Kesari
*ing: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra
Rated: 7.5/10
Every film ever made on patriotism evokes pride in every Indian — that we get to walk on the land that has produced India’s finest. Soldiers who have laid down their lives to protect Mother India — defend her boundaries from the enemy— at the cost of putting not just their lives but their families as well.
We all always talk about the sacrifice a soldier makes when he is at our borders, we forget that the only reason he is able to do so fearlessly is due to a strong family backing. A family that has taught him to take a bullet on the chest.
Therefore, everything is Kesari makes you proud— that 21 Sikhs of the 36 Sikh Regiment preferred to fight for their honour and not because they were being paid for it. That they preferred to face the enemy and defend the border when they had the order to run. That they preferred to face death rather than be salves to the British.
The film directed by Anurag Singh is a taut war drama that has been executed brilliantly and the reason why it weaves its magic is because it has been so well scripted. The wit, sarcasm, action, humour and tragedy has been beautifully woven into the narrative. Being given a sneak peek into history that one gets to see between the Sikhs and Islam adds value. Or the significance of kesari rang — Kesari rang ka matlab samjhte ho.... shaheedi ka rang hai....bahaduri ka.
Akshay Kumar as Havaldar Ishar Singh is brilliant. Off late, the actor has chosen to be part of films that make the audience sit and think and may be just may be be a better human being. One can say that as Singh, this is best performance till day. His acting gives you goosebumps because of the way he has executed his character and carried the role on his shoulders.
Not that the other characters are there for show. Each has played their role to a T. The dialogues, the action and the climax will leave you teary-eyed as will the sheer violence and barbarism that unfolds make you shudder.
This is a must see epic — how 21 Sikhs fought 10,000 Afghans, were martyred and made the enemy run for their lives.