Veer-Zaara

I really enjoyed this a lot! In a world of Dhurandhars be a Veer-Zaara! Veer-Zaara to me promotes peace and humanity over anything between both nations India and Pakistan. And this is shown through the love story of Veer Pratap Singh and Zaara Hayaat Khan. Both fall madly in love with each other. They represent the peace that both countries have a possibility to have one day I hope to see in my lifetime. Though I will admit this film does gloss over the whole Kashmir issue between both countries. In my opinion, Kashmir should have the right to self determination on its own situation! It's a very humane film though. The film has much feminist themes prevalent too which is amazing of course. When Zaara persuades Chaudary Singh to promote women's education in the village in Punjab. Meanwhile, Saamiya Sidiqui as a lawyer who is a woman and breaking boundaries is amazing to see. She takes on one of the most esteemed lawyers and in the process finds her own standing. I loved how this film showed the shared heritage of Punjabi culture. From using the same language that both countries use to even small details like how they play Mere Laung Guwacha, a popular Punjabi folk song, instrumental in Main Yahaan Hoon Yahaan. I don't think people understand how much Punjabis went through during the partition of India, from seeing people once considered neighbours into strangers the next day, it's horrifying. Lahore and Amritsar two sister cities now divided by a border. I truly love the message of this film though! Genuinely I hope to visit India and see all of its beauty as a British Pakistani, I hope to be received as Zaara was. Anyways in terms of artistic merits, this film does really good. One of Yash Chopra's best films ever! Apparently he did quite a few films that centred on unity between Hindus and Muslim in his early days (I need to see!). But he stopped making such films because of backlash (if I remember correctly). But Veer Zaara is a return to such a humane issue. The cast is amazing too. Specially Shah Rukh Khan who is the goat, what can you say? He is so charming, handsome and genuinely so understated. Preity Zinta was quite good as Zaara but I've seen betyer performances. One of the most scene stealing performances was by Rani Mukerji who made this film for me. She had such a strong performance I loved her a lot in this film. And her scenes were so interesting.