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Vanvaas Review: Noble Intentions Derailed by Outdated Storytelling and Tedious Length

Name: Vanvaas
Director: Anil Sharma
Cast: Nana Patekar, Utkarsh Sharma, Simrat Kaur, Rajpal Yadav
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Plot

Vanvaas Review, directed by Anil Sharma, centers on the life of Deepak Tyagi (Nana Patekar), a widower battling dementia, who lives in Shimla with his three grown children. The narrative takes a somber turn as his children abandon him in Varanasi under the guise of his death, leaving Deepak disoriented and wandering.

Enter Veeru (Utkarsh Sharma), an orphan and petty thief, who initially exploits Deepak but undergoes a transformation after witnessing the plight of abandoned elderly individuals in Varanasi. When Veeru discovers a sinister kidney-theft racket targeting vulnerable elders, the story evolves into a rescue mission involving Veeru, his girlfriend Mina (Simrat Kaur), and others. Their journey back to Shimla culminates in a confrontation with Deepak’s ungrateful children, seeking justice and closure for a man who deserved far better.

What Works

The film’s strength lies in its earnest attempt to shed light on the societal issue of elder abandonment. The backdrop of Varanasi provides a visually rich and evocative setting, and the sincerity of the filmmakers in addressing this harsh reality is evident. Nana Patekar’s portrayal of Deepak Tyagi is compelling and heartfelt, anchoring the film with authenticity.

The narrative also holds a certain emotional appeal, particularly in its depiction of the vulnerability of the elderly and the moral redemption of Veeru. Despite its flaws, the film’s intent to convey a meaningful message does resonate on some level.

Fashion and Costumes in Vanvaas: A Blend of Realism and Symbolism

The costumes in Vanvaas align with the film’s emotional and geographical backdrop. Nana Patekar’s character, Deepak Tyagi, is dressed in simple, earthy-toned kurtas and shawls, reflecting his humble and grounded personality. Utkarsh Sharma’s Veeru sports rugged, casual attire—distressed jeans and t-shirts—that highlight his rebellious, street-smart persona. Simrat Kaur’s Mina is seen in modest salwar suits, resonating with her small-town roots.

The overall wardrobe is understated and functional, designed to complement the film’s realistic tone rather than make a bold fashion statement. However, the lack of variety or creativity in the costumes might leave viewers unimpressed from a style perspective.

Performances

Nana Patekar is the standout performer, delivering a nuanced and moving portrayal of a man grappling with dementia and abandonment. His performance is layered, capturing both the vulnerability and resilience of his character.

Utkarsh Sharma’s portrayal of Veeru, while earnest, is hampered by inconsistent writing. His character’s transformation from a self-serving thief to a compassionate savior feels rushed and underdeveloped. Simrat Kaur, as Mina, has limited scope to shine, while the supporting cast, including Rajpal Yadav, delivers competent but unremarkable performances.

Final Verdict

Vanvaas is a well-intentioned film that fails to live up to its potential due to a lackluster screenplay and predictable storytelling. While Nana Patekar’s performance and the film’s thematic focus on elder abandonment are commendable, these positives are overshadowed by its outdated execution and unnecessarily long runtime.

The film aspires to be a poignant critique of societal apathy but ultimately falters in delivering an engaging or thought-provoking cinematic experience. For those willing to overlook its flaws, Vanvaas offers fleeting moments of emotional resonance, but for many, it may feel like a missed opportunity to tell a story that truly matters.