Kesari Veer, directed by Prince Dhiman and co-directed by Kanubhai Chauhan, is a 2025 Hindi historical action drama. The film stars Suniel Shetty, Sooraj Pancholi, Vivek Oberoi, and Akanksha Sharma in her debut role. It tells the story of the brave 14th-century Rajput warrior Hamirji Gohil, who fought to defend the sacred Somnath Temple from the Tughlaq invasions. The film released on 23 May 2025 after a short delay and set out to celebrate forgotten legends of Indian history.

Story and Themes

Set in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, the plot follows Hamirji Gohil as he joins hands with tribal chieftain Vegdaji to protect their land and faith. The story explores themes of bravery, patriotism, sacrifice, and cultural pride. Though the premise holds strong emotional weight, the film often leans toward exaggerated storytelling, sacrificing subtlety for loud drama and grand visuals.

Performances

Sooraj Pancholi plays the titular warrior Hamirji Gohil with intense energy. He delivers a commendable physical performance in action scenes but lacks the emotional depth that could have elevated his role. Suniel Shetty as Vegdaji adds weight to the narrative with his experience and commanding screen presence. Vivek Oberoi shines as the antagonist Zafar Khan, creating a memorable and fierce villain who is both intimidating and entertaining. Akanksha Sharma, in her first role, makes a decent impression as Rajal, though her chemistry with Sooraj feels underdeveloped.

Direction and Production

The direction aims high. The film is filled with dramatic battle scenes, elaborate costumes, and emotional moments. However, the execution often feels heavily influenced by previous Indian epics such as Baahubali and Padmaavat. While the ambition is clear, originality is lacking. The visual effects are inconsistent. Some scenes look cinematic, while others appear overdone or cartoonish. Sound design and editing are loud and uneven, often pulling the viewer out of the moment.

Action and Visuals

The action sequences are intense and choreographed with flair, particularly during the climax. Sooraj Pancholi’s final battle scene stands out for its emotion and intensity. Still, the film is overloaded with patriotic dialogues and slow-motion shots that feel repetitive. The frequent use of familiar tropes such as dramatic Shiva references, romantic waterfalls, and hero-worship sequences gives the film a derivative feel.

Music and Sound

The music by Monty Sharma suits the grandeur of the story, with bold themes and powerful orchestration. However, the soundtrack is used too frequently, diluting its emotional impact. Some background scores overpower the dialogue, affecting the overall experience.

Audience and Critical Reception

Audience responses have been mixed. IMDb user reviews praise the forgotten story and warrior spirit, with some giving perfect scores. Viewers on BookMyShow have rated the film around 7.4 out of 10, calling it inspiring and emotional. However, most critics have not been kind. Reviews from established outlets like Filmfare and Indian Express have rated it between 1 and 2.5 stars, pointing out the weak writing, forced emotions, and lack of narrative control.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Noble and patriotic subject

  • Physical performances by lead actors

  • Impressive villain portrayal

  • Rich cultural setting and intention

Weaknesses:

  • Weak script and over-the-top drama

  • Inconsistent visual effects

  • Lack of originality and fresh ideas

  • Overused sound design and emotional cues

Final Verdict

Kesari Veer is a well-intentioned tribute to a forgotten hero and aims to evoke national pride. While its heart is in the right place, the storytelling often feels too dramatic and imitative. The film may appeal to viewers who enjoy historical spectacles and patriotic themes, but it is unlikely to satisfy those seeking thoughtful cinema or nuanced storytelling.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Should You Watch It?

Kesari Veer is recommended for fans of historical action dramas who appreciate a mix of emotion, heroism, and cultural pride. It falls short of the cinematic standards set by recent Indian epics but still offers moments of visual grandeur and strong performances.