The film was scheduled to release on 16 May 2025 but was postponed and later released 23 May 2025.[5][6][7][8] It received positive reviews from audiences but mixed reviews from critics, who criticized the screenplay, visual effects and underperformed at the box office.[9][10]
Initially scheduled for a theatrical release on 14 March 2025, the film was rescheduled to premiere on 16 May 2025.[13][14] However, the release was postponed again and the film was finally released on 23 May 2025.[1]
Reception
Rahul Desai of The Hollywood Reporter India criticised the film for promoting communal bias under the guise of historical fiction. He described the film as a "162-minute slog" that robotically checks off markers of provocative cinema, labelling it Islamophobic, hate-mongering, and misinformative. Desai argued that the film uses a loosely interpreted 14th-century tale of a Rajput warrior defending the Somnath temple from the Tughlaq Empire as a vehicle to demonise Muslims in contemporary India.[15]
Rishabh Suri Hindustan Times gave the film 2.5 stars out of 5 and criticised the VFX, song placements, and performances.[16] Dhaval Roy of Times of India gave the film 2 stars out of 5, feeling the film was grand in scope but faltered due to inconsistencies, length, uneven storytelling, and overdramatization.[17]Bollywood Hungama gave the film 1.5 stars out of 5, strongly criticizing the VFX as "one of the biggest culprits of the film" and labeling the film as "a poor man’s Chhaava and Baahubali."[18]
Mayur Sanap of Rediff.com gave the film half a star out of 5, similarly pointing out its similarities with Baahubali and Chhaava aside from Padmaavat and Kesari.[19] Sana Farzeen of India Today gave 2.5 stars and said that "Kesari Veer, despite its grand scale and star cast, fails to deliver a compelling historical drama. The film's poor execution and weak CGI undermine its potential impact."[20] Ganesh Aaglave of Firstpost gave 2 stars out of 5 and said that "On the whole, Kesari Veer is a wasted potential opportunity, which could have turned out into an engaging magnum opus."[21]
Alaka Sahani of The Indian Express rated 1.5/5 stars and said "The filmrelies heavily on gimmicks instead of attention to detail, nuance."[22] Chirag Sehgal of News18 rated 1.5/5 stars and said "Despite its noble intention to celebrate a forgotten hero, the film ends up being a noisy, disjointed and exhausting experience."[23] Devesh Sharma of Filmfare rated 2.5/5 stars and writes that "All-in-all, Kesari Veer needed better writing, direction and editing. It’s a clear case of opportunity lost."[24]
Despite critics' overly technical-based evaluations, Kesari Veer found strong support among general audiences, who viewed the film through a different lens. Many fans pushed back against what they described as "elitist" or "agenda-driven" criticism, pointing out that reviewers overlooked the film’s emotional impact and cultural purpose while focusing too heavily on technical shortcomings. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), viewers hailed its historical narrative and patriotic spirit:
“The movie sheds light on a forgotten chapter of history. The temple destruction and fight for dharma are portrayed powerfully. A wake‑up call for many.”
“Every frame bleeds devotion. Every dialogue feels like a call to rise. ‘Kesari Veer’ In Cinemas reignites the forgotten flame of dharma. History wasn’t silent — we just weren’t listening. This film brings it roaring back with cinematic force.”
“This film isn’t anti‑anyone — it’s pro‑truth. It shows what really happened in our soil. And honours those who stood up to invaders. Truth finds voice in ‘Kesari Veer’ In Cinemas.” [25]
Other users added:
“The visuals stun, but it’s the story that stays. A film that shakes your conscience and stirs your soul.” “This isn’t mythology — it’s history that bleeds with truth. ‘Kesari Veer’ In Cinemas doesn’t sugarcoat, it confronts. Every scene is a reminder that dharma isn’t inherited, it’s defended...” [26]
These genuine audience reactions from social media illustrate a striking contrast to the critics’ focus on plot inconsistencies, weak VFX, and political controversies. Many viewers embraced Kesari Veer for its cultural significance, emotional storytelling, and unapologetic celebration of historical valor. For these audiences, the film succeeded in reigniting pride in forgotten heroes and stirring a deeper connection to their heritage—demonstrating that cinematic impact is not always measured solely by technical perfection but also by the resonance of its message.
Box office
The film had a decent opening, earning ₹2.80 crore on its first day. It saw growth over the weekend, collecting ₹3.10 crore on Saturday and ₹3.40 crore on Sunday, bringing the opening weekend total to ₹9.30 crore net. During the weekdays, the film's collections declined, adding approximately ₹5.25 crore, resulting in a first-week total of ₹14.55 crore net. In its second weekend, it garnered an additional ₹2.85 crore, culminating in a 10-day India net total of ₹17.40 crore. The gross collection in India after 10 days stood at ₹20.50 crore. Internationally, Kesari Veer earned ₹3.80 crore, leading to a worldwide gross of ₹24.30 crore.[27]
↑ "Sooraj Pancholi's 'Kesari Veer' fails to cross Rs 2 crore mark in Week 1". Times of India. 30 May 2025. Retrieved 30 May 2025. The film has generally received mixed reviews, the critics pointed out flaws in the screenplay, visual effects, and overall execution. Kesari Veer's underwhelming box office performance highlights the challenges of creating compelling historical dramas.
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