‘Kesari Veer’ struggles in theatres; Karni Sena leader blames biased screening slots

Kesari Veer hit theatres last week, but even five days after release, the box office figures numbers remain stagnant. The film, which was made on a reported budget of Rs 60 crore, has only managed to scrape Rs 1 crore on its fifth day, according to industry tracker Sacnilk.

Directed by Prince Dhiman, the historical drama’s collection is not up for a projected rise in viewership, and this Karni Sena leader has hypothesised why. Taking to Instagram, Karni Sena leader Dr Raj Shekhawat claimed that theatres are deliberately side-lining the film by denying it prime-time slots.

He asked, “We want to ask film distributors and theatre owners, what is your objection in showing a historical and patriotic movie like Kesari Veer in prime time?” He further alleged that the Sooraj Pancholi-starrer is placed in time slots where people are the busiest, resulting in low footfall. “This is not only injustice to the film, but also disrespect the sacrifice of the great warriors on whom this film is based on,” he added.

Shekhawat remarked that youth are keen to know why the film is not getting screened appropriately. He later appealed to the theatre owners and distributors to “rethink your decision and start showing this movie in prime time. If it doesn't happen, we will have to make this issue public.”

He also urged the public to watch Kesari Veer in theatres so that “future generations may know the sacrifice of their ancestors”.

What is the film about?

Narrating the untold story of Hamirji Gohli, the historical action flick follows the Rajput warrior as he defends his land and religion against the Tughlaq Empire to protect the Somnath Temple. Directed by Dhiman, the film also features Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Akanksha Sharma and Aruna Irani.

Entertainment