Kesari presents a gripping portrayal of the events leading up to the Battle of Saragarhi, an iconic confrontation between the British Indian Army and the Pashtun tribesmen. This battle took place in an area that corresponds to parts of modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan, where 21 valiant soldiers of the 36th Sikhs faced a staggering force of approximately 6,000 to 10,000 adversaries.
The historical backdrop reflects the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who established the Sikh Empire in northern India and set up a series of forts along the Afghan border to safeguard his kingdom. With the British takeover of India, they positioned Sikh troops on the Afghan frontiers, recognizing them as the only force capable of defending against their formidable opponents.
In this courageous narrative, Havaldar Ishar Singh, portrayed by Akshay Kumar, serves in a Sikh unit stationed at Gulistan Fort along the Indian-Afghan border. He faces jealousy from his immediate British officer who views the native soldiers as inferior and cowardly. However, Ishar Singh's fighting prowess shines through when, during a return from patrol, he and his men witness a group of Afghan tribesmen preparing to execute a married woman. Undeterred by the risks, he intervenes, killing her husband and thus defying his British commander.
Upon returning to base, Ishar Singh's actions prompt a report to his superior at the nearby Lockhart Fort. Shortly after, the Afghans launch an assault on Gulistan Fort, where Ishar Singh valiantly defends against the attacking forces, ultimately forcing them to retreat alongside reinforcements from his Commanding Officer, who was en route.
As punishment for his defiance, Ishar Singh is transferred to Saragarhi Fort, a strategic location key for communication between Gulistan and Lockhart. Although humiliated by his superiors, Ishar Singh remains steadfast and is gratefully bestowed with sweets by the woman he previously rescued, which inspires him deeply as he recalls his own wife during the journey to Saragarhi.
Upon arrival, he finds the atmosphere within the fort lacking in discipline. With determination and authority, he enforces order among his troops, including Gurmukh Singh (Sumeet Basran), his interpreter, and Naik Lal Singh (Suvinder Vicky), his trusted second-in-command. As the Mullah, who previously tried to mob the woman, incites the Afghan tribes to unify against Indian territories, Ishar Singh's resolve only strengthens.
Seeking to build camaraderie and goodwill, Ishar Singh and Lal Singh venture into a nearby village, discovering that many young men have been recruited for war, leaving behind a community of children and elders. They assist the villagers in repairing a mosque, inspired by the shared history that ties their communities together—where one Gurdwara had been established by a Muslim fakir.
The tide turns dramatically as the British Commanding Officer observes the Afghan forces massing for an attack, sending a coded warning to Saragarhi Fort. Ishar Singh receives this intel as threats close in on their position, with Afghans surrounding the fort. The Mullah exacts revenge by killing the woman Ishar saved, further igniting the soldiers’ passion to stand their ground.
When the British officers command the Sikh troops to abandon their position, they respond with disbelief and laughter at the notion of retreat. Inspired by his leadership, Ishar Singh dons a saffron turban, rallying his men to fight not only for their nation but for honor, faith, and pride, rejecting the notion that they are mere servants of the British Crown.
As the Afghans beat their drums in preparation for battle, Ishar Singh takes bold action by striking his own drum, quickly disheartening the opposing forces. When he makes an incredible shot that defies the distance assumed effective for their rifles, it revitalizes the spirits of his men. He emphasizes their choice to fight freely rather than as subordinates, illustrating the dignity and valor of the Sikh soldiers.
As fighting erupts, Ishar Singh devises clever strategies to prolong their defense, aiming to hold back the Afghans until possible reinforcements arrive. Unfortunately, as resources dwindle and the fight grows fiercer, tragically only four soldiers remain standing.
The atmosphere grows intense, and in a fateful turn during the combat, he recalls his wife and the honor of his duty. Even as the Afghan forces overwhelm the stronghold, Ishar Singh demonstrates unyielding bravery, slaying countless foes. Meanwhile, history remembers the sacrifices of Gurmukh Singh, who pens the names of the fallen on the fort walls, echoing their legacy as their voices rise in unison to honor their Gurus.
Ultimately, all 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment perish in the legendary Battle of Saragarhi, becoming immortalized in history. The British Parliament, recognizing the extraordinary bravery displayed, commemorates the heroes with a moment of silence, forever etching their valiant stand in the chronicles of warfare, akin to the legendary Battle of Thermopylae.
