Vedha HD Released

 

A corporate employee is harassed by a man on public transport while on her way to work. She comes home annoyed and throws a fit. Her grandmother consoles her and tells the tale of Vedha, a man so kind and wonderful, yet so powerful and stern.

The film goes back to the 1980s when Vedha (Shivrajkumar) and his daughter Kanaka (Aditi Sagar) go on a killing spree. Just out of prison, Kanaka harbours and unleashes rage that sends shivers down the spine of her opponents. She is supported by her father for all the murders, and the father-daughter duo wander from one village to another, looking for their next target. Police inspector Rama (Veena Ponappa), who is rigorously tracking them, always misses them by a whisker. There is also Paari (Shweta Chengappa), a sex worker, who wants to kill Vedha’s close aide (Raghu Shimoga) for helping the former find his next target. The film then takes us back to the 1960s, and we get to see another face of Vedha. He is kind and loved by one and all in his village. He also has Shakri (Umashree by his side, who is his best friend and motherly figure. He marries Pushpa (Ganavi Laxman) and she gives birth to a baby girl. But a heart-wrenching incident is what turns Vedha into a hate-filled revenge-monger. What is that incident? Will Vedha and Kanaka be able to get their ultimate revenge? How is all this related to the problems faced by women today, forming the crux of the story?

The film oscillates between the 1960s and 1980s, which keeps the audience glued to their seats. It is very surprising to see Shivarajkumar take a backseat and let the women steal the show. He is calm but unleashes terror when needed. This is Shivarajkumar’s 125th film and the fans, as well as the audience, have plenty of scenes to celebrate the actor. All the women in the film - Umashree, Ganavi Laxman, Shwetha Chengappa, Veena Ponappa and Aditi Sagar - have given excellent performances. Amid this, Ganavi stands out. She is a treat to watch and proves her acting prowess in every scene. Shwetha Chengappa is glamorous, fierce and feisty and Umashree keeps the film lively in the first half. Veena Ponappa fits well in the equation as a cop while Aditi shines in the climax.

Vedha deals with an untouched, sensitive topic of child abuse. It is a perfect blend of commercial elements with a strong message about the harassment faced by women on a daily basis. The narration could have been better, but the message and stunning performances keep the film afloat. However, the non-linear pattern feels a little forced. This is choreographer-turned-director Harsha’s 4th collaboration with Shivarajkumar. The duo knows each others’ strengths and weaknesses and has used them very well here. Meanwhile, Junjappa and Pushpa Pushpa songs stay with the audience.

The film is a must-watch, as it caters to the woes of women.