‘Kesari Veer – An Uncanny Echo From The Past’
Suniel Shetty says his movies are all about the love of India, and stresses the need to present a united front against aggression
Suniel Shetty, who, during his career spanning over 30 years and more than 100 films, has been associated mostly with action and patriotic projects like Refugee and Border, is now starring in Kesari Veer, the tale of Hamirji Gohil, a brave warrior who fought against the Tughlaq Empire to protect the Somnath Temple and the Hindu faith. He talks about the film, and its resonance in the current political scenario.
Directed by Prince Dhiman and also starring Sooraj Pancholi and Akanksha Sharma, Kesari Veer will be released on May 23rd.
Excerpts:
Kesari Veer seems to echo the present situation where India is under threat from terrorists, doesn’t it?
Absolutely Right. The movie shows that India can give a befitting reply to any invader or country that threatens it.
Our film talks about dharma, it's about seva, it talks about empathy, it talks about karma. And that’s how we’ve handled the present too. There’s so much similarity between then and now. “Humne kabhi kisi ko harm nahi kiya hai, aap invade kar rahe ho, aap hume nuksaan phauchane ke koshish kar rahe ho. That’s what it is all about. And we are giving back with all our might.”
How do you see your journey forward in films?
I think it’s only getting better because better narratives are being selected. Everything is about India today, which is very, very exciting. All kinds of characters are required. There's a Hamid Gul, and there’s a Vedaji. You may be a supporting actor in the film, but the importance of the character is brilliant. You’re still playing the hero. You’re putting yourself out there with the youth, which means that that the so-called generation gap is also bridged. You are showcasing what a mature character can do and how he can help a film.
Celebrities have been trolled for not being vocal about the Indo-Pak situation...
I’m an actor. I represent my industry. And I am very vocal. I have always been vocal. And I will always be vocal. It is the same in my films also. I may play different characters, but always, there’s love for my country.
People in the industry, and in other industries too, have to talk in unison for the benefit of the country. It has to be a collective effort. We should stand by our forces, our government, our leaders. It is a matter of joy that the leaders of various political parties, including Muslim parties, have said such good things about the country.
