In the movie Vedaa, about 30 minutes before the end, Sharvari Wagh's character, Vedaa, asks her boxing coach, Abhimanyu (played by John Abraham), why he’s trying to help her. This question might be on the minds of many viewers while watching the film. Vedaa tries to address the important issue of caste in India, and it seems like it wants to make a difference. But the film’s slow pace and lengthy scenes might test your patience, even if you want to like it.

Directed by Nikhil Advani, the movie features John Abraham in a strong action role. He plays a court-martialed officer who fights against terrorists, local thugs, and rowdy individuals. He doesn’t say much, but his actions speak loudly through his punches and kicks. As usual, in his films, villains get thrown around, bullets are fired, and the bad guys beg for mercy.

Vedaa Movie Cast and Crew

Sharvari Wagh, who has been successful lately, plays a character who seems to be in distress throughout the movie. Though her character is meant to be strong-willed and a fighter, we only see her strength when she challenges the law in front of her sister. Most of the time, she seems to depend on John Abraham’s character, which might leave you frustrated. Since she’s the main character, you’d expect her to show more heroism and grit. The film doesn’t let her take charge until very late, which makes it hard to feel inspired by her.

The film aims to address the caste system, a challenging topic in India. The creators deserve credit for trying, but the movie doesn’t explore this issue deeply. Sharvari’s character doesn’t address the struggles faced by Dalit people until the end. We see how people from lower castes face discrimination, like drinking water from separate vessels or being punished for marrying into higher castes. However, these moments aren’t portrayed powerfully, making them less impactful.

The background music in the film is better than the screenplay. While some songs, like "Zaroorat Se Zyada," are okay, most of them don’t make a lasting impression and seem out of place. For example, right after Vedaa fights to join a boxing match, there’s a scene where she’s dancing at a Holi festival. This sudden shift feels awkward, especially given the film’s earlier focus on caste issues.

Other actors in the film include Rajendra Chawla, who does a good job as a father trying to shield his children from caste prejudice. Tamannah Bhatia has a small role that leaves you wishing she had more screen time. Abhishek Banerjee plays a menacing local leader well, but his performance lacks the intensity seen in his previous work. Kshitij Chauhan convincingly plays a villain with a more innocent look.