Kedarnath Review: Sara Ali Khan shines on debut in this romantic saga with a strong social and environmental message

Overcoming controversy, the Sushant Singh Rajput and Sara Ali Khan starrer 'Kedarnath' marks its grand release on Friday. The romantic drama is written, directed and co-produced by Abhishek Kapoor. It is also backed by Ronnie Screwvala.

READ: Ahead Of Kedarnath's Release, Sushant Singh Rajput's Special Gesture For Children And Elderly Will Leave You Inspired

Setting the scene

The film begins with the story of smart and humble Mansoor (played by Sushant Singh Rajput), a porter whose daily work is to carry devotees to the holy shrine. The Muslim tourist escort cares about people and humanity. On the other hand, Mukku, the daughter of an elite Hindu family in the region is bubbly, chirpy and completely opposite to what her parents expect her to be. As the pair meets, Mukku gets impressed by Mansoor's kind heart and caring nature.

Plot

The film that is set against the backdrop of a catastrophic deluge that hit Uttarakhand in 2013, narrates an inter-religious relationship. The movie showcases how the pair fight against society and the natural calamity for their love. The about two-hour-long film not only talks about love and compassion but also focuses on how growing tourism is affecting the nature and its beauty.

Verdict

Sara Ali Khan as a debutante does an impressive job and wins hearts with her splendid performance. The 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story' actor, meanwhile, proves his versatility once again and the on-screen chemistry of the pair looks convincing. The film itself offers a strong reply to those who have questioned it on religious grounds. Talking about the cinematography, the film has amazing VFX effects; the way the whole 'cloudburst' scene is portrayed is a visual spectacle. Even the songs are thoughtfully placed. Passion and spirituality find a perfect balance in the film. In some scenes, the proceedings might look a bit over-dramatic, but the film is a must-watch.

READ: Relief For 'Kedarnath'; Bombay High Court Dismisses 'hurting Religious Sentiments' PIL

Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Sara Ali Khan, Nitish Bharadwaj, Alka Amin, Sonali Sachdev, Pooja Gor and Nishant Dahiya

What works: The storyline and the performance of the lead actors.

What doesn't: The film could have been a bit more nuanced.

Rating: 3/5

Watch the trailer here.