View source for Veer-Zaara

{{short description|2004 film directed by Yash Chopra}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Veer-Zaara
| image          = Veer-Zaara.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical-release poster
| director       = [[Yash Chopra]]
| writer         = [[Aditya Chopra]]
| producer       = Yash Chopra<br/>Aditya Chopra
| starring       = [[Shah Rukh Khan]]<br />[[Preity Zinta]]<br />[[Rani Mukerji]]
| cinematography = [[Anil Mehta]]
| editing        = Ritesh Soni
| music          = '''Original Songs:'''<br />[[Madan Mohan (composer)|Madan Mohan]]<br />'''Background Score:'''<br>R. S. Mani<br>'''Revision:'''<br />Sanjeev Kohli
| studio         = [[Yash Raj Films]]
| distributor    = Yash Raj Films
| released       = {{Film date|df=y|2004|11|12}}
| runtime        = 192 minutes<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/yash-chopras-veer-zaara-2004 |title=Yash Chopra's Veer-Zaara |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |access-date=13 October 2020 |archive-date=13 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013205847/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/yash-chopras-veer-zaara-2004 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| country        = India
| language       = Hindi
| budget         = {{INR}}23 [[crore]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=451|title=Veer-Zaara - Movie}}</ref>
| gross          = {{INR}}107 crore<ref name="Veer Zaara">{{Cite web |last=Dixit |first=Mohit |date=2024-11-25 |title=Veer Zaara 20th Anniversary Re-Release Box Office: Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta's cult film performs extraordinarily overseas; Grosses USD 305K |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/veer-zaara-20th-anniversary-re-release-box-office-shah-rukh-khan-preity-zintas-cult-film-performs-extraordinarily-overseas-grosses-usd-305k-1359882 |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=[[Pinkvilla]] |language=en}}</ref> (including re-releases)
}}

'''''Veer-Zaara''''' is a 2004 Indian [[Hindi cinema|Hindi]]-language [[Romance film|romantic drama film]] directed and produced by [[Yash Chopra]], and written and produced by his son [[Aditya Chopra]]. It stars [[Shah Rukh Khan]] and [[Preity Zinta]] as the titular [[star-crossed]] lovers: Veer Pratap Singh is an [[Indian Air Force]] officer, and Zaara Hayaat Khan is the daughter of a Pakistani politician. Veer is imprisoned on false charges, and 22 years later, a young Pakistani lawyer, named Saamiya Siddiqui ([[Rani Mukerji]]), fights his case. [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Hema Malini]], [[Divya Dutta]], [[Manoj Bajpayee]], [[Boman Irani]], [[Anupam Kher]] and [[Kirron Kher]] play supporting roles.

Chopra wanted to make his return to cinema after seven years, dissatisfied with the scripts he received. Aditya then narrated a few scenes of a story he had written, which interested Chopra and prompted him to direct it. Chopra intended the film to be a tribute to Punjab; it was to be titled ''Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum,'' based on an eponymous song from Yash Chopra's [[Silsila (1981 film)|''Silsila'']] (1981). Set in India and Pakistan, [[principal photography]] took place in [[Punjab, India|Indian Punjab]] and in Mumbai; parts of the film were also shot in Pakistan. The [[Veer-Zaara (soundtrack)|soundtrack album]], based on old compositions by [[Madan Mohan (director)|Madan Mohan]] with lyrics by [[Javed Akhtar]], was the highest-selling album of the year in India.

''Veer-Zaara'' was released on 12 November 2004 during [[Diwali]]. The film earned over {{INR}}97 crore worldwide, becoming the [[List of Hindi films of 2004|highest-grossing Indian film of the year]]. It received universal acclaim, especially for its story, dialogues, soundtrack, performances and sensitive portrayal of [[India-Pakistan relations]]. It was described by analysts as having themes pertaining to a shared [[Punjabi culture]], [[secularism]] and [[feminism]], among others. ''Veer-Zaara'' is ranked among the greatest romantic films of Indian cinema.

At the [[52nd National Film Awards]], ''Veer-Zaara'' won [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]]. At the [[50th Filmfare Awards]], the film received a leading 15 nominations, and won 4 awards, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Film|Best Film]] and [[Filmfare Award for Best Story|Best Story]] (Aditya). At the [[6th IIFA Awards]], it won a leading 7 awards of its 11 nominations, including [[IIFA Award for Best Film|Best Film]], [[IIFA Award for Best Director|Best Director]] (Chopra), [[IIFA Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] (Khan), [[IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]] (Mukerji) and [[IIFA Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]] (Mohan).

==Plot==
The government of Pakistan decides to review unsolved cases pertaining to their Indian prisoners as a gesture of goodwill. Saamiya Siddiqui, a budding Pakistani lawyer, is given the defense of prisoner 786 as her first case. The prisoner, documented under the name Rajesh Rathore, has not spoken for twenty-two years. However, when Saamiya addresses him by his real name, Veer Pratap Singh, he breaks his silence and opens up to her about his story.

Twenty-two years earlier, Zaara Hayaat Khan was a lively young Pakistani woman whose family has a political background and is of high standing in [[Lahore]]. Her engagement is arranged with Raza Shirazi, a wealthy and influential politician. Zaara travels to India to fulfill the last wish of her [[Sikh]] nanny: to have her ashes scattered in the [[Sutlej]] River. Her bus met with an accident. Veer, then an [[Indian Air Force]] pilot and a [[Punjabi Sikh]], rescues Zaara and helps her complete her nanny's final wish. She accompanies him to his village to celebrate the festival of [[Lohri]], where she meets his loving aunt, Saraswati Kaur and uncle, Chaudhary Sumer Singh, who raised him. Zaara learns that Veer had lost his parents at a young age and that the couple took him in and had given him so much love and care since they couldn’t have children of their own. 

The next day, Veer takes Zaara to the train station for her return to Pakistan and is shocked to see her fiancé Raza there to accompany her. Veer confesses that he has fallen in love with her, accepting that they cannot be together. Both depart, believing they will never meet again. Amidst her wedding preparations back home, Zaara realises that she too is in love with Veer. Her mother, however, is against this, as marrying Raza will further her father's political career. Zaara's friend Shabbo secretly calls Veer, begging him to take Zaara away. He promptly quits the Indian Air Force and arrives in Pakistan. Zaara tearfully runs into his arms, causing her father to fall ill with shock and anger. 

Zaara's mother begs Veer to leave Zaara, fearing for her father's reputation and health. Veer respects this and attempts to return home but Raza, outraged and jealous, has him arrested by Pakistani police. He blackmails Veer with two choices: be imprisoned for life on charges of being an Indian spy, with Raza giving Zaara a life full of happiness, or walk free knowing that Raza will make Zaara's life a living hell. Veer sacrifices his freedom out of his deep love for Zaara and is imprisoned in Pakistan. Meanwhile, his return bus falls off a cliff, killing all the passengers, so he is presumed dead to the world. 

Veer requests Saamiya not to mention Zaara whilst fighting the case, believing that she must be married by now; he does not want to ruin her reputation or make her settled life difficult. Saamiya travels to his village to find someone who can prove his true identity. She is shocked to find Zaara and Shabbo at his home.

Shabbo explains that after Zaara thought Veer died in the bus accident 22 years ago, she broke off the marriage with Raza with her father's support. Her parents and Veer's aunt and uncle all eventually died within a few years. With the Hayat Khan family basically perished, Zaara and Shabbo left Pakistan and settled in Veer's village in India to fulfill Veer's dream of developing their village further. 

Zaara is shocked to learn that Veer is alive. She accompanies Saamiya back to Pakistan, where the old lovers share an emotional reunion. Her statement and evidence in court prove Veer's innocence and true identity. The judge frees him, apologizing on behalf of Pakistan. Veer and Zaara marry, bid goodbye to Saamiya at the [[Wagah]] border crossing, and return home, finally able to live their lives together.

==Cast==
{{div col begin}}
* [[Shah Rukh Khan]] as Veer Pratap Singh
* [[Preity Zinta]] as Zaara Hayat Khan
* [[Rani Mukerji]] as Saamiya Siddiqui
* [[Divya Dutta]] as Shabina "Shabbo" Ibrahim
* [[Kirron Kher]] as Mariam Hayat Khan, Zaara's mother 
* [[Boman Irani]] as Jehangir Hayat Khan, Zaara's father 
* [[Anupam Kher]] as Zakir Ahmed, the prosecution lawyer against Veer
* [[Amitabh Bachchan]] as Chaudhary Sumer Singh “Bauji”, Veer's foster father (special appearance)
* [[Hema Malini]] as Saraswati “Maati” Kaur, Veer's foster mother (special appearance)
* [[Manoj Bajpayee]] as Raza Sharazi, Zaara's fiancee (special appearance)
* [[Zohra Sehgal]] as Zahida "Bebe" Hayat Khan
* [[S. M. Zaheer]] as Pakistani Judge
* [[Akhilendra Mishra]] as Jailer Majid Khan
* [[Tom Alter]] as Dr. Yusuf
* [[Arun Bali]] as Abdul Mallik Sharazi
* [[Rushad Rana]] as Sahir 
{{div col end}}

==Production==
===Development===
[[File:Yash Chopra 2012.jpg|thumb|upright|Chopra (pictured) made his return to direction after 7 years with ''Veer-Zaara''.]]
[[Yash Chopra]] was due to return to directing after 7 years since ''[[Dil To Pagal Hai]]'' (1997).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiafm.com/feature/04/oct/2710veerzaara/index.shtml |title=Veer-Zaara: A Curtain Raiser |date=27 April 2007 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=17 March 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070427014334/http://www.indiafm.com/feature/04/oct/2710veerzaara/index.shtml |archive-date=27 April 2007 }}</ref> After his son [[Aditya Chopra|Aditya]] completed filming for ''[[Mohabbatein]]'' (2000), they started to look for a new script for Chopra's return as a director. None of the new scripts excited Chopra; he expressed his disdain at the new trend of the films of the time, stating, "I was tired of television promos. All the semi-clad girls look the same." Chopra stated he was as nervous of his return as he was while directing his debut ''[[Dhool Ka Phool]]'' (1959). He then finalised another script and began casting for roles.<ref name="YC interview">{{cite web |title=There was constant argument between Aditya and me |date=14 September 2004 |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=16 August 2008 |author=Jha, Subhash K |author-link=Subhash K. Jha |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/sep/14yash.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006043259/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/sep/14yash.htm |archive-date=6 October 2008 }}</ref> Aditya then provided a narration of a few scenes of a new script, but conveyed that he would be unable to direct it. Chopra was interested and began to work on the new project.<ref name="YC interview"/>

According to Aditya, the story of ''Veer-Zaara'' was written as a medium for his father to return to his Punjabi roots. Chopra was born in Lahore, Punjab (present-day Pakistan) and later moved with his family to Jalandhar when he was young. He travelled to Bombay (present-day Mumbai) in 1951, when he was introduced to the film industry.<ref name=geo>{{cite magazine |url=http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0502/feature3/index.html |title=Welcome to Bollywood |first=Suketu |last=Mehta |access-date=25 March 2018 |magazine=[[National Geographic]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308045754/http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0502/feature3/index.html |archive-date=8 March 2016 }}</ref> Speaking about the film's theme, Chopra said, "''Veer-Zaara'' is a humble tribute to my home in Punjab. It is my tribute to the oneness of people on both sides of the border."<ref name="YC interview"/> In preparation, Chopra watched videos of Pakistani marriages and consulted Nasreen Rehman, a professor of the Cambridge University for the film's portrayal of Pakistani culture, their courts and dialects.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rajeevmasand.com/whats-new/yash-chopra-i-see-movies-today-and-i-realize-that-love-has-changed/ |first=Rajeev|last=Masand |author-link=Rajeev Masand |publisher=RajeevMasand.com |title=Yash Chopra: "I see movies today, and I realize that love has changed" |date=August 2012 |access-date=31 December 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220159/http://www.rajeevmasand.com/whats-new/yash-chopra-i-see-movies-today-and-i-realize-that-love-has-changed/ |archive-date=3 March 2016 }}</ref>

While completing the film, Chopra and Aditya had a discussion about the film's title. ''Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum'' was one of the contenders for the title, but ''Veer-Zaara'' was ultimately chosen. Chopra said, "The film's lovers are not bothered with the strife around them. For them, love is the only religion."<ref name="YC interview"/> The title ''Veer-Zaara'' was initially hinted to mislead audiences.<ref name="dara">{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/aug/27yash.htm |title=Yash Chopra's film gets title! |first=Jha |last=Subhash K |work=Rediff.com |date=27 August 2004 |access-date=16 March 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303194151/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/aug/27yash.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 }}</ref> The film's titled was officially confirmed by Sanjeev Kohli, CEO of Yash Raj Films, who stated that the title was chosen after "much deliberation".<ref name="dara"/> Chopra stated that he used to have constant arguments with Aditya while filming ''Veer-Zaara''.<ref name="YC interview"/>

===Cast and crew===
{{multiple image
<!-- Essential parameters -->| align             = left
| direction         = horizontal
| footer            = [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Preity Zinta]], were cast as the eponymous star-crossed lovers, and [[Rani Mukerji]] the lawyer.
| width             = <!-- Image 1 -->
| image1            = Shah Rukh Khan 2001.jpg
| width1            = 132
| alt1              = 
| caption1          = <!-- Image 2 -->
| image2            = Preity Zinta 2001.jpg
| width2            = 132
| alt2              = 
| image3            = Rani Mukerji 2001.jpg
| width3            = 132
}}

Shah Rukh Khan was cast in the lead role of Veer.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4046275.stm |author=Beary, Habib|title=Bollywood ban in language fight |date=26 November 2004 |access-date=16 March 2018 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908155606/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4046275.stm |archive-date=8 September 2017 }}</ref> Khan shortly played a 60-year-old man in the film, which he felt was a difficult role for him.<ref name="srk">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/interviews/shah-rukh-khan-it-s-easier-for-me-to-play/article_4c45ba94-01c2-11e6-9c69-e7842f2bbd4d.html |title=Shah Rukh Khan: It's Easier for Me to Play Younger Characters Than Older Ones |first=R. M. |last=Vijayakar |work=India West |access-date=16 March 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926072643/http://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/interviews/shah-rukh-khan-it-s-easier-for-me-to-play/article_4c45ba94-01c2-11e6-9c69-e7842f2bbd4d.html |archive-date=26 September 2017 }}</ref>

<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/sholay-to-ddlj-these-big-films-rejected-by-bollywood-stars-will-shock-you/1155825|title=Sholay to DDLJ, these big films rejected by Bollywood stars will shock you|date=18 October 2017|work=[[The Free Press Journal]]|url-status=live|author=Khan, Salman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231212128/http://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/sholay-to-ddlj-these-big-films-rejected-by-bollywood-stars-will-shock-you/1155825|archive-date=31 December 2017}}</ref> According to Chopra, Zinta was a person whose "looks and personality could be transformed." He wanted to break the Western stereotype characters played by Zinta.<ref name="YC interview"/> Zinta was interested in being a part of the film due to Chopra's finesse as a director. She also felt that it was time to move on from war-oriented films with Pakistan, saying, "I thought that was a great message to have in a film and I think what our governments can't do... what our government cannot do, our cinema can do and this film is truly doing that."<ref name="zinta"/> Zinta had to attend various lessons for improving her diction for speaking [[Urdu]].<ref name="zinta"/> Though excited at first, she later "got knots in her stomach" worrying about her performance, but Chopra assured her.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/preity-zinta-post-veer-zaara-news-bollywood-kkfvDLihgabsi.html |title=Preity Zinta, post Veer-Zaara |work=Sify |date=25 November 2004 |access-date=18 March 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319151247/http://www.sify.com/movies/preity-zinta-post-veer-zaara-news-bollywood-kkfvDLihgabsi.html |archive-date=19 March 2018 }}</ref>

Based on the Pakistani human rights activist [[Asma Jehangir]], the role of Saamiya Siddiqui was initially offered to [[Aishwarya Rai Bachchan]] and Pakistani actress [[Nadia Jamil]], but upon their refusal, it went to [[Rani Mukerji|Rani Mukherji]].<ref name="ten">{{cite web|date=12 November 2014|title=10 years of 'Veer-Zaara': 10 facts about the film that you may have never heard before|url=http://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/10-years-of-veer-zaara-10-facts-about-the-film-that-you-may-have-never-heard-before-955344-10.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231211840/http://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/10-years-of-veer-zaara-10-facts-about-the-film-that-you-may-have-never-heard-before-955344-10.html|archive-date=31 December 2017|access-date=1 November 2020|website=[[News18]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=25 June 2019|title=Nadia Jamil turned down a role opposite SRK in Veer-Zaara|url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1183106|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625202918/https://images.dawn.com/news/1183106|archive-date=25 June 2019|access-date=25 June 2019|website=DAWN|language=en}}</ref> [[Amitabh Bachchan]] and [[Hema Malini]] were cast as Veer's foster parents.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hema Malini-Big B to reunite in 'Aarakshan'|work=[[The Indian Express]]|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/hema-malinibig-b-to-reunite-in-aarakshan/753469/|url-status=live|access-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316214814/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/hema-malinibig-b-to-reunite-in-aarakshan/753469/|archive-date=16 March 2018|date=22 February 2011}}</ref> This marked the first time Bachchan was directed by Chopra after ''[[Silsila (1981 film)|Silsila]]'' (1981) and Malini's reunion with the director after ''[[Vijay (1988 film)|Vijay]]'' (1988). [[Manoj Bajpayee]] was cast as Zaara's fiancé, a role which was originally offered to [[Ajay Devgn]].<ref name="ten2" /> In 2017, while promoting ''[[Aiyaary]]'', Bajpayee revealed that Chopra used to often worry about the film's possible failure.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|date=7 December 2017|title=When Manoj Bajpayee predicted the success of Veer Zaara to late Yash Chopra|url=http://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/article/when-manoj-bajpayee-predicted-the-success-of-veer-zaara-to-late-yash-chopra/141984|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306082947/http://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/article/when-manoj-bajpayee-predicted-the-success-of-veer-zaara-to-late-yash-chopra/141984|archive-date=6 March 2018|work=[[Times Now]]}}</ref> Real-life couple [[Anupam Kher]] and [[Kirron Kher]] appear in the film as Saamiya's mentor and Zaara's mother respectively, though they do not share the same frame.<ref name="ten" /> Other cast members included [[Divya Dutta]], [[Zohra Sehgal]], [[Akhilendra Mishra]], and [[Tom Alter]].<ref name="cast" /> Chopra denied the existence of a rivalry between the co-actors in the film, when asked about it in an interview with ''[[The Quint]]''.<ref name="quint" />

In addition to writing the story and screenplay, Aditya co-produced the film along with his father under the banner Yash Raj Films.<ref name="cast">{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/veer-zaara/cast/|title=Veer Zaara Cast & Crew|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=12 November 2004 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231212349/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/veer-zaara/cast/|archive-date=31 December 2017}}</ref> The film's costumes were handled by [[Manish Malhotra]].<ref name="uiowa">{{cite web|author=Lutgendorf, Philip|authorlink=Philip Lutgendorf|url=https://uiowa.edu/indiancinema/veer-zaara|title=Veer-Zaara – Indian Cinema|website=uiowa.edu|publisher=[[The University of Iowa]]|access-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819064629/https://uiowa.edu/indiancinema/veer-zaara|archive-date=19 August 2016}}</ref> Khan's costumes were specifically designed by [[Karan Johar]].<ref name="ten"/> Mandira Shukla was the film's costume designer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/xF3wJ6QwVBjBrmFBWbelUK/In-fashionconscious-Bollywood-the-dressman-needs-a-makeove.html|title=In fashion-conscious Bollywood, the dressman needs a makeover|work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]|date=4 November 2008 |access-date=16 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316214814/http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/xF3wJ6QwVBjBrmFBWbelUK/In-fashionconscious-Bollywood-the-dressman-needs-a-makeove.html|archive-date=16 March 2018}}</ref> [[Anil Mehta]], the cinematographer, was requested by Chopra to give the scenes a feel of olden times, in contrast with other films of the time like ''[[Kal Ho Naa Ho]]'' (2003).<ref name="ten2"/> [[Sharmishta Roy]], daughter of art director [[Sudhendu Roy]], was chosen as the art director.<ref name="quint">{{cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/yash-chopra-interview-birthday-birth-anniversary-in-memory-of-yash-chopra-veer-zaara-shah-rukh-khan|title=In Memory of Yash Chopra: Conversations With the King of Romance|work=[[The Quint]]|date=26 September 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101194746/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/yash-chopra-interview-birthday-birth-anniversary-in-memory-of-yash-chopra-veer-zaara-shah-rukh-khan|archive-date=1 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/story/20081229-10-unsung-stars-of-indian-cinema-738585-2008-12-25|title=10 unsung stars of Indian cinema|website=India Today|date=25 December 2008 |access-date=16 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316214814/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/story/20081229-10-unsung-stars-of-indian-cinema-738585-2008-12-25|archive-date=16 March 2018}}</ref> [[Saroj Khan]] and [[Vaibhavi Merchant]] were the choreographers.<ref name="cast"/> Allan Amin was the action director.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiafm.com/feature/04/oct/2710veerzaara/still6.shtml|title=Veer-Zaara : A Curtain Raiser|work=[[Bollywood Hungama|IndiaFM]]|date=11 March 2005|access-date=17 March 2018|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050311200917/http://www.indiafm.com/feature/04/oct/2710veerzaara/still6.shtml|archive-date=11 March 2005}}</ref>

===Principal photography===
In October 2004, ''[[Rediff.com]]'' published an exclusive "On The Sets" report for ''Veer-Zaara''. The website reported that the cast members wore expensive costumes, one being Zinta, who wore a fluorescent green lungi outfit; Khan was late for the shot.<ref name=exclusive/> Parts of the film were shot in various locations in Mumbai.<ref name=exclusive>{{cite web|author=Verma, Sukanya|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2004/oct/13veer.htm|date=13 October 2004|title=Exclusive! On the sets of Veer-Zaara!|work=Rediff.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231212731/https://m.rediff.com/movies/2004/oct/13veer.htm|archive-date=31 December 2017}}</ref> In 2004, the [[National Geographic]] reported that a folk festival sequence was being shot in [[Film City, Mumbai|Film City]], Mumbai. A set that represented Punjab was created and Sikh dancers were brought in, whom, according to the report, look like peacocks due to their colorful turbans.<ref name=geo/> All scenes which featured Khan in a prison were shot in a single day,<ref name="ten2">{{cite news |title=15 Years of Veer-Zaara: Facts That You May Have Never Heard Before |url=https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/15-years-of-veer-zaara-10-facts-that-you-may-have-never-heard-before-1875555.html |access-date=10 February 2022 |work=[[News18 India]] |date=12 November 2019 |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210195055/https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/15-years-of-veer-zaara-10-facts-that-you-may-have-never-heard-before-1875555.html |url-status=live }}</ref> at a jail in Pakistan.<ref name="jail">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3zE6ndYKml0C&pg=PA133|title=Filming the Line of Control: The Indo–Pak Relationship through the Cinematic Lens|first1=Meenakshi|last1=Bharat|first2=Nirmal|last2=Kumar|date=27 April 2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781136516054|access-date=20 March 2018|via=Google Books|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320204326/https://books.google.com/books?id=3zE6ndYKml0C&pg=PA133|archive-date=20 March 2018}}</ref> The court scenes were shot in a Pakistani law court.<ref name="jail"/>

While filming for an action sequence with Khan, Zinta had a near-fatal experience when she was hanging from a harness for nearly six hours. Zinta labeled it "one of the most humbling experiences of [her] life" and stated that it made her realise the difficulties male actors have to go through.<ref name="zinta"/> For a sequence involving Khan's character calling Mukherji's character 'daughter', over 10 retakes were taken, and a pack-up was also announced by an "infuriated" Chopra, according to Khan.<ref name="srk"/> According to Mukherji, Chopra usually used to refrain from taking retakes as these would make the actors "mechanical".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Shah-Rukh-and-Aamir-are-similar-Rani-Mukerji/articleshow/17307216.cms|title=Shah Rukh and Aamir are similar: Rani Mukerji |access-date=16 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416163839/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Shah-Rukh-and-Aamir-are-similar-Rani-Mukerji/articleshow/17307216.cms|archive-date=16 April 2017|date=22 November 2012|work=[[The Times of India]]|author=Gupta, Priya}}</ref>

''Veer-Zaara'' was filmed entirely in [[sync sound]]. Khan stated that although he did not have to dub lines for the film separately, he did dub a few dialogues for the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiafm.com/interviews/04/srkveerzaara/index.shtml|title="Veer-Zaara is a complete sync-sound product" – Shah Rukh Khan|date=10 March 2005|access-date=17 March 2018|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050310164000/http://www.indiafm.com/interviews/04/srkveerzaara/index.shtml|archive-date=10 March 2005|work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> [[Saif Ali Khan]]'s palace in Pataudi served as Zaara's mansion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/films-that-were-shot-in-the-real-homes-of-bollywood-celebs/photostory/62509860.cms|title=Veer Zaara – Films that were shot in the real homes of Bollywood celebs|work=The Times of India|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319114826/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/films-that-were-shot-in-the-real-homes-of-bollywood-celebs/photostory/62509860.cms|archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref> A shoot was carried out in Punjab during a particular season, after which the indoor shooting was completed. Most of the filming was done in secrecy and no official announcements were made.<ref name="YC interview"/> Initially planned to be filmed over a period of 102 days, the film's filming was completed in 72 days.<ref name="zinta">{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/01/11/talkasia.zinta.script/|author= Hahn, Lorraine|title=Bollywood Actress, Preity Zinta TalkAsia Interview Transcript – Jan 11, 2005|work=[[CNN]]|access-date=16 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121003627/http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/01/11/talkasia.zinta.script/|archive-date=21 November 2007}}</ref> The film's [[reel]] length was 17757.61&nbsp;ft (5412.52 m).<ref name="reel">{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/censor/7353/index.html|title=Veer Zaara Censor Details|date=27 September 2011|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927135755/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/censor/7353/index.html|archive-date=27 September 2011|website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref>

==Analysis==
In her book ''Violent Belongings: Partition, Gender and National Culture in Postcolonial India'', Kavita Daiya, associate professor of English at the [[Columbian College of Arts and Sciences]] feels that Zaara represents [[secularism in Pakistan]].<ref name="daiya">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P7a-FuiMcTYC&pg=PA165|title=Violent Belongings: Partition, Gender, and National Culture in Postcolonial India|first=Kavita|last=Daiya|date=4 February 2011|publisher=Temple University Press|isbn=9781592137442|access-date=18 March 2018|via=Google Books|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320204326/https://books.google.com/books?id=P7a-FuiMcTYC&pg=PA165|archive-date=20 March 2018}}</ref> She refers to the encounter between Zaara and Choudhary Sumer Singh, where Zaara persuades Singh to promote women's education as an instance of the theme.<ref name="daiya"/> Daiya notes that no person faces animosity by being either Indian or Pakistani in the film.<ref name="daiya"/> Meenakshi Bharat and Nirmal Kumar, authors of the book ''Filming the Line of Control: The Indo–Pak Relationship through the Cinematic Lens'', concur with Daiya and feels this shows maturity on Chopra's part, who ignores the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|issue of Jammu and Kashmir]] and was able to "overcome the [[Anti-Pakistan sentiment|phobia of Pakistan]]" usually present in Indian films.<ref name="bharat"/> They compare it to Chopra's earlier films, where "hate-filled encounters" are generally avoided.<ref name="bharat"/> [[Philip Lutgendorf]] agrees and also notes the influence of [[Sufi]] tradition, where Veer's ultimate reward is union with [[Allah]], much like a Sufi pir.<ref name="uiowa"/> Kush Varia, author of the book ''Bollywood: Gods, Glamour, and Gossip'', whilst agreeing with Bharat and Kumar about Chopra, notes that the lovers are reunited as compared to Chopra's earlier romances, where they remain separated.<ref name="varia"/>

Daiya establishes that Veer's "Indian masculinity" is shown through his sacrifice of spending 22 years in jail.<ref name="daiya"/> Nandini Bhattacharya, author of the book ''Hindi Cinema: Repeating the Subject'', differs and instead feels that Veer's character is "partially feminized"{{ndash}}"men are meant to be captors, not captives."<ref name="Bhattacharya">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wfByP2TG8MoC&pg=PA104|title=Hindi Cinema: Repeating the Subject|first=Nandini|last=Bhattacharya|date=7 May 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781136189876|access-date=18 March 2018|via=Google Books|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084808/https://books.google.com/books?id=wfByP2TG8MoC&pg=PA104|archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref> Sangita Gopal, associate professor of English at the [[University of Oregon]] and author of the book ''Conjugations: Marriage and Form in New Bollywood Cinema'', notes that Veer's identity dies after 22 years and even after reuniting with Zaara, they are too old to reproduce.<ref name="gopal"/> She perceives this as the transition from "living death to fruitless life".<ref name="gopal"/> Daiya feels that the Punjabi village in ''Veer-Zaara'' acts as a model for India, and Zaara's positive to a song describing India, feeling similarities with Pakistan, exposes an incomplete "utopian" affiliation between the two lovers.<ref name="daiya"/> Daiya further feels that Veer's poem challenges the differences between the nations of India and Pakistan and establishes resemblance between the nations and citizens.<ref name="daiya"/> Varia too agrees that the shared heritage of the [[Punjabis]] is one of the film's themes, explored in the song "Aisa Des Hai Mera".<ref name="varia">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DAtnAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA46|title=Bollywood: Gods, Glamour, and Gossip|first=Kush|last=Varia|date=15 May 2012|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=9780231502603|access-date=18 March 2018|via=Google Books|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084750/https://books.google.com/books?id=DAtnAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA46|archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref>

Bharat and Kumar feel that ''Veer-Zaara'' and ''[[Main Hoon Na]]'' (2004), also starring Khan, accepts Pakistan's status as a separate entity from India.<ref name="bharat"/> Rajinder Dudrah, senior lecturer at the [[University of Manchester]], contrasts ''Veer-Zaara'' with ''Main Hoon Na'', writing that while the former "explores the pleasures and trials of border crossing", the latter "extols the virtues of overcoming the border through diplomacy and personal actions."<ref name="dudrah"/> He notes that they show different depictions of borders that the protagonists need to overcome.<ref name="dudrah"/> He feels that the central aestic pleasures of the films, especially ''Veer-Zaara'', is the emphasis on border crossing as a "potentially radical act".<ref name="dudrah"/> Bharat and Kumar also compare ''[[Henna (film)|Henna]]'' (1991) with ''Veer-Zaara''; they say that the "urbane, educated, professional characters" of ''Veer-Zaara'' replace ''Henna''<nowiki/>'s village people referring to "religion straight from the heart" and "responding to [Pakistan] in an unencumbered manner."<ref name="bharat"/> Henna's brother died in helping Chander across the border; this is contrasted with Saamiya helping Veer in court.<ref name="bharat">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3zE6ndYKml0C&pg=PA133|title=Filming the Line of Control: The Indo–Pak Relationship through the Cinematic Lens|first1=Meenakshi|last1=Bharat|first2=Nirmal|last2=Kumar|date=27 April 2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781136516054|access-date=18 March 2018|via=Google Books|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084810/https://books.google.com/books?id=3zE6ndYKml0C&pg=PA133|archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref> Dudrah notes that the ease with which the protagonists move across borders without going through legal procedurings could be a source of criticism.<ref name="dudrah">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nN_fCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA21|title=Bollywood Travels: Culture, Diaspora and Border Crossings in Popular Hindi Cinema|first=Rajinder|last=Dudrah|date=23 May 2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781136451317|access-date=18 March 2018|via=Google Books|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320204326/https://books.google.com/books?id=nN_fCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA21|archive-date=20 March 2018}}</ref>

Gopal feels that the film's dual time and use of old music was the reason for its appeal to masses and its commercial success.<ref name="gopal"/> She compares the last segment of the title song in which Zaara is shot to the climax of [[Mani Ratnam]]'s ''[[Dil Se..]]'' (1998); both films suggest that the lovers cannot be united.<ref name="gopal"/> She also feels that the extended ending with the song "Tere Liye" was for a realistic approach.<ref name="gopal">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sVO6GMT_OIAC&pg=PA51|title=Conjugations: Marriage and Form in New Bollywood Cinema|first=Sangita|last=Gopal|date=26 January 2012|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=9780226304274|access-date=18 March 2018|via=Google Books|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319085002/https://books.google.com/books?id=sVO6GMT_OIAC&pg=PA51|archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref> In her book ''Dreaming in Canadian: South Asian Youth, Bollywood, and Belonging'', Faiza Hirji feels that cultural and religious differences were not acknowledged in the film, while noting Pakistani and Muslim traditions were highlighted.<ref name="hirji"/> She felt that the universality of the maternal habit was highlighted in a sequence between Zaara's mother and Veer.<ref name="hirji"/> She contrasts the love to ''[[Bombay (1995 film)|Bombay]]'' (1995), where religion is an obstacle to love, which is not the case in ''Veer-Zaara''.<ref name="hirji">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A3VvKZuI_0UC&pg=PA126|title=Dreaming in Canadian: South Asian Youth, Bollywood, and Belonging|first=Faiza|last=Hirji|date=27 October 2010|publisher=UBC Press|isbn=9780774859714|access-date=18 March 2018|via=Google Books|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319085001/https://books.google.com/books?id=A3VvKZuI_0UC&pg=PA126|archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref> Comparing the film with ''[[Gadar: Ek Prem Katha]]'' (2001), Rini Bhattacharya Mehta and Rajeshwari V. Pandharipande (authors of the book ''Bollywood and Globalization: Indian Popular Cinema, Nation, and Diaspora'') state that while ''Veer-Zaara'' manipulates the state's critique to make it appear "progressive" at first glance, ''Gadar'' does not.<ref name="Mehta"/> Both ''Gadar'' and ''Veer-Zaara'' feature a double recovery; only that the latter adopts "similarly duplicitous modes of writing political structures as individual destined whose triumph over nation-state politics drives aground more completely any redemptive plot of neighborly understanding".<ref name="Mehta">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B7BD142N_gIC&pg=PA143|title=Bollywood and Globalization: Indian Popular Cinema, Nation, and Diaspora|first1=Rini Bhattacharya|last1=Mehta|first2=Rajeshwari V.|last2=Pandharipande|date=1 June 2011|publisher=Anthem Press|isbn=9780857288974|access-date=18 March 2018|via=Google Books|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084952/https://books.google.com/books?id=B7BD142N_gIC&pg=PA143|archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref> Bhattacharya agrees and also equates it with ''Gadar'' and others like ''[[Mother India]]'' (1957), where the "identity of the normative citizen" is established.<ref name="Bhattacharya"/>

==Music==
{{Main|Veer-Zaara (soundtrack)}}
''Veer-Zaara''{{'}}s soundtrack features 11 songs with music based on old and untouched compositions by the late [[Madan Mohan (director)|Madan Mohan]], as revised by his son Sanjeev Kohli.<ref name="YC interview" /><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=9732 |title=Best Background Music |date=14 January 2005 |work=Screen |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060618231352/http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=9732 |archive-date=18 June 2006 |access-date=10 February 2022 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The vocals are provided by [[Lata Mangeshkar]], [[Jagjit Singh]], [[Udit Narayan]], [[Sonu Nigam]], [[Gurdas Mann]], [[Roop Kumar Rathod]], [[Ahmed and Mohammed Hussain]] and Pritha Mazumder. The lyrics were written by [[Javed Akhtar]].<ref name="itunes2">{{cite web |date=18 September 2004 |title=Veer-Zaara (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Madan Mohan on Apple Music |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/veer-zaara-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/673583135 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320204326/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/veer-zaara-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/673583135 |archive-date=20 March 2018 |access-date=20 March 2018 |website=[[iTunes]]}}</ref> The soundtrack was released by [[YRF Music]] on 18 September 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Various-Veer-Zaara/release/10547838|title=Various&nbsp;– Veer-Zaara|publisher=Discogs|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319214032/https://www.discogs.com/Various-Veer-Zaara/release/10547838|archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref>

Mohan was nominated for the [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]] at the [[50th Filmfare Awards]],<ref name="Filmfare">{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/deep750/FilmfareAwards.pdf?attredirects=0|title=Filmfare Nominees and Winners|work=[[Filmfare]]|pages=116–119|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019034032/https://sites.google.com/site/deep750/FilmfareAwards.pdf?attredirects=0|archive-date=19 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and won the [[IIFA Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]] at the [[6th IIFA Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iifa.com/iifa-years/iifa-years-2005/|title=IIFA Through the Years&nbsp;– IIFA 2005: Amsterdam, Netherlands&nbsp;– IIFA|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703124936/http://iifa.com/iifa-years/iifa-years-2005/|archive-date=3 July 2014|publisher=[[International Indian Film Academy Awards|International Indian Film Academy]]}}</ref> Akhtar got nominated for the [[Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist|Best Lyricist]] at the 50th Filmfare Awards for "Aisa Des Hai Mera", "Main Yahaan Hoon" and "Tere Liye", winning for "Tere Liye"; he also received a nomination for the [[IIFA Award for Best Lyricist]] for "Tere Liye".<ref name="Filmfare" /> It was the highest-selling music album of the year in India, with sales of around 3 million units.<ref>{{cite web|title=Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units)|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215081557/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5&PHPSESSID=108b9056cd4ca14236f9c6119d34dcce|archive-date=15 February 2008|publisher=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref>

==Release==
===Theatrical===
''Veer-Zaara'' was released on 12 November 2004 and promoted with the [[tagline]], "''A Love Legend''".<ref name="reel"/><ref name="rash"/> A special screening was conducted in [[Punjab, Pakistan]] for Pakistani audiences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/veer-zaara-screening-for-pak-audiences/|title=Veer-Zaara screening for Pak audiences|work=Bollywood Hungama|date=19 November 2004|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320204326/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/veer-zaara-screening-for-pak-audiences/|archive-date=20 March 2018}}</ref> Apart from that, it was screened at the [[Berlin Film Festival]], where it received high critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yash Chopra on Berlin Film Festival Jury|date=18 January 2006|url=http://www.yashrajfilms.com/news/yc_berlinaile.htm|publisher=YashRajFilms.com|access-date=16 August 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618144056/http://www1.yashrajfilms.com/news/yc_berlinaile.htm|archive-date=18 June 2007}}</ref> 

On 26 April 2006, ''Veer-Zaara'' had its French premiere at The [[Grand Rex]], the biggest theatre in Paris. It is the first Indian film to premiere in such a large and luxe venue.<ref>{{cite news|title=Love legend moves on|date=4 May 2006|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060504/asp/calcutta/story_6181611.asp|newspaper=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]]|location=India|access-date=16 August 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227112850/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060504/asp/calcutta/story_6181611.asp|archive-date=27 December 2008}}</ref> It was released in 60 prints in the United Kingdom, and in the United States in 88 prints.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 January 2008 |title=Diwali releases in U.K. 1999 to 2007 |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/diwali-releases-in-u-k-1999-to-2007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320204326/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/diwali-releases-in-u-k-1999-to-2007/ |archive-date=20 March 2018 |access-date=20 March 2018 |work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref><ref name="instant"/> In 2017, ''Veer-Zaara'' was restrained at the Best of Indian film series in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-films-devdas-veer-zaara-screened-us-theatres/|title=Shah Rukh Khan films Devdas and Veer- Zaara to be screened in US theatre|work=Bollywood Hungama|date=28 March 2017|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319152825/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-films-devdas-veer-zaara-screened-us-theatres/|archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref>

===Home media===
On 6 June 2005, [[Yash Raj Films]] released the DVD of ''Veer-Zaara''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Veer-Zaara-Classic-Shahrukh-Indian-Bollywood/dp/B0038WU0CK|title=Veer-Zaara|date=6 June 2005|access-date=20 March 2018|via=Amazon|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529221942/http://www.amazon.com/Veer-Zaara-Classic-Shahrukh-Indian-Bollywood/dp/B0038WU0CK|archive-date=29 May 2016}}</ref> The film was released on [[Blu-ray]] in December 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Veer-Zaara-Blu-ray/7379/|title=Veer-Zaara Blu-ray|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414031349/http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Veer-Zaara-Blu-ray/7379/|archive-date=14 April 2017}}</ref> In September 2007, a book based on the making of the film, titled ''They Said It... The Memoirs of a Love Legend Yash Chopra's Veer-Zaara'', was released. The book contains testimonials from members of the film's cast and crew and follows the production stages of the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiafm.com/slideshow/2007/09/20/100/index.html|date=20 September 2007|title=They Said It... – A book on the making of Veer Zaara|author=IndiaFM News Bureau|publisher=[[indiaFM]]|access-date=16 August 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213110253/http://www.indiafm.com/slideshow/2007/09/20/100/index.html|archive-date=13 December 2007}}</ref> The film was also available on [[Amazon Prime Video]].

==Reception==
===Box office===
Prior to the film's release, Adarsh predicted that the film would be a commercial success.<ref name="predict">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/veer-zaara-to-capture-market-news-bollywood-kkfvHMdfcihsi.html|title='Veer-Zaara' to capture market|website=[[Sify]] |access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084909/http://www.sify.com/movies/veer-zaara-to-capture-market-news-bollywood-kkfvHMdfcihsi.html|archive-date=19 March 2018}}</ref> It was released in 625 screens in India and grossed {{INR}}24.6 million nett on its opening day, the year's second highest-opening for a film in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/india-first-day.php?year=2004|title=Top India First Day (2004)|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826054013/http://boxofficeindia.com/india-first-day.php?year=2004|archive-date=26 August 2017}}</ref> ''Veer-Zaara'' topped the week's highest-grossing films in India in the first week, grossing an average of {{INR}}6,85,948 per print.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/top-five-movies-of-the-week-news-bollywood-kkfvDXidbfhsi.html|title=Top five movies of the week|date=20 December 2016|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220131620/http://www.sify.com/movies/top-five-movies-of-the-week-news-bollywood-kkfvDXidbfhsi.html|archive-date=20 December 2016|work=[[Sify]]|author=Adarsh, Taran}}</ref> It earned {{INR}}175.7 million nett in its first week, the highest first week collection of an Indian film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/india-first-week.php?year=2004|title=Top India First Week (2004)|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710205823/http://boxofficeindia.com/india-first-week.php?year=2004|archive-date=10 July 2017}}</ref>

Since its release, it topped the weekly charts 39 times in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=first_week_records|title=Top First Week Earners|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=16 August 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913174724/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=first_week_records|archive-date=13 September 2008}}</ref> It also had the highest weekend collection of the year, earning {{INR}}97.8 million over the weekend.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/india-first-weekend.php?year=2004|title=Top India First Weekend (2004)|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707095743/http://boxofficeindia.com/india-first-weekend.php?year=2004|archive-date=7 July 2017}}</ref> The film remained at the first position in its second week of release, grossing an average of {{INR}}1,89,502 per print.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mid-week-top-five-news-bollywood-kkfvCdccejisi.html|title=Mid-Week Top Five|date=20 December 2016|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220131622/http://www.sify.com/movies/mid-week-top-five-news-bollywood-kkfvCdccejisi.html|archive-date=20 December 2016|author=Adarsh, Taran|work=Sify}}</ref> At the end of its theatrical run, it collected {{INR}}580 million in India, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=210&catName=MjAwNA==|title=Box Office 2004|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=16 August 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014132208/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=210&catName=MjAwNA%3D%3D|archive-date=14 October 2013}}</ref>

The film earned {{INR}}357 million in the international markets—{{INR}}152.5 million from the United Kingdom, {{INR}}140 million from the United States and {{INR}}65 million from other territories—making it 2004's highest-grossing Indian production overseas. In its first week in the United Kingdom, the film collected $900,000, for the fourth position on the local box office chart. The film collected the same amount in North America, 15th on the local box office chart.<ref name="instant">{{cite web|date=16 November 2004|author=Pais, Arthur J|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/report/veer/20041116.htm|title=Veer-Zaara: Instant hit abroad!|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320204326/https://m.rediff.com/movies/report/veer/20041116.htm|archive-date=20 March 2018}}</ref> The film was a [[Blockbuster (entertainment)|blockbuster]], with regard to its overseas collection.<ref name="overseas">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=overseas_earners|title=Overseas Earnings (Figures in Ind Rs)|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=16 August 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905204607/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=overseas_earners|archive-date=5 September 2013}}</ref> ''Veer-Zaara'' grossed a total of {{INRConvert|976.4|m}} worldwide, becoming the highest grossing Indian film of the year.<ref name="Veer Zaara"/>

===Critical response===
''Veer-Zaara'' was highly acclaimed by critics, who praised the film's story, screenplay, dialogues, music, performances and sensitive portrayal of [[India-Pakistan relations]].

{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|92|7.8|12}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/veer_zaara/|title=Veer-Zaara|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129072159/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/veer_zaara/|archive-date=29 November 2017}}</ref> On ''[[Metacritic]]'', which assigns a weighted average to films, it has a score of 67 based on five critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/veer-zaara|title=Veer-Zaara|website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307020149/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/veer-zaara|archive-date=7 March 2017}}</ref> The film featured in the [[British Film Institute]]'s list of 10 Great Bollywood Romances, with commentary by [[Rachel Dwyer]]. Dwyer feels that the film represents the "much-shared culture and history" of the Punjab. She writes, "Their dramatization in the film shows Chopra’s skill with film and music."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/lists/10-great-bollywood-romances|title=10 great Bollywood romance films|date=3 December 2015 |publisher=British Film Institute|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722194048/http://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/lists/10-great-bollywood-romances|archive-date=22 July 2016}}</ref>

====India====
[[Taran Adarsh]] of ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' gave it 4.5 stars out of five and comments, "There's romance, there's a strong dose of emotions, there're songs aplenty, there's drama... But, most important, it has soul, which has been lacking in most movies of late".<ref>{{cite web|author=Adarsh, Taran|authorlink=Taran Adarsh|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/7353/index.html|title=Veer-Zaara – Movie Review|work=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909222004/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/7353/index.html|archive-date=9 September 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Writing for ''[[India Today]]'', Kaveree Bamzai gave a positive review and compliments Khan's performance, writing, "Khan strides across Aditya Chopra's screenplay with assured ease."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20041129-film-review-of-yash-chopra-veer-zaara-starring-shah-rukh-khan-preity-zinta-789165-2004-11-29|title=Film review: 'Veer-Zaara' starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta|website=India Today|date=29 November 2004 |access-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318133927/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20041129-film-review-of-yash-chopra-veer-zaara-starring-shah-rukh-khan-preity-zinta-789165-2004-11-29|archive-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> Subhash K. Jha gave ''Veer-Zaara'' a positive review for [[Indo-Asian News Service]], praising the performances of the leads as "old yet passionate, frail yet sublime" and writes, "The surge of love between two people belonging to entirely different cultures and lands is collected into a quaint and quivering collage of memory and melody."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sify.com/movies/veer-zaara-review-bollywood-pclvC9beajhgg.html | title=Review: Veer-Zaara |author=Jha, Subhash K.|authorlink=Subhash K. Jha| access-date=31 December 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615030234/http://www.sify.com/movies/veer-zaara-review-bollywood-pclvC9beajhgg.html |work=Sify| archive-date=15 June 2015 }}</ref>

Jitesh Pillai of ''[[The Times of India]]'' rates it 3.5 stars out of five, crediting Aditya's writing and its execution. He writes, "Yash Chopra's ''Veer-Zaara'' may be woefully long and meandering. But... this one works and grabs us where it matters. ''VZ'' is one from the heart."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bollywood/Veer-Zaara/articleshow/923432.cms|date=15 November 2004|author=Pillai, Jitesh|authorlink=Jitesh Pillai|title=Veer Zaara|work= The Times of India|access-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223005032/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bollywood/Veer-Zaara/articleshow/923432.cms|archive-date=23 February 2018}}</ref> Also writing for ''Times of India'', Nishtha Bhatnagar called it a "must-watch".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bhatnagar |first1=Nishtha |title=Love knows no boundary |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Love-knows-no-boundary/articleshow/923073.cms |access-date=28 August 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=5 November 2004 |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008142454/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Love-knows-no-boundary/articleshow/923073.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Deepu Madhavan of ''[[NDTV]]'' praised the execution of the plot and writes, "the love story of Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh and Zaara Hayaat Khan is an ode to ageless romance and timeless love."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/yeh-ishq-nahee-aasaan-bollywoods-famous-inter-faith-romances-679647|title=15 Times Bollywood Celebrated Inter-Faith Romances on Screen|work=NDTV Movies|date=15 October 2014|access-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113050423/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/yeh-ishq-nahee-aasaan-bollywoods-famous-inter-faith-romances-679647|archive-date=13 January 2018}}</ref> Avijit Ghosh gave the film 7/10 in ''[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]]'' and writes, "The film works because the stars shine. Preity's Zaara is both restrained and dignified. This is her most nuanced performance to date." He criticised the film's length and excessive use of [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], but finally writes, "We have an honest-to-the-heart film that remarkably bypasses the bitterness of Indo-Pak relations in a cross-border love story... ''Veer-Zaara'' is for all seasons and every reason."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1041119/asp/etc/story_4000380.asp|title=Grand passion lore|last=Ghosh|first=Avijit|work=The Telegraph|date=19 November 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208160528/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1041119/asp/etc/story_4000380.asp|archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> [[Namrata Joshi]] of ''[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]'' described it as "a good-hearted film wherein the underlying theme is the all-embracing goodness of 'people'."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Joshi |first1=Nmarata |author-link1=Namrata Joshi |title=Veer-Zaara |url=https://magazine.outlookindia.com/story/veer-zaara/225805 |access-date=28 August 2020 |work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |date=29 November 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041208185332/http://www.outlookindia.com/showtime.asp?fodname=20041129 |archive-date=8 December 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chakravorty |first1=Vinayak |author-link1=Vinayak Chakravorty |title=Veer-Zaara |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/1153_1105994,001100030005.htm |access-date=6 June 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050504025430/http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/1153_1105994,001100030005.htm |archive-date=4 May 2005}}</ref>

Chitra Mahesh of ''[[The Hindu]]'' writes, "''Veer-Zaara'' is inordinately long and sentimental. Certain things like fabulous camera work, art direction, and sensuousness of the moods, are a given. And you would overlook the cliches simply because there are such good performances, especially from Zinta and Mukherji," while also appreciating that Khan "looks good and performs most creditably."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/11/19/stories/2004111902260304.htm|title=Film Review : Veer-Zaara|author=Mahesh, Chitra|access-date=18 March 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221183131/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/11/19/stories/2004111902260304.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=21 December 2017|date=19 November 2004}}</ref> Vinayak Chakraborty of [[Hindustan Times]], concurring with Mahesh, wrote that the movie "sticks to all the clichés that the Chopra camp has peddled down the ages," but concluded that it had "a strong script, good performances, and solid direction."<ref>{{cite news |author=Chakraborty, Vinayak |title=Veer-Zaara |website=[[Hindustan Times]] |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/1153_1105994%2C001100030005.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050113133032/http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/1153_1105994,001100030005.htm |archive-date=13 January 2005}}</ref> Sukanya Varma of ''Rediff.com'' criticised Chopra for repeating content from his previous films, while appreciating the performances and finally writes, "if you are a fan of the Chopra factory of filmmaking and looking for plenty of eye-candy, ''Veer-Zaara'' promises to make your Diwali a happy one."<ref name="rash">{{cite web|author=Verma, Sukanya|author-link=Sukanya Verma|work=Rediff.com|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/veer/20041112.htm|title=Veer-Zaara is like a rash!|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-date=17 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617095042/https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/veer/20041112.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In another review for ''The Times of India'', Teena Malik heavily criticised it in agreement with Verma for repetition of content, and labelled the film "horrifying".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Veer-Zaara-Been-there-scene-that/articleshow/923104.cms|title=Veer-Zaara: Been there, scene that|work=The Times of India|date=15 November 2004|author=Malik, Teena|access-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114075053/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Veer-Zaara-Been-there-scene-that/articleshow/923104.cms|archive-date=14 November 2012}}</ref>

====International====
Anita Gates of ''[[New York Times]]'' writes that ''Veer-Zaara'' "would be embraced as fabulously trashy" had it been an American film but credits the cultural impact, writing, "the cultural assumptions of Veer and Zaara add a welcome element of freshness for American audiences. When Zaara's mother reminds her daughter that women always love fully, with heart and soul, she casually adds, "Men don't have the strength to love like that."<ref>{{cite news|title=Lovers Sing in the Rain (and Elsewhere)|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/13/movies/lovers-sing-in-the-rain-and-elsewhere.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814063755/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/13/movies/lovers-sing-in-the-rain-and-elsewhere.html|date=13 November 2004 |first=Anita |last=Gate |archive-date=14 August 2017 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> [[Derek Elley]] of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' observes that while it does not have "technique and production sheen" as recent Hindi films, ''Veer-Zaara''{{'}}s "in-depth star casting and thorough entertainment values" make it a "must-see" for Indian filmgoers.<ref name="variety">{{cite news |last1=Elley |first1=Derek |author1-link=Derek Elley |title=Veer-Zaara |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117925580/?categoryid=31&cs=1 |access-date=10 February 2022 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=17 November 2004}}</ref> [[Maitland McDonagh]] of ''[[TV Guide]]'' wrote, "Though Chopra's film is emotionally extravagant even by the standards of India's epically unrestrained cinema, the star-crossed lovers bear the weighty metaphorical significance of their travails surprisingly lightly, particularly Zinta's radiantly lovely Zaara."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mcdonagh |first1=Maitland |author-link1=Maitland McDonagh |title=Veer-Zaara |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/veer-zaara/review/137725/ |access-date=28 August 2020 |work=[[TV Guide]] |date=2004 |language=en |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402223351/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/veer-zaara/review/137725/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Jonathan Curiel]] of ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' was particularly fond of the film, finding the movie experience "so arresting, its scenes so full of beauty and colors, that the three hours go by almost too fast". He further noted that unlike other Hindi films, it deserves a wider audience for portraying "the humanity in characters who represent 'the other'", done "in a way that's dramatic, funny, fun, silly, musical, stylish, romantic and redemptive".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Curiel |first1=Jonathan |author-link1=Jonathan Curiel |title=Veer-Zaara |url=https://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/FILM-CLIPS-Also-opening-today-2702523.php#veer |access-date=28 August 2020 |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle#Web|SFGate]] |date=28 January 2005 |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814233532/https://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/FILM-CLIPS-Also-opening-today-2702523.php#veer |url-status=live }}</ref>

Carrie R. Wheadon of ''[[Common Sense Media]]'' gives it four stars out of five and rates it as 11+, writing, "Those who watch can't miss the pleas for understanding and peace between India and Pakistan or the film's strong support of equality for women." She compliments the picturization of the songs, opening, "Even the slower love songs will hold viewers, especially as Zaara dreams about seeing Veer everywhere while she prepares for her wedding."<ref>{{cite web|author=Wheadon, Carrie R.|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/veer-zaara|title=Veer-Zaara – Movie Review|publisher=[[Common Sense Media]] |access-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318133927/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/veer-zaara|archive-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> Manish Gajjar of ''[[BBC]]'' commented, "''Veer-Zaara'' has a great storyline with some unpredictable twists and emotions, keeping you engrossed throughout."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gajjar |first1=Manish |title=Veer Zaara review |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2004/11/veer_zaara_review.shtml |access-date=10 February 2022 |work=BBC |date=29 October 2014}}</ref>

==Re-releases==
Subsequent re-releases from 2004 to 2023 added {{INR}}3 crore, pushing its lifetime gross over {{INR}}100 crore mark. Further, it turned out to be a huge success during its re-release in [[India]] in the month of September 2024, where it grossed around {{INR}}3.75 crore.<ref name="Veer Zaara"/> 

An extended version of ''Veer-Zaara'' was released on 600 screens in international markets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/asia/shah-rukh-khan-veer-zaara-20th-anniversary-rerelease-1236202367/|title=Shah Rukh Khan's 'Veer Zaara' Gets 20th Anniversary Re-Release From India's Yash Raj Films|date=6 November 2024}}</ref> The film performed very well and raked over {{USD}}305K ({{INR}}2.55 crore) overseas, taking the total worldwide gross box office collections, including all the theatrical runs to {{INR}}1.07 billion.<ref name="Veer Zaara"/>

==See also==
* [[List of accolades received by Veer-Zaara|List of accolades received by ''Veer-Zaara'']]
* [[List of films set in Lahore]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Netflix title}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0420332|title=Veer-Zaara}}
* {{Mojo title|veerzaara}}


{{Navboxes
|title=Awards for ''Veer-Zaara''
|list=
{{National Film Award Wholesome Entertainment}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestFilm 2001-2020}}
{{IIFA Award for Best Movie}}
{{ScreenAwardBestFilm}}
{{ZeeCineAwardBestFilm}}
}}
{{Yash Chopra}}

[[Category:2004 films]]
[[Category:2000s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:Indian interfaith romance films]]
[[Category:Films set in Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Films set in Lahore]]
[[Category:Films directed by Yash Chopra]]
[[Category:2004 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic musical films]]
[[Category:India–Pakistan relations in popular culture]]
[[Category:Yash Raj Films films]]
[[Category:Indian Air Force in films]]
[[Category:Indian courtroom films]]
[[Category:Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Hindi-language romance films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Films shot in Lahore]]
[[Category:Films shot in Punjab, Pakistan]]