An archive of Hindi movie reviews and ratings from 2010 to 2020.

Critic reviews and ratings

  • ...the film is a must watch. It convincingly packages patriotic emotions with some superbly-crafted action.

    79

    Critic rating (?)

  • This epic war action is not just an entertainer its one of those rare stories of unparallel courage, bravery and honour that teaches some lessons on humanity and the true meaning of war and sacrifice.

    79

    Critic rating (?)

  • With technical brilliance, intricate writing and thundering performances, Kesari is a loud war cry that evokes strong feelings of patriotism and it also wrenches your heart with its climactic tragedy.

    79

    Critic rating (?)

  • ...is a brave and inspirational tale of courage and patriotism with the dramatic battle sequence as its USP.

    79

    Critic rating (?)

  • Apart from delivering as an inspiring tale of unparalleled bravery, it also drops subtle hints on the early cracks that eventually went on to corrode the colonial rule.

    69

    Critic rating (?)

  • ...is the rousing patriotic film that Akshay Kumar fans wait for all year round. But it is a lot more than just that and deserves a watch this Holi.

    59

    Critic rating (?)

  • Akshay Kumar is verily the soul of the film. His bearing, his mannerisms are totally that of a professional soldier.

    59

    Critic rating (?)

  • 21 Sikh soldiers against 10,000 Afghan tribesman -- it's a staggering statistic and splendid premise for a full-bloodied action film.

    A feat Kesari not only honours but delivers too if only you'll be patient.

    59

    Critic rating (?)

  • ...has enough self-sustaining fire to be a well-above-average film. And with Akshay Kumar doing the heavy lifting with unwavering enthusiasm, the star's fans will find it easy to get into the swing of this tale of extraordinary courage in the face of daunting adversity.

    59

    Critic rating (?)

  • ...despite its predictable arcs, the outcome which we already know, and its length, we stay with the film.

    59

    Critic rating (?)

  • Maybe there's more to the battle. Or maybe this in-your-face, goose-bumpy ride—heartwarming, because its history; and hysterical, because it's that kinda movie—is just the best one can do. Well, either way, this works alright.

    59

    Critic rating (?)

  • What does wobble is the writing, which needed to be tighter and more layered. The characters are all one-note and the film is 150 minutes long – the entire first half is an introduction to the characters and a build up to the battle, which only begins in the second.

    49

    Critic rating (?)

  • Thanks to its over-the-top style and unabashed battle sequences, Kesari sets a new expectation for what audiences could call a fun, blood-ridden time. The story largely fails to be engaging, and often feels like a rehash.

    49

    Critic rating (?)

  • So much action that it makes you go numb, even though it is slick, choreographed and shot very well. Anyway, a story of great bravery in times of war, glamourising killing by taking lives in style, seems overdone.

    49

    Critic rating (?)

  • ...is well-intentioned but bloated. It’s a two-and-a-half hour battlefield bluster that could have done with sharper writing and judicious editing. When the lights come back on in the end, you can’t shake off the feeling of having survived war yourself.

    49

    Critic rating (?)

  • The final battle to the death is worth the watch, but when you see religion, patriotism, propaganda and soldiering mix in a movie timed for release during elections in India, you want to cringe but that would be politically incorrect.

    39

    Critic rating (?)

  • ...a dull movie about a memorable stand-off.

    39

    Critic rating (?)

  • All that has stayed on with me is the landscape—the brown, arid earth pitted against the majesty of the snow-laden, silver mountains. If only panoramic settings could make a good film.

    39

    Critic rating (?)

  • The film looks large, but doesn’t make a sufficient impact.

    39

    Critic rating (?)

  • ....if historical nationalism is your thing, this movie is for you.

    39

    Critic rating (?)

  • Irrespective of what the 36th Sikhs' actual motivations were, obviously theirs was a historic last stand worthy of a film. When an honest army procedural could have had an impact, the team of Kesari chose instead to be a barely disguised propaganda vehicle and to chronicle this remarkable episode with self-defeating twists.

    39

    Critic rating (?)

  • ...dull and monochromatic. There’s a worthy tribute due to those 21 men, but this reductive, gratuitous film isn’t it.

    29

    Critic rating (?)

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