After a four-year break from cinema, actor Sooraj Pancholi is returning to the big screen with the historical drama Kesari Veer: Legends of Somnath, where he portrays Rajput warrior Veer Hamirji Gohil. Directed by Prince Dhiman, the film marks a pivotal moment in the 34-year-old actor’s career.

Last seen in the 2021 dance drama Time to Dance—which featured Isabelle Kaif, Katrina Kaif’s sister—Pancholi said he was patiently waiting for a role that would restore respect and confidence in his acting journey.

“I heard many scripts, but I wanted something that made people say, ‘Maybe Sooraj is capable,’” he told PTI. “When your work isn’t appreciated, it hurts. I wanted to earn back that respect.”

The actor, son of Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, faced legal challenges after being accused in 2013 of abetting the suicide of actress Jiah Khan, his then-girlfriend. He was acquitted in 2023 due to lack of evidence. Pancholi shared that he had intentionally paused his career to focus on the case.

“I told my parents, ‘Let me finish this first, then I’ll return to films.’ Thanks to God, it’s behind me now. Kesari Veer is my first film with a fresh, focused mind,” he said.

The film also stars Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, and Akanksha Sharma, and releases in theatres on May 23. Pancholi calls it a full-circle moment, recalling his 2015 debut Hero with Athiya Shetty, Suniel’s daughter.

Read Also: