It was an impromptu decision to watch Kesari on opening day and I guess it was a good one. The Film which is based on the true story of one of the greatest battles fought - the battle of Saragarhi is an exceptional piece of cinema, a film very well made.
War is gruesome, traumatic and depressing yet Anurag Singh documents the Battle of Saragarhi with an effervescence flavour of Indian cinema giving the audience a reason to laugh even in the midst of war and be involved in the narrative. Most of the 21 characters had a personality trait or an individual back story that is very deftly stitched along with the protagonist' Ishar Singh, essayed so naturally by Akshay Kumar. Patriotism is definitely Akshay's domain from the erstwhile repertoire of actor Manoj Kumar.
Although the film is 150 minutes long, most times you are drawn into the narrative with the expectation of what's next. There are some moments in the first half where things are slow, perhaps it is to put you into that place of isolation 'the war ground'. The actual war sequence pans out in the second half and you can witness the bravery and valor of the men of the 36th Sikh Regiment, that stood their ground fighting, even though they knew; they would never come out alive.
On a subliminal level, the film makes you question the very concept of war; is it about protecting and defending one's boundary or is it merely a tool used by those who perpetrate it; either for profit or personal gain? Kesari - The film is not only a cinematically documented account of history but also a lesson to the modern day students of Philosophy. A definite must watch!
- Ashford Menezes
RATING: 4/5