Read the full review of Kesari Veer (2025), a historical action film starring Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi. Discover its plot, performances, visuals, and our BMR rating.
Title: Kesari Veer
Language: Hindi
Genre: Historical, Action, Drama
Director(s): Prince Dhiman, Kanubhai Chauhan
Release Date: 23 May 2025
Runtime: Approx. 2 hours 25 minutes
Budget: ₹60 Crore
Production: Chauhan Studios
Distributed by: Panorama Studios
Introduction
Kesari Veer is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language historical action drama directed by Prince Dhiman and Kanubhai Chauhan. The film, produced by Chauhan Studios in association with Panorama Studios, stars Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Sooraj Pancholi, and Akanksha Sharma. With a budget of ₹60 crore, the movie attempts to recreate the spirit of India’s freedom struggle through a fictionalized yet emotionally charged narrative. Initially scheduled for a 16 May release, the film was later postponed and finally hit theaters worldwide on 23 May 2025.
Plot Summary
Set against the backdrop of the British Raj in the late 19th century, Kesari Veer tells the story of an unsung hero, Veer Kesari (played by Suniel Shetty), a fearless warrior who leads a rebellion against British oppression. Kesari is not just a fighter but a visionary who dreams of a united, free India. He gathers a team of dedicated revolutionaries including the determined Arjun (Vivek Oberoi), the fiery youngster Raghav (Sooraj Pancholi), and the compassionate yet bold Devika (Akanksha Sharma).
Together, they take on the might of the British Empire with courage, strategy, and sacrifice. The film explores themes of nationalism, brotherhood, betrayal, and hope. Though the story takes cinematic liberties, it maintains a rooted, emotionally resonant tone that aims to awaken patriotic pride in viewers.
Performances
Suniel Shetty as Veer Kesari
Shetty commands the screen with raw intensity and grace. His portrayal of a stoic warrior with a burning passion for freedom is convincing and emotionally powerful. It’s a performance reminiscent of his iconic roles from the early 2000s, with added maturity and depth.
Vivek Oberoi as Arjun
Vivek brings balance to the film with his restrained yet effective performance. As the strategist and close confidante of Veer, his character adds a cerebral layer to the rebellion. His dialogue delivery, particularly in intense scenes, is noteworthy.
Sooraj Pancholi as Raghav
Sooraj delivers a commendable performance as the impulsive young revolutionary. He brings youthful energy and emotional vulnerability, especially in scenes involving personal sacrifice and moral dilemma.
Akanksha Sharma as Devika
Akanksha shines in her limited but impactful role. She provides emotional weight and represents the sacrifices made by countless unnamed women during India’s freedom movement. Her chemistry with the male leads is organic and heartfelt.
Direction and Writing
Co-directed by Prince Dhiman and Kanubhai Chauhan, Kesari Veer stands out in terms of visual storytelling and scale. The direction succeeds in capturing the patriotic tone of the film while maintaining the pace of an action drama.
The screenplay, written by Kanubhai Chauhan and Shitiz Srivastava, blends emotion, action, and historical fiction. However, the dialogues occasionally lean into melodrama, and some scenes could have benefitted from tighter scripting. Still, the narrative holds strong overall and offers enough moments of inspiration and reflection.
Technical Aspects
Cinematography
Vikas Joshi’s cinematography deserves special praise. From sweeping shots of battlefields to tight close-ups during moments of emotional intensity, every frame is crafted with precision. The visuals effectively capture the rustic landscapes and chaotic war zones of colonial India.
Editing
Satya Sharma’s editing keeps the film’s pace engaging, although the second half drags slightly during repetitive confrontational scenes. A crisper runtime would have enhanced the overall impact.
Music and Background Score
Monty Sharma’s music uplifts the film, with patriotic songs that blend seamlessly into the story. The background score is grand and orchestral, accentuating action sequences and emotional beats alike.
Production Design and Costumes
The production design recreates colonial India with impressive authenticity. The sets, props, and locations transport the audience to a time of valor and resistance. The costumes are period-accurate and enhance the believability of the characters without looking overly stylized.
What Works
- Suniel Shetty’s powerful performance and screen presence
- Stirring patriotic themes that resonate with audiences
- High-quality visuals and authentic period settings
- Memorable action sequences and rousing music
- Well-defined character arcs for the main leads
What Doesn’t Work
- Predictable story beats that follow a conventional freedom-fighter film formula
- Some secondary characters lack depth
- Slight pacing issues in the second half
- Occasional overuse of slow-motion and dramatic music
Final Verdict
Kesari Veer is not just a film—it’s a tribute to the spirit of resistance and unity that shaped India’s freedom struggle. It may not redefine the genre, but it delivers a compelling and visually impressive tale led by a magnetic Suniel Shetty. With emotional highs, inspiring moments, and commendable performances, the film is worth watching, especially for fans of historical dramas.
Best Movie Review (BMR) Rating:
7.5/10
Kesari Veer is a proud addition to the canon of patriotic Indian cinema, echoing stories that deserve to be remembered. Despite a few flaws, it captures the essence of courage and sacrifice that still inspires generations.