Kesari Veer (2025) Movie: Prince Dhiman’s Direction Couldn’t Save This Noble Story
Kesari Veer, released on May 23, 2025, is a Hindi historical action film directed by Prince Dhiman. This period drama brings together a notable cast including Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Sooraj Pancholi, and Akanksha Sharma in lead roles. The film is produced by Kanubhai Chauhan under the banner of Chauhan Studios.
The film narrates the heroic tale of Hamirji Gohil, a brave Rajput warrior who fought against the mighty Tughlaq Empire to protect the sacred Somnath Temple. With a runtime of 161 minutes, Kesari Veer positions itself as an epic saga that aims to showcase the unwavering courage of those who stood against tyranny.
Plot and Storyline
The narrative centers around the historical figure of Hamirji Gohil, a Rajput warrior whose legendary courage became synonymous with the protection of the Somnath Temple. The story unfolds during the turbulent period when the Tughlaq Empire posed a constant threat to Hindu temples and religious practices.
The storyline follows Hamirji’s journey from a devoted warrior to a legendary protector of dharma. The screenplay tries to balance action sequences with emotional moments, incorporating religious elements and spiritual themes throughout the narrative.
Cast Performance
Suniel Shetty delivers a commendable performance as one of the key characters, bringing his trademark intensity and screen presence to the role. His experience in action films serves him well, and he manages to carry several scenes with his commanding presence.
Vivek Oberoi, another seasoned performer, brings depth to his character with his nuanced acting. His screen presence adds gravitas to the film, and he manages to make his character memorable despite limited screen time.
Sooraj Pancholi, playing the titular character of Hamirji Gohil, shows improvement in his acting skills compared to his previous films. While he manages to handle the action sequences well, his performance in emotional scenes feels somewhat forced.
Akanksha Sharma, as the female lead, has limited scope in the male-dominated narrative. Her performance is adequate for the role assigned to her, though the character could have been written with more depth.
Technical Aspects
The visual effects in Kesari Veer are one of the film’s weaker elements. Despite the grand scale of the story, the VFX work appears dated and unconvincing in several sequences. The battle scenes, which should have been the film’s highlight, suffer from poor execution.
Prince Dhiman’s direction shows ambition but lacks the finesse required for such a large-scale historical drama. The film’s pacing is inconsistent, with some sequences feeling rushed while others drag on unnecessarily.
The cinematography captures the grandeur of the sets and locations effectively in some scenes, but the overall visual treatment lacks consistency. The costume design and production design show attention to detail, attempting to recreate the medieval period authentically.
What I Liked
I found myself appreciating the film’s noble intentions in bringing attention to a lesser-known historical figure. Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi’s performances provided some memorable moments, and the film’s spiritual themes resonated well with the story’s core message.
The movie succeeds in creating a sense of patriotism and religious pride, which appeals to audiences who appreciate stories of faith and devotion. The action sequences, despite their technical limitations, managed to convey the bravery and determination of the characters.
What Could Be Better
The weak visual effects significantly detract from the viewing experience, making several scenes appear unconvincing. The screenplay lacks the depth and sophistication needed for such a grand narrative, resulting in superficial character development.
I noticed that the film’s pacing issues make it feel longer than its already considerable runtime of 161 minutes. The dialogue often feels forced and unnatural, particularly during dramatic moments.
The film’s reliance on religious sentiments, while effective for some audiences, may not appeal to viewers looking for more nuanced storytelling. The lack of strong character arcs, particularly for the female characters, makes the story feel one-dimensional.
Critical Reception
Kesari Veer received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the movie has received a rating of 5.5/10, indicating a lukewarm reception from viewers. The film received positive reviews from audiences but mixed reviews from critics, who criticized the screenplay, visual effects and execution.
Professional critics have been particularly harsh about the film’s technical aspects and storytelling. Rotten Tomatoes describes the film as having significant flaws, though it acknowledges some redeeming qualities.
Audience reviews show a divided response, with some viewers appreciating the film’s spiritual themes and historical content. Some positive reviews mention that devotees will find the mantras, chants, and dialogues particularly resonant.
Final Verdict
Kesari Veer is a film with noble intentions that unfortunately falls short of its ambitious goals. While it succeeds in bringing attention to an important historical figure and delivers some solid performances from its veteran cast, the film is significantly hampered by weak technical execution.
The movie works best for audiences who appreciate stories of faith, devotion, and historical valor, particularly those with an interest in religious and cultural themes. However, viewers expecting a polished cinematic experience with strong technical values may find themselves disappointed.
Despite its flaws, I believe Kesari Veer deserves recognition for its attempt to highlight lesser-known historical heroes and for the sincere performances of its lead actors. The film’s spiritual themes and patriotic sentiments will resonate with specific audiences, making it a worthwhile watch for those interested in such content.
Rating: 2.5/5
