Kesari Movie Review: Akshay Kumar's heartfelt and powerful act isn't enough to save a flawed war film

Akshay Kumar's most awaited film — 'Kesari',  based on legend of Battle of Saragarhi of 1897, is co-written by Girish Kohli and Anurag Singh, film has been produced by Johar’s Dharma Productions, Cape of Good Films and Azure Entertainment.

Setting scene

films begins with a short narration of Indian history and how Battle of Saragarhi became an important chapter of history. scene opens with Akshay Kumar trying to explain popular saying 'Miya Biwi Raazi, to kya karega Qazi', in his own way, keeping India, British and Afghans in reference. And very next moment, Kumar, playing Havildar Ishar Singh, saves a woman from killing by a bunch of Afghani men because she refused to accept her marri. Havildar Ishar Singh who is currently stationed at Gulistan fort is transferred to Saragarhi fort for giving Afghans a reason to attack m. He isn't happy to go to Fort Saragarhi as it was only meant to send messs at time. What happens after he reaches re, is something Karan Johar's 'Kesari' shows you.

Plot

Everyone kws by w that 21 Sikhs fought 10,000 Afghan soldiers in 1897. But what is importance of Fort Saragarhi? Fort Gulistan and Fort Lockhart in Afghanistan were under British rule at time. forts sent messs to each or by flashing mirrors and ultimately getting Morse Coded messs. But because distance between m was so much, that Fort Saragarhi was set up as a signalling station–to relay messs. 21 soldiers from 36th Sikh Regiment were stationed to guard this post.

When Akshay Kumar reaches fort, his bond with batallion is something that is built in first half, which is slow and might put you to sleep. And second half of film basically focuses on fierce war and how every soldier fights till ir last breath.

Verdict

It is an aver film with honest performances. Akshay Kumar tried his best holding reins of this t-so-flawless script. Special shout out to Parineeti Chopra whose performance left a beautiful impact. A love story shown in an unusual way, will leave you wanting for more. And to conclude, “Jo Bole Sau Nihal, Sat Sri Akal,” in climax scene will give you goosebumps.

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra, Toranj Kayvon, Mir Sarwar, 

What works: Two songs that touches your heart — Jasleen Royal's song 'Deh Shiva' and 'Teri Mitti'by B Praak — are soul of film. last 15 minutes of climax is real USP,those few minutes will touch an emotional chord, leaving you teary eyed. Also high point of film is action. Akshay Kumar along with his raw, real and well choreographed action scenes is a definite scene-stealer with his hand-combat scenes.

What doesn't work: length of film was too long. A few scenes could have been edited. dialogues of film weren't very impressive. A few scenes might remind you of Gerard Butler's '300'. While film tried to stir those patriotic emotions but 'Kesari' somehow lacked substance.

Rating: 2.5/5