There was a time when wrestling was the most popular sport in Maharashtra. In those years, a crowd as large as 50,000 people would come to watch wrestling matches in the state. But the sport has since fallen on some poor times. Sujay Dahake's Kesari (2020) tells the story of the few who continue to persist with a passion for the sport today.
Sujay Dahake’s Kesari is the story of a man determined to win the title of Maharashtra Kesari while overcoming all odds. The teaser revealed as much and the trailer builds on it. Virat Madake looks promising in the role of a wrestler. The wrestling portions in the trailer look realistic and might make for an interesting watch if the same features mark the film.
Madake's wrestler faces the odds of having to pay for his own training and preparation while fighting his own father's dislike for the sport. The only support he has, is his coach (Manjrekar) and his grandfather (Vikram Gokhale) to fight the odds. There is also a hint of the past, when a villager chides his grandfather for having 'fixed' a wrestling match.
Mahesh Manjrekar is playing the role of Madake’s mentor. Though Manjrekar is a proven performer, his Kolhapuri accent doesn’t come across as natural.
Kesari is directed by Sujay Dahake who had earlier directed critically acclaimed films like Shala (2012) and Ajoba (2014). Watch the trailer below and let us know if you are keen to watch the film.