Rating: ★★☆☆☆

"Kesari Veer", based on the life of unsung Gujarati hero Hamirji Gohil, had all the ingredients for an inspiring historical drama — a brave young warrior, a tyrannical invader, and a selfless sacrifice for faith and homeland. Unfortunately, despite the strength of its story, the film stumbles due to lackluster direction and unconvincing performances, especially by its lead actors.

What Works:

• The Core Story: Hamirji Gohil’s sacrifice at the age of 16 to defend the Somnath temple from Tughlaq forces is truly compelling. The historical backdrop offers strong emotional and patriotic appeal.
• Supporting Cast: Suniel Shetty as Vegda Bhil lends some gravity to the narrative, bringing intensity and sincerity to his limited screen time.

What Doesn't:

• Poor Direction: Director Prince Dhiman fails to translate this powerful tale into a cohesive and emotionally gripping cinematic experience. Pacing issues and lack of emotional depth hurt key moments.
• Lead Performance: Sooraj Pancholi as Hamirji lacks the commanding presence and emotional depth the role demands. His performance feels surface-level, missing the internal conflict and heroism the character deserves.
• Akanksha Sharma, as the female lead, is given little to work with and doesn’t leave much of an impression.
• Production Quality: The visuals and action sequences feel underwhelming. For a historical epic, the scale never quite matches the expectations set by the subject matter.

Verdict:

"Kesari Veer" had the potential to be a stirring tribute to a forgotten hero, but it ends up feeling like a missed opportunity. A noble story let down by poor execution, it might appeal to audiences interested in regional history but lacks the cinematic power to resonate widely.