Sunil Shetty raised questions on films on Akbar, Babar: History should be about our culture
Sunil Shetty questioned films focusing on Akbar and Babar instead of Shivaji Maharaj and Rajput kings. He emphasized that history should be about “our culture”.
Actor Suniel Shetty expressed his views on films being made on historical figures like Akbar and Babar while ignoring the ancient Vedas and warriors like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also explained why his film Kesari Veer This film based on the destruction of Somnath temple was not commercially successful.
Shetty, in an interview with Lehren Retroshared his opinion on Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajput kings and fewer films being made on Vedas. He asserted, “Why do we talk about Aurangzeb, Akbar, Babar, Birbal? Our history should be about our culture. It should be about the Vedas and the Rajputs and Shivaji Maharaj and everyone else, every hero of every state should be talked about. I feel strongly and emotionally about the Somnath temple. It has been looted so many times but it is still standing.”
The actor also reflected on the extensive research involved during its making Kesari Veer. He said, “We did a lot of research before making the film, but unfortunately the film was not distributed properly. Distribution is a big game, we did not get theatres. The producer lost a lot of money because he was distributing it with people himself and it did not work. A good film was ruined.”
Directed by Prince Dhiman, Kesari Veer It depicts the fierce battles, immense sacrifices and the heroic journey of the unnamed warriors who defended the Somnath temple during the 14th century AD. Actor Sooraj Pancholi played the character of Rajput warrior Hamirji Gohil, who fought bravely against the Tughlaq Empire to save the Somnath Temple from destruction.
Shetty played the role of warrior Vegda Ji, while Vivek Oberoi played the antagonist as Zafar Khan. Akanksha Sharma made her acting debut as Rajal, a fearless female warrior.
Kesari Veer was released theatrically on May 16, 2025.
