I normally do not watch movies with young actors(especially when they are from a filmi lineage). So one film old(and that too a cheesy Student of the year fame) Aliya in a serious role was a thought difficult to digest. Besides my prejudice was also based on the extremely "rare and hard to find" acting skills of the other Bhatt from the same clan.(I mean Pooja Bhatt).
But boy did Aliya(as Veera) prove me wrong! Aliya was exceptional and a delight to watch. And very very hard to believe that she is only 20. OK, the script is weak and pace is slow. But Aliya keeps it alive and fresh much in harmony with the beautiful surroundings(what a wonderful cinematography). Her emotions and her persona are contagious.
SPOILER AHEAD
So much so that when the hero(or anti-hero depending on how you take it) dies, I feel more pain for her than the guy. The scream that she lets out at the family gathering, just goose-bumps. She is the focal point of the movie and this role was written for her. Hope she continues to do such great roles in future too. She can freaking sing too! Very few modern day young actresses have such great acting skills(I can think only of Jennifer Lawrence now).
The music of Sir AR Rehman is another ace especially Patakha Guddi(Nooran sisters) and the maestros own Mahi we(although I feel Sukhwinder should have done the the male version of Pathaka Guddi, but that probably is just me and my taste).
Randeep Hooda(as Mahabir) is good enough and into the character. But has very less to do. The rest of the supporting cast is also fine. Thanks to Imtiaz Ali for doing this movie and exploiting the best out of Aliya Bhatt.
The movie rocks because of Aliya- the Patakha Guddi!