Star Cast: Nana Patekar, Utkarsh Sharma, Simrat Kaur, Ashwini Kalsekar
Director: Anil Sharma
What’s Good: The solid message is getting increasingly relevant in today’s times.
What’s Bad: The length of the film
Loo Break: Luckily not, despite the long length
Watch or Not?: A film that is valid probably for viewers of all ages
Language: Hindi
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 160 Minutes
Vanvaas Movie Review: A Tale of Family Betrayal and Redemption
Set against the backdrop of Shimla and Benares, Vanvaas tells the emotional story of Deepak Tyagi (Nana Patekar), a widower with dementia, and his three sons, all of whom are married with children. When Deepak decides to convert his bungalow into a trust named after his late wife, Vimla (Khushboo), to honor her memory, his sons are outraged. They would much rather sell the property for money than preserve it for sentimental reasons.
Taking advantage of their father’s forgetfulness, the sons hatch a plan to abandon him. They take Deepak on a pilgrimage to Benares, under the guise of celebrating his birthday, only to attempt leaving him in an old age home without any identification or medication. When that fails, they cruelly abandon him during a crowded religious ceremony, leaving him without his Aadhaar card and memory pills. Upon returning home, they lie to their children and others, saying that Deepak drowned while bathing in the Holy Ganga.
But what happens to Deepak after this heartbreaking betrayal?
Vanvaas Movie Review: Script Analysis
From the very first frame, Vanvaas draws you in, taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. As the story unfolds, we witness a series of intense moments, particularly after Deepak is left alone in the chaotic streets of Benares.
There, we meet Veeru (Utkarsh Sharma), a small-time con man who initially tricks Deepak but soon develops a bond with him. Veeru’s relationship with Deepak deepens when he falls in love with a dancer (Simrat Kaur), whose aunt disapproves of the match. She makes a deal with Veeru: she will allow the marriage if he reunites Deepak with his family. At this point, Deepak is in a state of confusion, believing that his children are still young, which reflects a memory lapse from his past.
As Veeru grows more emotionally attached to Deepak, he saves him from being targeted by an organ trafficker and decides to help him find his family. Veeru, along with his friends (Rajpal Yadav and Paritosh Tripathi), begins piecing together Deepak’s past by carefully questioning him as per medical advice.
In the film’s second half, Deepak’s sons continue their deception, aiming to inherit a large sum from one of Deepak’s properties. The story takes a dramatic turn as a series of events, both accidental and intentional, bring Deepak back to his family. The final 20 minutes of the movie, while a bit stretched, build up to an emotional confrontation between Deepak and his sons. The raw emotion in these scenes will leave many viewers with teary eyes, proving that the script does not shy away from the harsh realities of neglecting elderly parents.
Vanvaas Movie Review: Performances
Nana Patekar, fresh off his success in The Vaccine War, once again delivers a stellar performance as Deepak. His portrayal of a man struggling with dementia is both heart-wrenching and compelling. His romantic scenes with his on-screen wife Vimla (Khushboo Sunder) are equally touching, showing his range as an actor.
Ashwini Kalsekar as the sharp-witted and fiery ‘Aunty’ is brilliant, adding humor and depth to the story. Rajpal Yadav shines as Veeru’s loyal sidekick, delivering a memorable performance. Simrat Kaur, as Veeru’s love interest, does a competent job, but the real surprise is Utkarsh Sharma. His performance as Veeru is charismatic and heartfelt, proving that he has the potential to become a star if he makes the right career choices.
Vanvaas Movie Review: Direction and Music
Anil Sharma, known for his emotional dramas, returns with Vanvaas, a film that echoes the storytelling style of classic Hindi cinema from the ’60s to the ’90s. His ability to handle heavy emotions and weave them into the plot without making it feel outdated is commendable. Sharma’s storytelling, similar to his debut Shraddhanjali, still packs a powerful emotional punch, though the film could have benefited from tighter editing, especially in the first half and towards the end.
Musically, the film falls short. While Mithoon and Sayeed Quadri’s songs are passable, they don’t leave a lasting impact. However, Monty Sharma’s background score effectively complements the film’s mood and adds to the emotional intensity of the scenes.
Vanvaas Movie Review: Final Verdict
At its core, Vanvaas is a timely, thought-provoking film that sheds light on the unfortunate reality of parental neglect. With Nana Patekar’s powerful performance leading the way, this modern-day twist on Baghban will resonate with audiences who appreciate emotional storytelling. The film’s hard-hitting take on the responsibilities we owe to our parents, especially in their twilight years, is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
If you enjoy films that tackle real-life social issues with a touch of drama and sentiment, Vanvaas is worth watching.
