Veer-Zara

This is not a review of sorts. There are many better ones already doing the round. Just want to state a few observations.

Firstly, the director, Yash Chopra must be credited for a doing a splendid work on a terribly botched script by the writer, Aditya Chopra. I won't question the novelty of the script, as we all know that Chopras gonna do what they do best. Romance. They have made this clear, and therefore we can see all those have-seen-before scenes.

But the writer has failed to better even what has been done before. Please observe this. Shahrukh was taking a leave for Lohri, which happens to be in mid January, the coldest month in north India, including Punjab, but nobody is using even a Shawl, forget sweaters.

Rush at the Atari station is attributed to Id. Boss, Id-Ul-Fitr takes place much before that, even before Christmas. Id-Ul-Zuha, ie Bakrid usually is in February, while Id-E-Milad happens 5-6 months later. So which Id has been talked about. Manoj Bajpayi has been introduced as Mangetar, while Mangni takes place some weeks later. We thought there is no Mangetar without Mangni.

Court scene was terrible. Chopras( Both Yash and BR) have been known for their gripping court scenes. Yash has directed many of his elder brother's court room dramas like Waqt, Kanoon. He has done terrific work in his home production Ittefaq too. But this one was no show. All the hype built from the beginning turned into an anti-climax.

But Chopra the director, well supported by the performances was at his best. The scene of the movie was Zara's departure at Atari station. I loved the whole 10 minute capsule. The till now missing chemistry between the Priety and Sharukh finally developed. Nothing of that sort could be seen in Dil Se and KHNH. But chemistry was great between, Shahrukh-Rani and even better between Shahrukh-Amitabh.

Barring Anupam Kher, and Hema Malini, who had little to do, all the lead actors were superb. But for the Shahrukh's overacting with the old man's getup, it was his best performance in recent times. He didn't look convincing as an old man. The only person who comes to my mind playing the old man superbly, despite being young, was Sanjeev Kumar. Even Amitabh wasn't as good there. Though I loved the older Amitabh in Akhiri Rasta.

Last thoughts. Looking at the scenic visuals in the movie, I wondered why did Yash Chopra ever go for Swiss Tulip gardens. India is so beautiful.