationships outside of her caste. With the help of John Abraham’s character, Veda embarks on a quest for revenge, which forms the crux of the film.

However, while the premise holds promise, the execution falls flat. In today’s world, the topic feels outdated, and the film’s pacing leaves much to be desired. The first half of the movie drags on, making it difficult for the audience to stay engaged. At one point, I found myself wondering if the movie was going to run without an interval, only to be relieved by a break after a lengthy hour and a half. The second half, unfortunately, doesn’t fare much better, making the entire experience feel unnecessarily stretched.

Also read: Stree 2 movie review: Post-Credit Review & Ending Explained

Missed Opportunities in Screenplay and Direction

One of the most glaring issues with “Vedaa” is its screenplay. The film is riddled with scenes that could have been trimmed or cut altogether, making it feel like a test of patience rather than an engaging thriller. The storyline could have easily been wrapped up in two hours, but instead, it lingers on, with unnecessary sequences that add little to the narrative.

A particular letdown is the much-anticipated climax, which features an action scene in a courtroom. This scene defies logic, with not a single policeman in sight, despite the intense confrontation taking place. Additionally, a subplot involving Veda learning boxing is teased throughout the film, only for it to have little impact on the plot. This buildup, which seems to promise a powerful moment, fizzles out as the boxing skills are only used to deliver a few punches to the villain in the final act.

Also read: Salman Khan’s Love Life Controversies

Final Verdict: A Film That Could Have Been More

“Vedaa” is a film that had the potential to be a gripping thriller but ultimately fails to live up to expectations. While the performances, particularly by Abhishek Banerjee and John Abraham, are commendable, they aren’t enough to save the film from its outdated themes and sluggish pacing. The movie feels unnecessarily long, and the screenplay lacks the tightness needed to keep the audience engaged.

If you’re looking for a time-pass film that the whole family can watch, “Vedaa” might just fit the bill. However, if you’re expecting a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, I would give “Vedaa” a 2.5 out of 5 stars—a very average movie that misses the mark.

Have you seen “Vedaa”? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!