Kesari Veer (2025) unfolds as a grand but uneven retelling of the valiant efforts to protect the historic Somnath Temple in 13th–14th century Gujarat. Directed by Prince Dhiman (with Kanubhai Chauhan as co‑director and co‑writer), the film stars Sooraj Pancholi as the young warrior Hamirji Gohil, supported by Suniel Shetty as the tribal Bhil chieftain Vegdaaji, Vivek Oberoi as the ruthless Zafar Khan, and newcomer Akanksha Sharma as Rajal, the hero’s love interest navbharattimes.indiatimes.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15firstpost.com+15.
The narrative centers around Hamirji, a teenage prince whose devotion to Lord Shiva fuels his determination to shield Somnath from the invading Tughlaq forces. The film opens with the introduction of the Somnath Temple’s spiritual significance, followed by scenes of tyranny enacted by Zafar Khan under the Tughlaq Empire timesofindia.indiatimes.com+10firstpost.com+10timesofindia.indiatimes.com+10. As the storyline progresses, Vegdaaji rallies the Bhil community to join the resistance, creating a tense buildup toward the impending battle moneycontrol.com+7news.abplive.com+7timesofindia.indiatimes.com+7.
A romantic subplot unfolds when Hamirji meets Rajal during a secret mission, culminating in an elaborate wedding that unfolds just as enemy forces close in en.wikipedia.org+10indiatoday.in+10hindustantimes.com+10. This interlude, though emotionally driven, is criticized for pausing the main narrative at a crucial moment hindustantimes.com+9moneycontrol.com+9timesofindia.indiatimes.com+9.
Performances:
-
Sooraj Pancholi commits fully to the role of Hamirji, growing his hair and performing much of his action sequences himself. His intensity, especially in battle scenes, earned recognition as a sincere comeback from the actor en.wikipedia.org+14news.abplive.com+14hindustantimes.com+14.
-
Suniel Shetty brings commanding energy as Vegdaaji, with critics noting that he “lends a reliable presence” and is “the only spark” in an otherwise faltering drama indiatimes.com+15indiatoday.in+15news.abplive.com+15.
-
Vivek Oberoi, cast as the villainous Zafar Khan, delivers a menacing performance, though sometimes slipping into theatrical exaggeration en.wikipedia.org+8moneycontrol.com+8timesofindia.indiatimes.com+8.
-
Akanksha Sharma, debuting as Rajal, is described as ethereal, though reviewers note her role lacks depth to truly showcase her acting potential moneycontrol.com+9news.abplive.com+9timesofindia.indiatimes.com+9.
Strengths:
-
The film boasts a sweeping scope, majestic battle sequences, detailed costume and set design, and evocative cinematography by Vikas Joshi en.wikipedia.org+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1.
-
It tells a culturally rich and historically significant story, bringing attention to an almost forgotten chapter in Indian heritage timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
-
The emotional moments are elevated by strong lead performances, particularly from Sooraj Pancholi and Suniel Shetty indiatoday.in+12news.abplive.com+12indianexpress.com+12.
Weaknesses:
-
Criticism centers on a weak screenplay, sluggish pacing, unnecessary song-and-dance sequences, and storyline detours—especially the romantic track and wedding—instead of focusing on the central conflict timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2moneycontrol.com+2news.abplive.com+2.
-
The visual effects (CGI) received harsh reviews, described as “shoddy,” garish, and distractingly poor in depicting battles and supernatural feats such as a beheaded warrior continuing to fight .
-
Some critics noted borrowed scenes and tropes echoing films like Padmaavat, Chhaava, and Baahubali, which undermined originality en.wikipedia.org+3indiatoday.in+3hindustantimes.com+3.
-
Despite its visual grandeur, many judged the film emotionally hollow—an “overwhelming spectacle without substance” moneycontrol.com.
Box‑Office & Reception:
Originally slated for March 2025 release, the film finally premiered on May 23, 2025 abplive.com+11en.wikipedia.org+11indiatoday.in+11. Despite heavy promotion—including remarks by Maharashtra’s CM praising its cultural portrayal —it earned just ₹88 lakh during its opening weekend, marking it a box-office flop timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Verdict:
Kesari Veer shines in ambition and moments of grandeur, offering glimpses of a compelling warrior narrative rooted in devotion and bravery. However, its impact is compromised by a fractured screenplay, subpar CGI, and borrowed visual motifs. For those interested in historical epics and performances—especially from Sooraj Pancholi and Suniel Shetty—the film may warrant a one-time watch. Yet, if you expect a tight, emotionally gripping period drama, it falls short. Overall, it stands as a commendable yet flawed tribute to a forgotten hero.
Feel free to ask if you’d like a deeper look into any aspect—plot, character arcs, technical execution—or a breakdown of specific scenes.
