Kesari Veer (2025) Movie Bollyflix

Kesari Veer, released in May 2025, is a Hindi historical drama directed by Prince Dhiman and co-produced by Kanubhai. The film brings together a powerful cast including Suniel, Sooraj Pancholi, Vivek, and debutante Akanksha. Set against the backdrop of 14th-century Gujarat, the story highlights the bravery of Hamirji Gohil, a warrior who took a stand against foreign invaders to protect faith and heritage.

The movie attempts to showcase a larger-than-life tale of heroism, religion, and sacrifice. With custom-made armor, detailed set designs, and rigorous actor preparation, Kesari Veer had all the elements of a grand cinematic spectacle. However, despite its ambition and patriotic tone, the film has received mixed to negative reviews from both critics and the audience.

Kesari Veer Cast Names

Plot and Storyline

The story revolves around Hamirji Gohil, a brave warrior from the village of Arthila in Gujarat. During a time when the Tughlaq Empire is trying to force religious conversions and destroy temples, Hamirji decides to unite the Hindu kings of Gujarat. When they refuse to join him, he calls upon devotees during Mahashivratri at the Somnath Temple to rise against the invaders.

A surprise attack by Rasool Khan is bravely countered by Hamirji’s forces, leading to a temporary victory. But the Tughlaq Empire retaliates by planning to destroy the Somnath Temple. With only 200 soldiers, Hamirji, along with his loyal aide Vegadabhil, takes a stand and fights to the end in defense of the temple and his beliefs.

Cast Performances

Suniel Shetty plays Vegdaji, a battle-hardened warrior, and brings a rugged energy to his role. Sooraj Pancholi steps into the lead role of Hamirji Gohil, showing commitment through intense physical training in swordsmanship and horse riding. Vivek Oberoi plays the antagonist Zafar Khan, while Akanksha Sharma makes her debut as Rajal, bringing a graceful yet impactful presence to the screen.

Despite the efforts of the actors, many performances have been seen as underwhelming. Critics felt that Sooraj Pancholi’s performance lacked depth, while Vivek Oberoi did not quite succeed in making his villainous character menacing. Suniel Shetty was appreciated for his dedication, but was limited by the film’s writing and direction.

Direction and Production

Director Prince Dhiman and producer Kanubhai Chauhan had a vision to create an epic period drama that would do justice to a forgotten hero. The film’s team paid close attention to costumes, props, and set design, with designer Chandrakant Sonawane working on historical accuracy. Actors trained hard to physically resemble ancient warriors, and even wore custom-designed armor.

However, the execution fell flat. The direction lacked emotional depth, and the screenplay moved in a disjointed way. The focus on visual effects and battle scenes often took attention away from proper character development and storytelling.

Critical Reception and Ratings

The film received mostly negative reviews from critics and industry portals. Many called it a missed opportunity, especially given the scale and intent behind the project. Several popular sites rated the movie poorly:

• Hindustan Times: 2.5/5 – Mentioned weak VFX, dull songs, and unconvincing performances
• Times of India: 2/5 – Criticized overdramatization and inconsistent storytelling
• Bollywood Hungama: 1.5/5 – Called it a poor imitation of Baahubali and Chhaava
• Rediff: 0.5/5 – Labeled it a forgettable historical drama
• India Today: 2.5/5 – Praised its intention, but criticized the outcome
• Firstpost: 2/5 – Said it lacked soul and emotional connection
• The Indian Express: 1.5/5 – Noted poor attention to detail
• News18: 1.5/5 – Called it loud, jumbled, and tiring to watch
• Filmfare: 2.5/5 – Mentioned that it needed tighter editing and better writing

Public and Social Media Reactions

The audience response has been lukewarm. The trailer initially sparked interest due to the patriotic theme and visuals, but once the film released, viewers pointed out its lack of originality, poor special effects, and mediocre acting. On social media platforms, many users expressed disappointment, with memes and sarcastic posts mocking the performances and visuals.

While a few appreciated the attempt to revive forgotten Indian heroes, the general sentiment leaned toward disappointment, especially given the high expectations created by the promotional campaigns.

Conclusion

Kesari Veer had all the elements to become a blockbuster historical epic—an untold hero’s story, strong cast, and a high production budget. Unfortunately, the film is let down by poor execution, weak writing, and inconsistent performances. While the intention to honor a brave warrior is noble, the film fails to deliver the kind of cinematic impact that was expected.

For viewers who enjoy historical dramas, Kesari Veer may still hold some value as a visual retelling of a forgotten chapter of Indian history. But for most audiences, it will come across as a missed opportunity that could have been much more.