Kesari Veer, the new historical drama starring Sooraj Pancholi, Suniel Shetty, and Vivek Oberoi, has hit theaters today. The film tells the story of Hamirji Gohil, a Rajput warrior who fought against the Tughlaq Empire to protect the Somnath Temple in the 14th century. Despite its grand scale and patriotic theme, the movie struggles with weak storytelling, poor VFX, and unconvincing performances.
Directed by Prince Dhiman and Kanubhai Chauhan, the film was expected to be a powerful tribute to India’s unsung warriors. However, critics have called it a disappointing mix of Chhaava and Padmaavat, lacking depth and originality. The runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes feels stretched due to unnecessary song sequences and slow pacing.
The movie begins with Hamirji Gohil (Sooraj Pancholi) saving a group of women from Muslim invaders, setting the tone for a clichéd nationalist narrative. The plot follows his fight against Zafar Khan (Vivek Oberoi), a ruthless Tughlaq commander aiming to loot the Somnath Temple. Suniel Shetty plays Vegdaji, a Bhil leader who joins the battle.
Critics have pointed out several flaws in the film. The VFX is poorly executed, with scenes like a CGI lioness and exaggerated war sequences looking unrealistic. The romantic subplot between Hamirji and Rajal (Akanksha Sharma) feels forced and disrupts the main storyline. The dialogues are preachy, and the performances, except for a few moments, fail to leave an impact.
“Sooraj Pancholi tries hard but lacks the intensity needed for such a role. His one-tone expressions make it hard to connect with his character,” says a review. “Vivek Oberoi’s villain act is over-the-top, resembling a weaker version of Ranveer Singh’s Khilji.”
The climax battle, though visually grand, suffers from excessive length and illogical sequences. One scene shows a beheaded warrior still fighting, which critics found laughable. The film’s attempt to blend history with fiction often crosses into absurdity, making it hard to take seriously.
Despite its flaws, Kesari Veer has some redeeming elements. The background score, especially the track “Shambhu Har Har” by Kailash Kher, stands out. The depiction of Gujarati culture and the Bhil community adds authenticity. However, these positives are overshadowed by the film’s weak execution.
Kesari Veer was initially set to release on May 16 but was postponed to May 23 for a wider launch. Produced by Chauhan Studios, the film has a budget of ₹60 crore. Early audience reactions are mixed, with some praising the action scenes while others criticize the lack of emotional depth.
“Working with Suniel Sir was a dream come true. He’s been an idol for me and also a mentor throughout this journey,” said Sooraj Pancholi in an interview. “Fighting Suniel Sir on-screen was surreal. His strength and agility are unmatched.”
The film’s poor reception is a setback for Sooraj Pancholi, who is making a comeback after a long legal battle. Suniel Shetty delivers a decent performance, but even his presence cannot save the film from its weak script. Akanksha Sharma, in her debut role, looks beautiful but fails to make a strong impression.
Kesari Veer joins the list of recent Bollywood historical dramas that prioritize style over substance. If you are a fan of war epics, you might find some entertainment in the action scenes. However, for a more engaging historical experience, critics suggest revisiting films like Kesari or Padmaavat instead.
Credits: Sources include Bollywood Hungama, Rediff, Times of India, Gadgets 360, and IMDb.
