Theatre Review: Veera

Cast: Vignesh R, Ratnam Koothapiran, Srinivas, Syamala Srivatsan, Swathi Sridhar, Baby Subha, Sahana Ganesh, TP Sriram, Suresh Cheenu, Vijay, and Ganesan KoothapiranDirector: Vignesh RDuration: 90minLanguage: TamilTroupe: Koothapiran Navabharath TheatresRating: 3 StarsFrom its onset, Veera set its ideology very clearly – humans are not to be bound by chains cast by family, friendship, relationships or work; they are meant to fly while accepting that the people who come into one's life may not stay forever.The way Vignesh R (as Veera), who also directed the play, delivers the message is where the impact lies. Playing a young man with the will to achieve his dream, while being admonished by his family because he doesn't fulfil all the traditional roles a man is always bound to even in 2026, he shows composure and level-headedness.The audience are happy when he is close to achieving his dream; they are sad when he makes a mistake in an inebriated state that shatters his whole life, feel for him when he blames himself for everything, including the loss of his mother, and are relieved when life takes a positive turn.

He also touches upon the failing mental health of the current generation quite seriously.Equally impressive is Swathi Sridhar (as Pallavi), who plays the role of a physically challenged girl who can neither speak nor hear. Her expressions, particularly when Veera pities her due to her physical shortcomings and during the climax, and her body language elevate the play. Not a word is spoken, but the message is delivered loud and clear.

Baby Subha's wit and spontaneity provide much-needed relief to a serious screenplay, while Ratnam Koothapiran (as Prabhu) helps the play from becoming too heavy with his positive approach to life and affinity for helping those around without expecting so much as a 'thank you' in return.Another pivotal character played by TP Sriram (as Bobby) sets the dice rolling. While his presence in the play is short, his effortless performance grabs attention immediately.

Srinivas, Syamala Srivatsan and Sahana Ganesh, who play Veera's family members, also deliver solid performances.Among the things that could have been avoided are the unending transitions. Due to the availability of the LED screen, the director seems to have found it easy to make scene changes of which there are simply too many. The transition from light to dark and back is eerily distracting after a point.The next is the interval. When it is announced through the LED screen (obviously!), there is a collective groan from the audience, for its timing is quite off.

There are logic mistakes too, and at times, the background score (by GN Viiswaajay) is louder than the artistes' dialogues.When the climax arrives, the ending is seemingly ubiquitous. Yet, the impact of the scene through the message that is delivered makes you gloss over its ordinariness.Despite these shortcomings, Veera succeeds in what it set out to achieve. It is a play best enjoyed with patience and appeals to the commoner in us.Should you watch it?If you are into feel-good plays with a social message, this one is for you.Written By - Praveen Kumar S