In a candid recent interview, Bollywood veteran Suniel Shetty opened up about his profound admiration for Gujarat's iconic Somnath Temple and the unfortunate box office performance of his film Kesari Veer, which was inspired by the sacred site. The actor attributed the movie's commercial failure primarily to inadequate distribution strategies rather than any shortcomings in its content or production quality.
Suniel Shetty Explains Kesari Veer's Distribution Challenges
Speaking to Lehren Retro, Suniel Shetty provided detailed insights into the meticulous preparation behind Kesari Veer. He emphasized that his team conducted extensive research to ensure historical accuracy and authenticity before commencing filming. "We did a lot of research before making the film, but unfortunately, the distribution of the film was not done properly," Shetty revealed.
The actor stressed the critical importance of a well-executed release strategy in the film industry. "Distribution is a big game, we didn't get theatres. Producer lost a lot of money because he was distributing it himself with people and that didn't work. A good film went down the drain," he lamented. This honest assessment highlights how even a carefully crafted project can falter without proper theatrical access and marketing support.
Emotional Connection to Somnath Temple's Resilience
Beyond box office numbers, Suniel Shetty shared his deep personal and emotional attachment to the subject matter of Kesari Veer. He expressed particular reverence for the Somnath Temple's enduring legacy through centuries of challenges. "I feel strongly and emotional about Somnath temple. How many times it was plundered but it is still standing," Shetty praised, acknowledging the temple's symbolic resilience.
Questioning Historical Narratives in Indian Cinema
Suniel Shetty further expanded the conversation to critique the predominant historical narratives often featured in Indian films and educational materials. He posed a thought-provoking question: "Why do we talk about Aurangzeb, Akbar, Babur, Birbal?" The actor advocated for a broader representation of India's cultural heritage in mainstream discourse.
"Our history should be about our culture. It should be about Vedas and the Rajputs and Shivaji Maharaj and everybody else, every hero of every state should be spoken about," Shetty asserted. This perspective echoes similar sentiments recently expressed by other Bollywood figures, including Akshay Kumar, who noted during his film Prithviraj Chauhan's promotion that Indian textbooks often minimize indigenous rulers while emphasizing invaders.
Renewed Focus on Somnath Temple's Legacy
The discussion about Somnath Temple's historical significance has gained renewed attention following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Gujarat temple to commemorate 1,000 years since its first recorded invasion in 1026. This event has sparked broader conversations about preserving and celebrating India's ancient cultural landmarks.
Suniel Shetty's Current and Upcoming Projects
On the professional front, Suniel Shetty remains active in the film industry with several notable projects:
- He recently made a special cameo appearance in Border 2, which features his son Ahan Shetty alongside Sunny Deol in lead roles, with additional performances by Diljit Dosanjh and Varun Dhawan.
- Shetty is set to appear in the upcoming comedy Welcome To The Jungle, starring alongside Akshay Kumar.
- Fans can also anticipate his return in the much-awaited Hera Pheri 3, where he will reprise his beloved character.
Through his reflections on Kesari Veer and advocacy for diverse historical storytelling, Suniel Shetty continues to contribute meaningful perspectives to India's cultural and cinematic landscape.
