Set in the 14th century, Kesari Veer attempts to bring to life the heroic tale of Hamirji Gohil (Sooraj Pancholi), who rises to defend his people and the revered Somnath Temple from the oppressive Tughlaq dynasty. Rooted in a real historical backdrop, the film begins on a spiritual note but soon devolves into a conventional and overlong action-drama.
๐ฑ The Plot:
The Tughlaqs, led by the cruel vizier Jallaludin Zafar Khan (Vivek Oberoi), aim to loot the riches of Saurashtra and destroy Hindu temples. With the help of the Shiva-worshipping Bhil community, led by Vedgaji (Suniel Shetty), Hamirji rises to protect his homeland from tyranny. But what should have been an emotionally stirring tale of valor, faith, and rebellion struggles under the weight of poor pacing and weak writing.
๐ญ Performances:
- Sooraj Pancholi gives a committed performance as the brave Hamirji, showing physical prowess but let down by lackluster dialogue.
- Vivek Oberoi as Zafar Khan is menacing but lacks the depth seen in his past iconic roles.
- Suniel Shetty brings gravitas in a limited role.
- Akanksha Sharma, though graceful, feels underutilized in a superficial romantic arc.
๐ถ The Flaws:
- The screenplay is sluggish and unfocused.
- The film is burdened with unnecessary songs, disrupting narrative flow.
- At 2 hours and 40 minutes, the runtime feels excessive, draining viewer engagement.
๐ The Verdict:
Kesari Veer had all the ingredients for a compelling period drama โ historical gravitas, cultural richness, and a grand visual scale. But despite these strengths, weak storytelling and overwrought execution turn this ambitious project into a missed opportunity. It’s a film with its heart in the right place, but it struggles to deliver a soul-stirring experience.
โญ๏ธ Rating: 2.5/5
