Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Veer-Zaara -- a Bollywood movie featuring India's hottest stars -- will draw in American fans of star-crossed romance as well as those who love great dancing and costumes. The singing and dancing segments are fine viewing for tweens (they'll see a rum bottle in one song and near-kisses and shoulders bared in another), but they probably won't sit through the rest. The third act especially is dominated by weighty themes. 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.
Sexual
Content
Bollywood usually forbids kisses in movies, but there are plenty of near-misses, lots and lots of passionate glances, and a dream sequence where the top of Zaara's nightgown is caressed, exposing some skin -- surely implying more than a kiss would.
Violence
Two buses go off cliffs at different times, one with no survivors and the other where all passengers are rescued by helicopter. Veer is shown rescuing stranded skiers as well. Veer dreams of Zaara and wakes when he imagines a gunshot. Zaara's father nearly dies of dishonor (it's a melodrama), shown in bed barely speaking. Zaara's elderly nanny dies quietly in bed and her ashes are laid to rest in a religious ceremony on a river. A teacher chases a child with a switch.
Language
"Hell" is uttered a half-dozen times and "ass" once.
Social
Behavior
There's no way to miss this film's goal to show Indians and Pakistanis how alike they are when it comes to love of family, integrity, and honor -- despite all the political and religious strife the two countries experience. There's also a plea for the education of women and giving women greater respect in male-dominated professions. Two lawyers spar over whether it's best to fight to win or fight for the truth.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
A wife chides her husband for drinking rum, takes the bottle away publicly, and then Veer takes a swig.
