Director: Prince Dhiman
Cast: Sooraj Pancholi, Suniel Shetty, Akanksha Sharma, Vivek Oberoi
Genre: Historical Drama
Kesari Veer Movie Review – Prince Dhiman’s latest directorial venture aims to honor the legendary tale of Hamirji Gohil, a brave warrior who stood against the Tughlaq empire to defend the sacred Somnath Temple. While the film has its heart in the right place, its execution falters, making this historical drama a visually ambitious but narratively inconsistent journey.
Plot Summary: A Battle Between Faith and Invasion
Based on true events, Kesari Veer narrates the heroic story of Hamirji Gohil (Sooraj Pancholi), the prince of Arthila, who vows to protect Saurashtra’s Somnath Temple from the invading forces of the Tughlaq Empire, led by Zafar Khan (Vivek Oberoi). Assisting him in this valiant effort is Vegdaji (Suniel Shetty), leader of the fiercely loyal Bhil community, and Rajal (Akanksha Sharma), Hamirji’s love interest.
The film’s narrative takes viewers through Hamir’s struggle to unite and lead his army, the Bhils, and the people of Saurashtra in their stand against tyranny. However, instead of delivering a sharp, focused storyline, the screenplay often detours into unnecessary romantic and dramatic sequences, which slow the pacing and dilute the film’s core message.
Must Read: Kesari Veer Trailer Review: A Stirring Tribute to the Unsung Warrior Hamirji Gohil
Performance Highlights and Misses
Sooraj Pancholi performs decently in high-octane action scenes but falls short in conveying the emotional gravitas of his character. Suniel Shetty brings some weight to the story as the steadfast Vegdaji, but even his performance is bogged down by underwhelming dialogue and inconsistent direction. Akanksha Sharma makes a striking debut but struggles in emotionally charged scenes. Vivek Oberoi’s portrayal of Zafar Khan leans more towards theatrical exaggeration than menacing intensity.
Visual Grandeur and Technical Aspects
Visually, the film has moments of grandeur. Cinematographer Vikas Joshi captures sweeping battlefields and dramatic landscapes effectively. However, the overuse of stylized slow-motion and speed ramping, along with below-par visual effects—especially during crucial war sequences—detracts from the historical realism the film aims for. Scenes like Rajal fighting off poachers or Hamirji battling post-decapitation push believability to the brink.
Monty Sharma’s music is serviceable, though the song placements often interrupt the flow of the narrative. The background score attempts to evoke emotion but doesn’t always succeed in complementing the visuals.
Historical Relevance and Missed Opportunities
While the premise of Kesari Veer is rooted in rich historical significance, the film misses an opportunity to educate and inspire through a cohesive retelling. The importance of the Somnath Temple and the resistance of Hamirji Gohil deserved a more grounded and impactful representation. The film’s dramatized liberties, like the unnecessary wedding sequence before battle and implausibly large enemy armies, overshadow the real valor of its protagonist.
Check out this interesting blog: Is Kesari Veer Based on a True Story?
Final Verdict: Kesari Veer Movie Review
Kesari Veer had the potential to be a stirring tribute to a lesser-known hero of India’s past. While the film does attempt to bring Hamirji Gohil’s valor to the forefront, it stumbles due to inconsistent storytelling, exaggerated visual elements, and uneven performances. For those who cherish historical dramas, the film might offer fleeting moments of pride, but overall, it remains an ambitious effort that doesn’t quite hit the mark.