Opening Day Drama: “Bhool Chuk Maaf” Charms Audiences, “Kesari Veer” Misses the Mark

As two highly anticipated films—Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi’s quirky time-loop comedy “Bhool Chuk Maaf” and Sooraj Pancholi, Suniel Shetty’s historical drama “Kesari Veer”—hit cinemas on May 23, audiences and critics are weighing in on which film fares better. Here’s a real-time roundup of reviews, box office performance, and key takeaways from the opening day.

 

Bhool Chuk Maaf: A Pleasant, Watchable Ride

 

Critical Reception: The film is earning positive reviews for its fresh concept, sharp dialogues, and the comic timing of its leads. Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi are praised for their performances, with Rao’s delivery and Gabbi’s natural charm standing out. The Banaras setting and authentic small-town flavor add to the film’s appeal. While some critics note that the second half could have been tighter, the overall consensus is that it’s a “decent film for those looking to relax and unwind” and delivers a good message on merit and morality.

 

Box Office: “Bhool Chuk Maaf” is expected to open at around ₹5 crore, buoyed by strong advance bookings and promotional offers. The film sold about 27,000 tickets in top national chains for its opening day, signaling robust audience interest.

 

Kesari Veer: Disappoints Despite Noble Intentions

 

Critical Reception: Despite its aim to honor a forgotten hero, “Kesari Veer” has been widely panned for its weak story, fragmented narrative, poor VFX, and over-the-top performances. Critics highlight the lack of emotional depth, coherence, and engaging storytelling, calling the film “noisy, disjointed and exhausting.” Even the presence of Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi fails to elevate the film, which is described as “tedious and uninspiring”.

 

Box Office: While official numbers are awaited, the negative word-of-mouth and critical drubbing are likely to impact its collections, especially with stiff competition from other releases.

 

Verdict:

“Bhool Chuk Maaf” emerges as the clear winner on both critical and commercial fronts, offering a refreshing, light-hearted experience with strong performances and a unique narrative. “Kesari Veer,” despite its ambitious premise, falters in execution and is struggling to connect with audiences.

 

Sources: News18, Koimoi, Pinkvilla, Indian Express