With a disappointing start at the box office on its opening day, Bollywood makes another attempt at a historical epic with its latest, Kesari Veer. And the audience hates it!
Based on the valor of Saurashtra warrior Hamirji Gohil, who defended the sacred Somnath temple from invaders, the film, unfortunately, falls short in almost every aspect.
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Critics point out how the film’s writing remains heavily inspired by its competition—Chhaava—and the world-building feels like a poor man’s knock-off version of Bahubali.
Early reviews say Suniel Shetty looks the part but doesn’t deliver, Sooraj Pancholi impresses with action but lacks depth, and Vivek Oberoi’s villainous act leans too theatrical to feel truly menacing.
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Even with a star-studded cast, the film ends up looking like a costume gala (presumably an inspiration from Cannes), with no emotional depth.
Social media is flooded with sarcastic remarks, and the funniest one yet has to be “Cannes can wait. KESARI VEER is a top contender for the Facepalm d’Or prize.”
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The user on X did a clever wordplay, with Palme d’Or being the highest award given at the Cannes Film Festival and a face-palm, which is a gesture used to express embarrassment.
Many viewers also pointed out how the film leaned too much on provocation, using Islamophobic undertones to cash in on the emotions of an already communally divided audience.
One reviewer also went as far as mentioning that if the film had been released in a different era, it would’ve been banned.
Apart from the disastrous writing and direction, the songs also failed to have any recall value, as the audience complained they randomly began and ended without anyone noticing.
For a film about courage and valor, Kesari Veer ironically lacks both.
Here’s a tip for Bollywood’s next historical drama: do the research, take your time, and aim to entertain—not push propaganda for a quick buck from a divided audience.
