Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of rape. Reader discretion is advised.
John Abraham and Sharvari Wagh’s highly anticipated action-thriller Vedaa hit theatres on Independence Day. The film, directed by Nikkhil Advani, blends intense action with a poignant social message, tackling caste discrimination and untouchability themes.
It centers around Vedaa Bairwa (Sharvari), a Dalit law student with dreams of overcoming societal barriers. Vedaa’s ambition leads her to join a boxing club in her college, but she faces severe resistance from those who uphold caste hierarchies. The local caste panchayat, headed by Jitendra Pratap Singh (Abhishek Banerjee), represents the entrenched societal norms she must confront.
The story becomes more intense when Vedaa’s brother is found in a relationship with an upper-caste girl, triggering a violent response from Jitendra. In this volatile environment, Vedaa finds an ally in Abhimanyu (John Abraham), an ex-army officer with a personal tragedy. Abhimanyu, now a boxing trainer, supports Vedaa’s struggle against the oppressive forces.
If you enjoyed Vedaa, you might appreciate these Indian action thrillers that explore similar themes of justice, corruption, and societal struggles.
Indian 2
Streaming Platform: Netflix
In Indian 2, director Shankar revives Kamal Haasan’s iconic role as Senapathy after 28 years. The film depicts the themes of corruption and justice. Senapathy returns to confront a corrupt system with the help of Chitra Aravindan (Siddharth), a satirical YouTube journalist.
The plot kicks off with Chitra’s investigation into the death of a young woman. Eventually, this leads to his arrest and Senapathy’s dramatic reappearance. The film is rich in action and political commentary, echoing the themes of justice and societal reform seen in Vedaa.
Jawan
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Jawan marks Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s much-anticipated comeback in a high-octane action-adventure. The film follows Azad Rathore (Khan) a prison officer at a women’s prison. He goes on a mission to clear his soldier-father Vikram Rathore’s name and fulfill a promise to his mother (Deepika Padukone).
Azad, doubling as a vigilante, leads a fierce team of women, including Lakshmi (Priyamani), Eeram (Sanya Malhotra), and Ishkra (Girija Oak). Kalki (Lehar Khan), Helena (Sanjeeta Bhattacharya), and Janhvi round out the gang as they fight for justice.
NH 10
Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
NH 10, directed by Navdeep Singh, features Anushka Sharma as Meera, who encounters brutal realities during a road trip. The film addresses honor killings and the struggle for survival against violent forces. Its raw portrayal of violence and survival against oppressive systems resonates with the themes of challenging societal norms seen in Vedaa.
Article 15
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Article 15, directed by Anubhav Sinha, features Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead role. The film focuses on the caste-based discrimination prevalent in rural India and is inspired by true events, including the 2014 Badaun gang rape allegations and the 2016 Una flogging incident. It is a story about Ayan Ranjan, an IPS officer who gets posted in a small village in Uttar Pradesh.
As he investigates the disappearance and brutal gang rape of three Dalit girls, he uncovers a deeply ingrained caste system and rampant corruption. For those unaware, the film takes its name from Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Moreover, it explores systemic injustice and corruption, paralleling the social themes of Vedaa.
Sonchiriya
Streaming Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Sonchiriya, set in the Chambal Valley, features Sushant Singh Rajput and Bhumi Pednekar. The story revolves around a group of rebels struggling to survive amidst internal conflicts and the relentless pursuit by the police. Lakhna (Rajput) is a conflicted dacoit seeking redemption. Meanwhile, Bhumi Pednekar plays Indumati, a woman on a mission to protect a young girl from the violence surrounding them. Its raw depiction of life in the Chambal Valley and survival storyline offer a gripping experience similar to the themes explored in Vedaa.
