He hasn't uttered a single word in the last 22 years for reasons best known to him.

Saamiya Siddiqui (Mukherji) is an amateur lawyer determined to fight his case and prove his innocence. Why is he here? Why not an Indian prison? What was his crime?

After some persuasion, Veer recites his story, about the circumstances in which he was framed, his love for a Pakistani woman, Zaara Haayat Khan (Zinta), and how they were separated due to reasons beyond their control.

How Saamiya, fights his cause form the climax of the movie.

Yash Chopra is back at doing what he does best - touching the romantic within us. Veer Zaara is an intense, emotionally charged, mature love story that never loses focus.

The audience are spared silly comic tracks or item numbers that have no relevance to the story.

Chopra should be praised for creating a story, which despite being a tale of cross-border love, it steers clear of unwanted political overtones.

Obviously being a Yash Raj Film, the film is technically rich. The cinematography is breathtaking. The colours he uses to paint the picture, match the mood of the narrative, with almost each frame proving to be flawless.

The music by the late Madan Mohan is not of chartbusting quality but again it goes with the ambience of the film.

The most likable include 'Tere Liye', 'Main Yahaan Hoon' and the 'Lodi' song.

Dialogues by Aditya Chopra are mind-blowing. Veer's climax speech in the courtroom, Saamiya's outburst at the opposing lawyer (Anupam Kher) and some of the exhanges between Veer and Zaara are applause worthy.

But the strongest point of Veer-Zaara beyond a doubt is the performances. I am not a big Shah Rukh Khan fan. And I never have been. I find him repetitive and unwilling to take chances with his roles - more recently so.

But he finally gets out of a rut and delivers what would one define as the best performance of his career. As the younger Veer, he is his usual sprightly self.

His role as the old convict is the best. His mannerisms and expressions bowl you over and he deserves an award for his performance.

Amongst the leading ladies, Preity looks like a million bucks which is expected, being a Yash Chopra heroine.

She comes across as a complete natural and it is safe to say that we have finally found a replacement for Kajol.

As for the gritty, yet insecure lawyer Rani, she isn't far behind though.

Of the two, hers is the shorter role but far more challenging. She is a revelation in some of the confrontational scenes. Like Shah Rukh, she too is bound to win some accolades at the award ceremonies next year.

One of the shortcomings of Veer Zaara is it's sluggish pace. Chopra takes time to introduce each of his characters which is all well and done but at times you get restless and fidgety.

Additionally, cutting a song or two will bring more impact to the story. Besides that this is a typical Yash Chopra film with fields, flying dupattas and a story with a strong emotional undercurrent.

If you are after a K3G or Kal Ho Naa Ho kinda film then you are in for a disappointment.

Veer Zaara has more of a classic feel to it along the lines of Devdas and is more likely to appeal to older, more mature audiences.

All in all it's a very sensible and mature film that has the makings of a classic regardless of it's fate at the box office. See it .