“Vedaa” is a 2024 Hindi-language action-drama film directed by Nikkhil Advani and produced by Zee Studios, Emmay Entertainment, and JA Entertainment. The film stars John Abraham, Sharvari Wagh, and Abhishek Banerjee in pivotal roles. Inspired by true events, the movie blends high-octane action with a social message, highlighting the issues of caste discrimination and systemic oppression.
Released on August 15, 2024, Vedaa attempts to balance social justice themes with commercial cinema elements. The film generated buzz due to John Abraham’s return to action-heavy roles, Sharvari Wagh’s breakthrough performance, and its socially relevant storyline. But does it live up to the expectations? Let’s find out in this detailed review.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The film is set in Barmer, Rajasthan, a region deeply affected by caste-based oppression. Vedaa Berwa (Sharvari Wagh) is a young law student from a marginalized community who dreams of changing the system. Despite the challenges, she remains determined, intelligent, and strong-willed.
Her life takes a drastic turn when she crosses paths with Major Abhimanyu Kanwar (John Abraham), a former army officer turned college boxing coach. Seeing Vedaa’s struggles and inner strength, Abhimanyu trains her in self-defense and helps her stand up against the oppressive local ruler, Jitendar Pratap Singh (Abhishek Banerjee), a cruel and manipulative antagonist.
As Vedaa and Abhimanyu join forces, they embark on a gritty journey of resistance, survival, and justice. The film’s narrative is driven by their battle against oppression, their unwavering spirit, and the high-stakes confrontations that follow.
Cast and Characters
- John Abraham as Major Abhimanyu Kanwar – A tough, disciplined ex-army officer who becomes Vedaa’s mentor and protector. He believes in justice and refuses to back down against tyranny.
- Sharvari Wagh as Vedaa Berwa – The protagonist, a young woman fighting against an unjust system. Sharvari’s performance is emotionally gripping and physically intense.
- Abhishek Banerjee as Jitendar Pratap Singh – The main antagonist, a powerful and corrupt leader who uses fear to control people. Banerjee’s chilling performance makes him a strong villain.
- Ashish Vidyarthi as Suyog Pratap Singh – Jitendar’s elder brother and an equally oppressive figure.
- Kumud Mishra as College Principal – A supportive character who encourages Vedaa in her fight for justice.
- Rajendra Chawla as Vedaa’s Father – A man struggling between tradition and his daughter’s bold actions.
- Tanvi Malhara as Arati – Vedaa’s best friend and moral support.
- Anurag Thakur as Vinod Berwa – Vedaa’s brother, who also faces societal discrimination.
- Urvashi Dubey as Gehna – Vedaa’s younger sister, representing innocence amid adversity.
Direction and Screenplay
Nikkhil Advani, known for films like Batla House and D-Day, brings his trademark blend of realism and action to Vedaa. His direction ensures that the socially relevant themes don’t get overshadowed by commercial elements. However, some portions of the film feel stretched, and the screenplay (written by Aseem Arrora) could have been tighter.
While the first half builds up the tension effectively, the second half slows down with a few predictable plot points. The dialogues are impactful, especially in moments of confrontation and emotional breakdowns.
Cinematography and Visuals
Malay Prakash’s cinematography does justice to the film’s serious tone. He uses rustic landscapes, muted color palettes, and intense close-ups to emphasize emotions. Some of the action sequences are stylishly shot, but a few over-the-top stunts reduce the film’s realistic appeal.
Music and Sound Design
- The background score by Kartik Shah is powerful, adding depth to intense scenes.
- The soundtrack, composed by Amaal Mallik, Manan Bhardwaj, Yuva, and Raghav–Arjun, features songs that blend into the film’s narrative but fail to create a lasting impact.
- Tracks like “Holiyaan” and “Mummy Ji” bring some vibrancy, but the film relies more on its story than its music.
Pacing and Editing
At 151 minutes, the film feels slightly long. While the first half builds suspense effectively, the second half could have been edited more tightly. Certain scenes, especially in the emotional and training sequences, drag on longer than necessary.
Day-Wise Box Office Collection
| Day | India Net Collection |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (August 15, 2024) | ₹6.52 crore |
| Day 2 | ₹5.80 crore |
| Day 3 | ₹6.10 crore |
| Day 4 | ₹4.90 crore |
| Day 5 | ₹3.75 crore |
| Week 1 Total | ₹27.07 crore |
| Lifetime Collection (India) | ₹55 crore (expected) |
| Worldwide Gross | ₹75 crore (estimated) |
The film had a decent opening due to Independence Day, but the word-of-mouth reception affected its long-term performance. It performed better in multiplexes than single screens.
Audience and Critical Reception
- Deepa Gahlot (Rediff.com): 3/5 stars, praised the performances and message but found the climax underwhelming.
- Bollywood Hungama: 2.5/5 stars, pointed out predictability and pacing issues.
- Rishabh Suri (Hindustan Times): Appreciated the strong female lead and social themes but noted a lack of freshness in the execution.
- Audience Reactions: Mixed, with some praising its social impact while others found it slow and formulaic.
Verdict and Rating
“Vedaa” is a brave attempt at mixing social issues with action. Sharvari Wagh’s powerful performance, John Abraham’s action-packed role, and the film’s emotional depth are its strongest aspects. However, predictable storytelling, uneven pacing, and over-the-top action keep it from being truly exceptional.
⭐ Final Rating: 3/5
Pros:
✅ Strong performances (especially Sharvari Wagh)
✅ Socially relevant theme
✅ Well-shot action sequences
Cons:
❌ Predictable screenplay
❌ Slow second half
❌ Over-the-top action in parts
Should You Watch It?
If you enjoy action-dramas with a strong message, Vedaa is worth watching. However, if you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with unexpected twists, you might find it underwhelming.
Would you watch Vedaa? Let me know your thoughts! 🎬✨
