| This film is about an Indian man, Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan) and a Pakistani woman, Zaara Hayaat Khan (Preity Zinta). Veer is a rescue pilot with the Indian Air Force. A caring person, Veer always goes out of his way to help others. Whilst on duty, he comes across Zaara, the daughter of an influential Pakistani politician (Boman Iran). A simple girl by nature, she is happy to marry the man of her parent's choice. This happens to be Raza (Manoj Bajpai). She has come to India to full fill her surrogate mother's (Zohra Segal) last wish and that is to immerse her ashes in the river Ganges. But on her way there the bus she's travelling in has an accident. It's here that she meets Veer. Their initial friendship starts off on a sour note, but before they realize it, they had fallen in love. Before accompanying her back to the Pakistani border, Veer shows her Punjab, the place where he grew up. Zaara also gets a chance to meet Veer's uncle (Amitabh Bachchan) and aunty (Hema Malini) who raised him.
But when Veer is about to propose to her, Raza, comes onto the scene in search of Zaara. She returns to Lahore with him but life for her is never the same. Zaara finds it difficult to forget Veer. So her maid rings up Veer in India to tell him how Zaara feels about him. Veer gives up his job and arrives in Lahore. He meets Zaara and his family but before he could do anything, he is arrested by the Pakistani police on charges of being a spy. Meanwhile Zaara is married off to Raza. Twenty two years later, Saamiya Siddiqui (Rani Mukerji), a Pakistani lawyer, comes to his rescue. She meets an ageing Veer Pratap Singh for the first time. Veer has spoken to no one. Why is that? And where is Zaara all this time? Saamiya decides to find truth about this man. The film kicks off on a love angle as the story enfolds with the help of the melodious songs. As it progresses, we see new characters appearing, keeping you engrossed. The second half of the film is the one to watch out for. Some scenes will remain in your mind well after the film finishes. Examples such as Veer and Zaara meeting at the mosque in the presence of all the people is well executed. Another scene where Rani Mukerjee addresses Anupam Kher by another name is simply brilliant. The reappearance of Zaara towards the climax takes the film in a new direction providing the right impact - pure Yash Chopra style. Full credit goes to Aditya Chopra who has written the screenplay. There is never a dull moment. The musical score by Madan Mohan deserves a mention. The songs blend well with the scenes and storyline. 'Main Yahan Hoon', 'Lodi', 'Aisa Des Hai Mera', and 'Aaya Tere Dar Pe' are the best. Shah Rukh Khan gives an emotional performance as usual. Preity Zinta brings her character to life with great ease but its Rani Mukerjee who deserve praise for her acting. To act through your eyes and not using dialogue is an art. Rani for one, has perfected this. On the whole, Veer Zaara has a great storyline with some unpredictable twists and emotions, keeping you engrossed throughout. Predicted to be a winner at the UK box office in days to come. So watchout Bridget Jones! Reviewed by Manish Gajjar
BBC Shropshire's Mr Bollywood
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