Vedaa & Khel Khel Mein – Movie Reviews

Directed by Nikhil Advani and starring John Abraham, Sharvari, and Abhishek Banerjee in pivotal roles, Vedaa attempts to deliver a powerful social message but falters in its execution. The narrative centers on Vedaa, a Dalit girl portrayed with remarkable intensity by Sharvari, who endures the brutalities inflicted by the upper caste. The film explores how she confronts these injustices, with Abhimanyu, played by John Abraham, playing a significant role in her journey.

While the premise holds promise, the storytelling, particularly in the first half, is plagued by a sluggish pace, which diminishes the film’s impact. The initial half is consumed by scenes depicting the atrocities against Vedaa and her family, which, though necessary, could have been more compelling with tighter editing.

The second half attempts to compensate with a series of high-octane action sequences, including fights, gunfire, and car chases. However, the climax, which should have been the film’s crescendo, is marred by a lack of logical coherence, leaving the audience unsatisfied. Performance-wise, Sharvari shines brilliantly, embodying Vedaa with depth and authenticity. Her portrayal is the film’s strongest asset.

Abhishek Banerjee, as the antagonist, showcases his versatility, transitioning effectively from his role in Stree 2 to a more menacing character in Vedaa. John Abraham, while physically suited for the action, delivers a performance that lacks the distinctiveness expected from such a narrative. Overall, Vedaa is a film that, despite its potential and commendable performances, ultimately falls short due to its slow-paced narrative and missed opportunities in storytelling.

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Strictly for adults, Khel Khel Mein explores the complexities of modern relationships, with a storyline focused on a group of friends who attend a wedding and unravel hidden secrets over a single night. As a desi adaptation of the 2016 Italian film Perfetti Sconosciuti, director Mudassar Aziz keeps the narrative light while delving into mature themes. However, the film falters when mental health and suicide are trivialized in the second half, contrasting with the earlier sensible approach.

The movie highlights how little outsiders know about what truly happens within a marriage, a point emphasized through the story. Ammy Virk delivers a strong performance, while Aditya Seal and debutant Pragya Jaiswal convincingly portray a couple grappling with tragedy. Notably, this film should be considered Fardeen Khan’s true comeback, overshadowing his previous, forgettable role in Heeramandi.

Cell phones become the vehicle for revealing the characters’ true selves, with each incoming text or call intensifying the tension. Although the film maintains its pace, the second half drags slightly, with some reveals falling flat. Certain character arcs aim for redemption, which might detract from the film’s intended impact, as more irredeemable flaws would have made it a stronger piece.

Akshay Kumar shines, depicting the painful consequences of secrets exposed. Despite being another remake in Akshay’s growing list, his impeccable comic timing and ability to balance humor with sensitivity make it worth watching. However, it’s strictly a couples’ movie—not one for family gatherings. The film poignantly captures the sad reality of infidelity in modern marriages, making it a relatable yet somber.

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