Vanvaas Movie Review – Vanvaas, directed by Anil Sharma, marks his return to social dramas after decades, revisiting themes of family, abandonment, and redemption. Known for films like Shradhanjali and Bandhan Kuchchey Dhaagon Ke, Sharma attempts to recreate the emotional depth of his earlier works. While the intent behind Vanvaas is genuine, its excessive melodrama and stretched runtime weaken its impact, leaving viewers longing for a sharper narrative.
The story follows Deepak Tyagi (Nana Patekar), a retired father battling early-onset dementia. His love for his late wife and his tendency to correct his children and their spouses create friction within the family. On his birthday, his three sons take him to Varanasi under the pretense of celebration, only to abandon him. Left alone and confused, Deepak believes his sons are lost and begins a desperate search for them. During this journey, he meets Veeru (Utkarsh Sharma), a small-time crook whose life takes an unexpected turn through their unlikely friendship.
The film’s strength lies in Nana Patekar’s stellar performance. As Deepak, he brings heart-wrenching authenticity to a father grappling with dementia and the betrayal of his family. He dominates every scene, capturing the helplessness and dignity of his character. Utkarsh Sharma as Veeru is sincere and shows growth as an actor, though his inconsistent Banarasi accent detracts from the realism. Simratt Kaur’s role as Meena is minimal, while Rajpal Yadav and Ashwini Kalsekar provide dependable support.
While Vanvaas tackles the pressing issue of elder neglect, it leans too heavily on a preachy tone, with dialogues referencing figures like Karl Marx and BR Ambedkar often crossing into moralizing. The melodrama feels overwrought, and the film’s 160-minute runtime drags, further weighed down by forgettable songs. On the brighter side, Kabir Lal’s cinematography beautifully captures the spirit of Varanasi, lending the film a rich visual texture.
The narrative misses opportunities to explore key aspects, particularly the motivations behind the sons’ actions. While Patekar’s portrayal evokes sympathy, the film lacks the emotional resonance of similar dramas like Baghban. Director Anil Sharma’s intent to deliver a meaningful social message is evident, but Vanvaas falters in its execution, leaving it as a well-meaning yet underwhelming watch.