Akshay Kumar's 'Kesari' opens to glowing reviews

Even as some in India indulged in the festival of colours (dhuli vandan) yesterday, there were others in the country who displayed complete faithfulness to the colour orange (kesari). Yes, the Akshay Kumar-starrer, based on the Battle of Saragarhi, which opened yesterday, got glowing reviews from the critics, trade pundits and audiences alike. 

Set in India of 1897, writer-director Anurag Singh’s period saga effectively retells the story of the second bravest battle in the history. One in which 21 Sikh soldiers took on 10,000 Afghan invaders to foil the enemies’ attempt in capturing the fort of Saragarhi.

Shashank Khaitan, director of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014), Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017) and Dhadak (2018), says, “Kesari is a very powerful film of courage and sacrifice. Congratulations to Anurag Singh who has created an amazing world. The action sequences and dialogue punches of the film give you goosebumps.”

Bowled over by Akshay’s portrayal of Havildar Ishar Singh, who leads the small Sikh battalion against thousands of Afghans, Shashank adds, “Akshay has delivered one of his best performances. He brings alive the character of Ishar Singh. He is such a natural at action sequences. Without shouting even once, he showed the aggression of a lion. The madness in his eyes in the climax fight was brilliant.”

Summing up the historical action drama that also stars Parineeti Chopra, in a single word, veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh calls it “Outstanding!” He elaborates, “The film brilliantly chronicles a significant chapter from history. Nationalism, patriotism, heroism, scale and soul — Kesari has it all. Akshay has given a career-best performance and Anurag’s direction is terrific, too. Don’t miss it.”

All praises for the movie, which brings alive on screen a missing chapter from Indian history, Vajir Singh, Editor, Box Office India, a trade magazine, says, “Kesari is all about honour, courage and valour told with conviction. It’s a winner at heart and the ticket counters.”

Kesari, produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Sunir Kheterpal and presented by Zee Studios, released yesterday.