Kesari

Kesari is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language historical action-war film, directed by Anurag Singh and jointly produced by Karan Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Hiroo Yash Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Sunir Khetarpal. It stars Bollywood heavyweight Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra in a special appearance and Suvinder Vicky amongst others. The film is based on the epic Battle of Saragarhi, which is one of the most gallant battles in the world's military history.

Set in the 1890s, the film pays homage to the courage and spirit of 21 brave Sikh soldiers from the British Indian Army led by their resolute leader Havildar Ishar Singh, portrayed stupendously by Akshay Kumar. These soldiers were asked to defend an army post located at Saragarhi against ten thousand Pashtun tribesmen from Afghanistan. Parineeti Chopra represents the emotional side of the narrative essaying the special role of Havildar's wife, bringing a human perspective into the lives of these brave soldiers.

Kesari is as much a war movie as it is an exploration of the deep nuances of valour, bravery and patriotism. The film delves into the soldier's lives, telling a beautiful tale of their unique camaraderie, of scintillating moments of light-heartedness, their determination, and their shared values which bind them together as a fearless unit.

Akshay Kumar, one of India’s most loved and versatile actors, delivers one of his most compelling performances in Kesari. Kumar completely immerses himself into the character of Havildar Ishar Singh, depicting the strength, anguish, valor and determination of his character with conviction and honesty. His portrayal of a fearless and inspiring leader, willing to stand tall in the face of extreme adversity is captivating and highlights Kumar's solid acting prowess.

Suvinder Vicky, despite stepping into a supporting role, showcases his acting skills powerfully, adding depth to the narrative. The film’s ensemble cast brings alive the extraordinary tale of courage, sacrifice, and duty, grounded in a shared culture of bravery and the formidable Sikh warrior tradition.

Parineeti Chopra, in her short yet impactful role, provides the emotional connect, adding a telling dimension to the narrative. Her strong portrayal of a wife embodying strength and resilience in the backdrop of war injects a poignant strand to the narrative.

The film marries its narrative strengths with the equally compelling craft of its direction and production values. The battles are staged and shot outstandingly, conveying the gravity of the situation, the scale of adversarial forces and the insurmountable odds faced by the defenders in a visually impactful manner. The film’s attention to period detail and authentic recreation of the era and battlescape is also notable.

The atmosphere is enhanced by a pulsating background score which resonates with the emotional core of the narrative and the high-stakes moments of action. The music and songs of Kesari beautifully encapsulate the film's ethos inducing a spirit of resilience, bravery, pride, as well as moments of poignant sorrow.

However, Kesari is not just about the spectacle of war. It is a film that challenges you emotionally, rooting you in the lives of these soldiers, their loyalty to their regiment, their homeland, their people and most importantly, their principles and honor. The film’s message of valor in the face of daunting adversity and the true essence of heroism – not just in victory, but in the spirit of fearless defiance - leaves a lasting impact.

Throughout the film, the symbolic reference to the colour 'Kesari' or 'saffron' – representing bravery and sacrifice – is used as a powerful motif. This symbolic reference enriches the film’s narrative, embodying the valor of these soldiers.

All in all, Kesari stands out as a stirring and impactful war drama. It is a tribute to the incredible courage of 21 Sikh soldiers who knew they were going up against impossible odds. Yet, they stood their ground and vowed to protect their post till the very end, creating one of the most heroic last-stands in military history. Kesari is an engaging film experience that brings to life an oft-forgotten chapter of Indian history in a grand, poignant and impactful manner which not only entertains but also educates and inspires.