Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, is a powerful historical courtroom drama that serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2019 war epic Kesari. Released on April 18, 2025, coinciding with the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the film shifts from the battlefield to the courtroom, delivering a gripping narrative about truth, justice, and the fight against colonial oppression. Starring Akshay Kumar as lawyer C. Sankaran Nair, alongside R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, the film has garnered significant buzz for its emotional depth and historical relevance. Here’s a detailed review based on early reactions and available information.
Plot and Themes
Kesari Chapter 2 dives into the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, one of the darkest chapters in India’s colonial history, where British forces killed hundreds of unarmed Indian protesters in Amritsar. The film centers on C. Sankaran Nair (Akshay Kumar), a lawyer and former President of the Indian National Congress, who takes on the British Empire in a legal battle to expose the truth behind the massacre. Based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu and Pushpa Palat, the story explores Nair’s courageous fight against systemic deceit, fake news, and colonial power, as he faces off against Neville McKinley (R. Madhavan), a formidable lawyer defending the British Crown. Ananya Panday plays Dilreet Gill, a lawyer adding emotional and legal nuance to the narrative.
The film’s themes are timeless: the pursuit of justice, the cost of freedom, and the power of unity in the face of oppression. It avoids heavy-handed political preaching, focusing instead on the courtroom drama and the human toll of the massacre. The narrative is both a tribute to India’s freedom fighters and a reminder of the importance of uncovering buried truths, making it relevant in today’s era of misinformation.
Performances
Akshay Kumar delivers what many are calling a career-best performance as C. Sankaran Nair. His portrayal is intense yet restrained, capturing the resolve of a man standing up to an empire. Kumar’s ability to convey both gravitas and vulnerability shines in the courtroom scenes, where his thundering speeches and subtle emotional beats resonate deeply. Early reviews praise his commanding presence, with one viewer noting, “Akshay Kumar’s finest yet—I didn’t even blink in the first half!”.
R. Madhavan is equally compelling as Neville McKinley, bringing nuance to a character that could have been a one-dimensional antagonist. His refined acting and on-screen chemistry with Kumar create a riveting duel, described as “cinematic titans” delivering “courage and conviction”. Madhavan’s performance elevates the film, making the courtroom confrontations a highlight.
Ananya Panday surprises with a mature and subtle performance as Dilreet Gill. While her role is smaller, she holds her own alongside the leads, proving her capability in substantial roles. Early reactions highlight her “soft and subtle acting” as a standout. The supporting cast, including Regina Cassandra, adds depth, though their roles are less prominent.
Direction and Screenplay
Karan Singh Tyagi’s direction is confident, balancing the intensity of courtroom drama with the emotional weight of historical tragedy. He recreates the period setting effectively, with a large-scale Jallianwala Bagh set in Mumbai adding authenticity. The screenplay, while occasionally formulaic, is engaging, with sharp dialogues and a climax that delivers “pure goosebumps”. Some critics note that the production values and screenplay could have been tighter, with one review calling it “old wine in a new bottle”. However, the majority praise the film’s pacing, with “not a single dull moment” and a “never-seen-before climax”.
The film’s emotional depth is its strength, weaving patriotism and sacrifice without veering into jingoism. Tyagi’s focus on the courtroom battle, rather than overt political commentary, keeps the narrative grounded, as noted by a viewer: “The best part is it was not preachy… focus was on the courtroom battle”.
Technical Aspects
The film’s visuals are striking, with cinematography capturing the tension of the courtroom and the somber mood of colonial India. The background music is a standout, enhancing the emotional and patriotic scenes without overpowering them. While some reviews critique the production values as “below average”, others commend the film’s “compelling visuals” that keep viewers hooked. Editing is crisp, ensuring the film maintains momentum, though a few scenes could have been trimmed for a tighter runtime.
Reception and Impact
Early reviews from special screenings in Delhi are overwhelmingly positive, with political leaders, celebrities, and audiences