KESARI movie review is here. Released today, KESARI the Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra starrer is an epic action-war film written and directed by Anurag Singh. The movie recollects the epic Battle of Saragarhi fought in 1897 between Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army and Pashtun Orakzai tribesmen. Let’s find out whether Akshay Kumar steals our heart again in KESARI movie review.
Immediate reaction when the end credits roll
When the song Teri Mitti plays and the end credit roles, you wonder why it took so many years to say this incredible tale of courage. When it comes to stories that undoubtedly needs to be told in mainstream Bollywood cinema, it’s Akshay Kumar no need to look further.
The Story of KESARI
A dramatized account of one of the most heroic battle of honor –The Battle of Saragarhi where 21 Sikh soldiers fought against an Afghan army of 10000 men in the year 1897.
Akshay Kumar’s performance in KESARI
Akshay Kumar as the fierce Sikh Havildar Ishar Singh is unbeatably unstoppable when he is on the rampage against the evil Pathan invaders, performing the Sikh martial arts Gatka and tearing the enemy into pieces. Akshay Kumar the epithet of true Sikh values and pride, or say a pious picture of the virtues of a good human and a great warrior, is in one word Mind Blowing. The fire in his eyes during the ultimate fight and the compassion before when he talks about ‘dushman’ (enemy) and ‘dushmani’ (enmity) is such a pleasure. The actor wins the audience heart with this superb portrayal. Amongst his top performances.
Anurag Singh direction in KESARI
Anurag Singh is a known name in Punjabi cinema and one of the prime reasons behind the stardom of Diljit Dosanjh (SUPER SINGH, DISCO SINGH, JATT & JULIET series), however my personal favourite is Punjab 1984, has made an epic war saga that is rousingly passionate and emotionally charged. The writer director seamlessly interweaves some relevant social and ethnic issues of the era that still persists.
The movie which appears like an action packed war epic with whistle blowing and clap worthy scenes, it was the emotional human chord that touched my heart strings in this boisterous battle of survival. The Sikhs helping to build a mosque, the pious thought behind providing water and the comment on the ‘holy war’, the right and wrong reason behind taking arms and its effects, all come and get registered in our heart, mind and soul. Anurag Singh’s KESARI is not just an entertaining war drama; it’s an extraordinary tale of courage that comes with pious lessons on life, death, karma, dharma, sacrifice and pride.
Other performances
Surmeet Singh Basra as Gurmukh Singh and Vansh Bharadwaj as Naik Chanda Singh from the Sikh battalion are fantastic. Toranj Kayvon as the Afghani lady rescued by Akshay Kumar is very impressive. Mir Sarwar as Khan Masud – the Afghani tribesmen laves a mark. Bhawani Muzamil that speechless shooter is interesting. Rakesh Chaturvedi as the Maulana displays his shades of villainy.
Action
Parvez Shaikh and Lawrence Woodward do a splendid job and the brilliant use of the Sikh martial art of Gatka will bring the house on fire.
Technicalities
Production design by Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray is adequate. CGI is used well. Sheetal Sharma’s costumes are authentic. Anshul Chobey’s cinematography is eye popping.
Music
The heart rendering Teri Mitti by Arko effectively sung by B Parak and soulfully written by Manoj Muntashir is the pick of the lot and it stays with you.
Flaws
Parineeti Chopra is wasted. The action at times is raw not pleasant for very small kids and the first half takes its own sweet time. Liberties are taken.
Final words
KESARI sees Akshay Kumar in a roaring, boisterous avatar that is bound to make his fans dance with joy and audience in general happy. This epic war action is not just an entertainer its one of those rare stories of unparallel courage, bravery and honour that teaches some lessons on humanity and the true meaning of war and sacrifice. We have seen many movies on nationalisms, KESARI is above nationality, it’s about the virtues of a good human, what makes a good warrior and how determination can achieve the impossible.
